1 Samuel Chapter 20 · Verse 32
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֙עַן֙
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֙עַן֙
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָבִ֑יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יוּמַ֖ת
unto him Wherefore shall he be slain
H4191
יוּמַ֖ת
unto him Wherefore shall he be slain
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 11
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Matthew 27:23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.1 Samuel 19:5For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?Genesis 31:36And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?Luke 23:22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
Historical Context
Legal proceedings required specific accusations and evidence. Jonathan's questions followed proper judicial form. Challenging a king's death sentence required considerable courage, especially for the heir apparent who might have benefited from David's elimination.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you courageously asked powerful people to justify their harmful intentions?
- What does Jonathan's willingness to challenge his father teach about the priority of justice over family loyalty?
Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
Jonathan's courageous response - 'Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?' - directly challenged his father's murderous intent with legal argument. These two questions demand justification: what crime deserves death, and what evidence supports it? Jonathan appealed to justice even against his father's rage. The questions exposed the irrational basis for Saul's hatred - there was no legitimate answer. Sometimes the most powerful defense is simply asking what wrong has been done. Jonathan stood between his father and his friend, demanding righteousness.