1 Samuel 20:10

Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what [if] thy father answer thee roughly?

Then said {H559} David {H1732} to Jonathan {H3083}, Who shall tell {H5046} me? or what if thy father {H1} answer {H6030} thee roughly {H7186}?

Then David asked Y'honatan, "Who will tell me in the event your father gives you a harsh answer?"

Then David asked Jonathan, β€œWho will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”

Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 20:10, we hear David's anxious question to Jonathan as they finalize their plan to discern King Saul's true intentions towards David. David, in hiding, is entirely dependent on Jonathan to act as an intermediary with his volatile father. David's concern is palpable: "Who shall tell me? or what [if] thy father answer thee roughly?" This verse underscores David's precarious situation and his reliance on the unwavering loyalty of his friend.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Saul's escalating jealousy and attempts to kill David, whom he now views as a rival to his throne. David has already had to flee Saul's presence multiple times (e.g., 1 Samuel 18:11). Jonathan, Saul's son and David's closest friend, has made a deep covenant of friendship with David (1 Samuel 18:3), promising to protect him and help him understand Saul's intentions. Their elaborate plan involves David hiding while Jonathan observes Saul's reaction to David's absence at the new moon feast. David's question here reveals his profound uncertainty about how he will receive the critical news, especially if Saul's response is hostile.

Key Themes

  • Anxiety and Uncertainty: David's question highlights his deep fear and apprehension. He knows Saul's temper is unpredictable and potentially lethal. He is worried about how Jonathan will convey the potentially dangerous news and what form Saul's "rough" answer might take.
  • The Strength of Friendship: This verse beautifully illustrates the extraordinary bond between David and Jonathan. David fully trusts Jonathan with his life, relying on him for vital information in a time of extreme peril. Their loyalty transcends family ties and political ambition.
  • Saul's Volatile Character: The phrase "answer thee roughly" foreshadows Saul's fierce and irrational rage, which becomes evident later in the chapter when he indeed answers Jonathan "roughly" and even attempts to harm him (1 Samuel 20:30).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "answer thee roughly" comes from the Hebrew word קָשָׁה (qasha), which literally means "to be hard," "to be severe," or "to be stiff." In this context, it implies a harsh, unyielding, and potentially violent response. It's not merely a verbal reprimand, but an indication of a fixed and dangerous intent, confirming David's fears about Saul's murderous disposition towards him.

Practical Application

David's anxiety in this verse is relatable to anyone who has faced uncertainty or depended on others for crucial information in difficult circumstances. It reminds us:

  • The Value of True Friendship: In times of distress, loyal friends are invaluable. Jonathan's unwavering commitment to David serves as a powerful example of sacrificial love and faithfulness.
  • Dealing with Unpredictable Authority: We may encounter individuals in positions of power whose responses are unpredictable or harsh. This verse encourages us to wisely navigate such relationships, seeking counsel and relying on trusted allies.
  • Trust Amidst Uncertainty: While David expresses human fear, the broader narrative of 1 Samuel continually points to God's faithfulness even amidst human uncertainty and danger. We are called to place our ultimate trust in God, even when the path ahead is unclear (Psalm 56:3).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 18:23

    ΒΆ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

  • 1 Samuel 25:14

    But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

  • Genesis 42:30

    The man, [who is] the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.

  • Genesis 42:7

    ΒΆ And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.

  • 1 Samuel 20:30

    Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious [woman], do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?

  • 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.

  • 1 Kings 12:13

    And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;
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