1 Samuel 20:33
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֨טֶל
cast
H2904
וַיָּ֨טֶל
cast
Strong's:
H2904
Word #:
1 of 16
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְהַכֹּת֑וֹ
at him to smite
H5221
לְהַכֹּת֑וֹ
at him to smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
6 of 16
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙
knew
H3045
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙
knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 16
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
him whereby Jonathan
H3083
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
him whereby Jonathan
Strong's:
H3083
Word #:
8 of 16
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָ֥לָה
that it was determined
H3617
כָ֥לָה
that it was determined
Strong's:
H3617
Word #:
10 of 16
a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction
הִ֛יא
H1931
הִ֛יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מֵעִ֥ם
H5973
מֵעִ֥ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָבִ֖יו
of his father
H1
אָבִ֖יו
of his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
13 of 16
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לְהָמִ֥ית
to slay
H4191
לְהָמִ֥ית
to slay
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
14 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Historical Context
Paternal violence against sons, while not unheard of, violated fundamental family bonds. The javelin - Saul's recurring weapon of rage - now threatened his own flesh. Jonathan's narrow escape paralleled David's previous escapes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does unchecked sin eventually threaten even those closest to the sinner?
- What does Saul's willingness to harm Jonathan reveal about where jealousy ultimately leads?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.
Saul's casting a javelin at his own son - 'to smite him' - represents the nadir of his spiritual descent. The violence against David now turned against his own heir. Jonathan 'knew that it was determined of his father to slay David' through this unmistakable proof. Sin's trajectory had reached family destruction; Saul would harm anyone who opposed his obsession.