What number verse is 1 Samuel 20:10 in the Bible?

1 Samuel 20:10 is the 7,741st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Samuel 20:10 sits at position 7,741.

20:920:9

1 Samuel 20:10

Q: What does "answer thee roughly" reveal about King Saul's character?

The phrase "answer thee roughly" (Hebrew: qâsheh) is profoundly revealing of King Saul's increasingly unstable, volatile, and violent character. It implies far more than a simple verbal reprimand or a harsh tone. It suggests a severe, unyielding, and potentially physically violent response, indicative of a fixed and dangerous intent to harm David. Throughout the book of 1 Samuel, Saul's character is consistently marked by fits of irrational rage, deep paranoia, and intense jealousy, particularly directed towards David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. This phrase powerfully foreshadows Saul's actual behavior later in the chapter, where he indeed answers Jonathan "roughly" by insulting him, his mother, and then attempting to spear him with a javelin (1 Samuel 20:30-33). David's choice of words demonstrates his accurate and chilling understanding of Saul's volatile and murderous disposition.

20:1120:11

Translation

King James Version

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

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”

Ask

American Standard Version

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

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

Then David said to Jonathan, “Who shall tell me if perchance your father answers you roughly?”

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then said Dauid to Ionathan, Who shall tell me? how shall I knowe, if thy father answere thee cruelly?

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

And David saith unto Jonathan, `Who doth declare to me? or what if thy father doth answer thee sharply?'

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Samuel 20:10 captures a moment of acute vulnerability and strategic concern for David, as he presses Jonathan for clarity on the perilous plan to discern King Saul's true intentions. David, a fugitive in hiding, expresses deep anxiety not only about the potentially murderous nature of Saul's response but also about the critical logistics of how such vital, life-or-death information will be communicated to him securely. This verse powerfully underscores David's precarious existence, his profound dependence on Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, and the high stakes involved in their desperate scheme.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within a pivotal section of 1 Samuel that details the escalating conflict between King Saul and David, and the profound covenant friendship between David and Jonathan. Immediately preceding this, David has fled Saul's court after multiple attempts on his life (e.g., Saul's spear attempts in 1 Samuel 18:11 and 1 Samuel 19:9-10). Chapter 20 opens with David seeking out Jonathan, Saul's son and his loyal friend, to ascertain the true depth of Saul's hostility. They reaffirm their covenant of friendship, vowing loyalty and protection to each other's descendants (1 Samuel 20:1-17), and then devise an elaborate plan. This plan involves David's absence from the New Moon feast, with Jonathan observing Saul's reaction. David's anxious question in 1 Samuel 20:10 comes as they finalize the intricate details of this dangerous scheme, highlighting his practical concern about the secure communication of the critical, potentially life-or-death, information while he remains concealed. It underscores the immense personal risk and David's utter reliance on Jonathan's meticulous execution of their plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: The narrative unfolds in the nascent stages of the Israelite monarchy, a period where the king's authority was absolute, and his favor or disfavor could dictate one's very survival. King Saul, as the first anointed king, wielded immense power, yet his reign was increasingly marked by erratic behavior, paranoia, and violent outbursts, often attributed to an evil spirit from the Lord (1 Samuel 16:14). This created a highly volatile environment for anyone perceived as a threat, especially David, whose popularity and divine favor eclipsed Saul's. The New Moon feast, mentioned in the broader context of 1 Samuel 20, was a significant religious and social observance in ancient Israel (Numbers 28:11-15), and the absence of a prominent figure like David would be conspicuous, requiring a plausible explanation. The deep covenant of friendship between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3) was a culturally recognized and binding agreement, often sealed with oaths, signifying a bond that, in this extraordinary case, transcended even familial loyalties and political ambition, demonstrating Jonathan's profound commitment to David's well-being over his own potential claim to the throne.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it vividly portrays Saul's escalating paranoia and divine rejection, as his irrational and murderous rage against David continues to manifest, starkly foreshadowing his ultimate downfall and the transfer of the kingdom. Secondly, it powerfully illuminates the theme of unwavering loyalty and sacrificial love, exemplified by Jonathan's profound friendship with David. Jonathan's willingness to risk his own life, inheritance, and even his father's wrath for David's safety stands in stark contrast to the treachery and self-interest often found within royal courts, highlighting a rare and profound bond. Thirdly, David's anxious question underscores the theme of human vulnerability and dependence, both on trusted human intermediaries like Jonathan and, implicitly, on God's providential care amidst extreme danger. David's precarious position emphasizes that his future, including his eventual kingship, is entirely in God's hands, despite the immediate human threats and the intricate plans laid. The elaborate, coded communication strategy devised by David and Jonathan speaks to the pervasive atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that characterizes this period of David's life as he navigates Saul's relentless pursuit.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Tell (Hebrew, nâgad', H5046): From the primitive root H5046, nâgad, meaning "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce" (always by word of mouth to one present). David's concern here is multifaceted: not just what the answer will be, but how it will be communicated to him, given his hidden status and the extreme danger. This word emphasizes the need for a clear, direct, and reliable declaration of Saul's intentions, highlighting David's isolation and his absolute reliance on Jonathan as his sole, trusted intermediary for such a critical message.
Roughly (Hebrew, qâsheh', H7186): Derived from H7186, qâsheh, meaning "severe" in various applications, including "churlish," "cruel," "grievous," "hard," "heavy," "impudent," "obstinate," or "stubborn." In this context, it signifies not merely a harsh verbal reprimand but a severe, unyielding, and potentially violent response. It implies a fixed and dangerous intent, confirming David's fears about Saul's murderous disposition. The use of qâsheh here powerfully foreshadows Saul's later violent outburst against Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30, where he hurls a spear at his own son, demonstrating the full, brutal force of his "rough" answer.

Verse Breakdown

"Then said David to Jonathan": This opening clause immediately establishes the intimate and urgent nature of the conversation. It highlights David's initiative in seeking clarification and reassurance from his most trusted friend regarding the dangerous and intricate plan they are about to execute. The direct address underscores the personal stakes involved for both men.
"Who shall tell me?": This is David's primary, anxious question, revealing his deep concern about the practical logistics of their plan. As a fugitive in hiding, David is completely cut off from direct communication with the royal court. He needs to know precisely who will be the messenger, ensuring absolute reliability, discretion, and safety, given the life-threatening nature of the information. This question underscores his vulnerable and dependent position, emphasizing the critical need for a secure and trustworthy channel of communication.
"or what [if] thy father answer thee roughly?": This second part of David's question reveals his profound apprehension about King Saul's anticipated reaction. The phrase "answer thee roughly" points to David's accurate and chilling assessment of Saul's volatile, unpredictable, and often violent character. David is not merely worried about a verbal rebuke; he fears a response that would confirm Saul's murderous intent towards him, thereby putting both Jonathan and himself in extreme peril. This question is laden with the weight of potential death and the desperate hope for a sign of reprieve.

Literary Devices

The verse effectively employs Dialogue to reveal the characters' inner states and to propel the narrative forward, showcasing David's deep anxiety and Jonathan's central, mediating role. There is a strong element of Foreshadowing, as David's concern about Saul answering "roughly" directly anticipates Saul's violent outburst against Jonathan later in the chapter (1 Samuel 20:30), validating David's accurate perception of Saul's dangerous temperament. The very structure of David's query creates Suspense, drawing the reader into the uncertainty of David's fate, which precariously hinges on Saul's reaction. The question itself functions as a form of Rhetorical Question, not necessarily seeking a direct name for "who," but rather expressing David's profound apprehension and his desperate need for a secure and reliable communication channel in a life-or-death situation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse, while seemingly focused on logistical details, profoundly illustrates the human condition of vulnerability and dependence amidst uncertainty and peril. David's reliance on Jonathan, a human agent, mirrors our own inherent need for trusted relationships and, more profoundly, for divine intervention in times of extreme danger. The narrative implicitly points to God's overarching sovereignty and providential care, even when human plans are meticulously laid and dangers loom large. Despite David's anxiety and the intricate human scheme, the larger story of 1 Samuel continually demonstrates God's faithfulness to His chosen one, protecting David through various means, including the unwavering loyalty and sacrificial actions of Jonathan. True friendship, as depicted here, is presented as a profound gift, reflecting aspects of God's steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed) and His faithful provision for His people through human instruments.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

David's raw anxiety and practical concerns in this verse resonate deeply with the universal human experience of facing uncertain and potentially dangerous situations, especially when one's well-being depends on the actions or responses of others. It serves as a powerful reminder that even figures of great faith and future destiny, like David, experience profound fear, vulnerability, and dependence. This passage challenges us to consider the quality and depth of our own relationships, highlighting the invaluable nature of true, loyal friends who are willing to stand with us, even at significant personal cost, during times of distress. It also prompts us to reflect on how we navigate relationships with unpredictable or hostile authority figures, emphasizing the need for wisdom, discernment, and reliance on trusted counsel. Ultimately, while David's immediate trust is placed in Jonathan, the broader narrative invites us to place our ultimate trust in God, who is sovereign over all circumstances, even when the path ahead is unclear, the answers we seek are fraught with peril, and human solutions seem inadequate. Our deepest security is found not in human schemes, but in divine providence.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing uncertainty or dependence on others for crucial information or outcomes?
How does David's reliance on Jonathan challenge or affirm your understanding of true friendship and loyalty in your own life?
Have you ever faced a situation where you had to navigate an unpredictable or "rough" authority figure? What lessons did you learn from that experience?
How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence and sovereignty when you feel vulnerable or anxious about future outcomes, much like David did?

FAQ

Why was David so concerned about how he would be told the news, beyond just the content of Saul's response?

Answer: David's concern about "Who shall tell me?" in 1 Samuel 20:10 goes far beyond mere curiosity about the messenger; it reflects his extreme vulnerability and the life-or-death stakes involved. David was a fugitive, in hiding, and any direct communication or the involvement of a known intermediary could easily expose his location and put his life at immediate risk. He desperately needed a discreet, reliable, and trustworthy method of communication that would not betray his whereabouts or compromise Jonathan. The "who" and "how" were critical logistical details for his very survival, ensuring that the message would reach him securely and that the messenger would not be coerced, inadvertently reveal his position, or be intercepted by Saul's agents. This highlights the pervasive danger David faced and his absolute reliance on Jonathan's meticulous execution of their intricate plan.

What does "answer thee roughly" reveal about King Saul's character?

Answer: The phrase "answer thee roughly" (Hebrew: qâsheh) is profoundly revealing of King Saul's increasingly unstable, volatile, and violent character. It implies far more than a simple verbal reprimand or a harsh tone. It suggests a severe, unyielding, and potentially physically violent response, indicative of a fixed and dangerous intent to harm David. Throughout the book of 1 Samuel, Saul's character is consistently marked by fits of irrational rage, deep paranoia, and intense jealousy, particularly directed towards David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. This phrase powerfully foreshadows Saul's actual behavior later in the chapter, where he indeed answers Jonathan "roughly" by insulting him, his mother, and then attempting to spear him with a javelin (1 Samuel 20:30-33). David's choice of words demonstrates his accurate and chilling understanding of Saul's volatile and murderous disposition.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

David's anxious question in 1 Samuel 20:10, born of his profound vulnerability and desperate dependence on Jonathan, powerfully foreshadows humanity's ultimate reliance on a greater Friend and King, Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king-in-waiting, is in hiding, utterly dependent on an intermediary for life-saving information, a situation that mirrors our own spiritual state as those alienated from God due to sin, desperately needing a mediator. Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, sacrificing his own inheritance and risking his very life for David, serves as a poignant type of Christ's unparalleled sacrificial love. Just as Jonathan interceded for David before a hostile king, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father, not merely risking but definitively giving His life to secure our salvation (Romans 5:8). The "rough answer" David feared from Saul, a king consumed by jealousy and hatred, finds its ultimate parallel in the world's rejection and crucifixion of the true King, Jesus, who came to His own, and His own received Him not (John 1:11). Yet, unlike David who still faced uncertainty, believers receive the definitive "answer" from Christ: a message of peace, reconciliation, and eternal life, communicated not through a hidden signal but through His open demonstration of love on the cross (Colossians 1:20). He is the ultimate "who shall tell me," the Word made flesh who perfectly reveals the Father's heart and secures our eternal safety from the ultimate "rough answer" of divine judgment (Hebrews 1:1-2). Through Christ, we have direct access and a sure word of salvation, a far greater security than any human covenant could provide.

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23

9 ¶ And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

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

11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:

15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.

17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.

21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.

22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.

23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.

Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (Sa1 20:9): "Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, Come let us go into the field (Sa1 20:11), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If there be good towards thee, I will show it thee, that thou mayest be easy (Sa1 20:12), if evil, I will send thee away, that thou mayest be safe" (Sa1 20:13); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary. For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a witness (Sa1 20:12): "O Lord God of Israel, thou knowest I mean sincerely, and think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan (Sa1 20:13), if I speak deceitfully, or break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have strong consolation, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper in it better than his father now did.

II. He provides for the entail of the covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, Sa1 20:14-16. He engages David to be a friend to his family when he was gone (Sa1 20:15): Thou shalt promise that thou wilt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever. This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease, and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement, and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, the Lord would cut off his enemies, Saul himself was not expected; then "Do not thou cut off thy kindness from my house, nor revenge my father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he made a covenant (Sa1 20:16) with the house of David. Note, True friends cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual affections. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. This kindness, 1. He calls the kindness of the Lord, because it is such kindness as God shows to those he takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to their seed; they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 2. He secures it by an imprecation (Sa1 20:16): The Lord require it at the hand of David's seed (for of David himself he had no suspicion) if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and this he would effectually prevent; but the reason given (Sa1 20:17) why Jonathan was so earnest to have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of self in it; it was because he loved him as he loved his own soul, and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it) to swear again, which David consented to (for he that bears an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he concluded with a solemn appeal to God: The Lord be between me and thee for ever (Sa1 20:23), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was kind to Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:7; Sa2 21:7. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his friends ours.

III. He settles the method of intelligence, and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be enquired after, Sa1 20:18. On the third day, by which time he would have returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (Sa1 20:19), and Jonathan would come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for diversion (Sa1 20:20), would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and not be afraid to show his head (Sa1 20:21); but, if he shot beyond the lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety, Sa1 20:22. This expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report by word of mouth.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–23. Public domain.

Copy as

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying 1 Samuel 20:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.

Cross-References

Proverbs 18:23
¶ 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
¶ 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;