1 Samuel 20:34
So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֧קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֧קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מֵעִ֥ם
H5973
מֵעִ֥ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן
from the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן
from the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
4 of 19
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
אָ֑ף
anger
H639
אָ֑ף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּיוֹם
day
H3117
בְּיוֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַשֵּׁנִי֙
the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִי֙
the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
לֶ֔חֶם
no meat
H3899
לֶ֔חֶם
no meat
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
12 of 19
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֶעְצַב֙
for he was grieved
H6087
נֶעְצַב֙
for he was grieved
Strong's:
H6087
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Refusing to eat at royal feasts was significant protest. The 'shame' (klm) done to David extended to Jonathan through their covenant bond. Jonathan's departure created public rupture with his father.
Questions for Reflection
- When is fierce anger at injustice appropriate and righteous?
- How does Jonathan's public break with Saul demonstrate the cost of covenant faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
Jonathan's 'fierce anger' (chori 'aph) arose from grief for David 'because his father had done him shame.' The refusal to eat expressed mourning and protest. Jonathan's anger was righteous indignation at injustice against his friend. His willingness to openly break with his father over David demonstrated covenant loyalty surpassing filial duty.