1 Samuel 20:32

KJV

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} answered {H6030} Saul {H7586} his father {H1}, and said {H559} unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain {H4191}? what hath he done {H6213}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan answered Sha'ul his father, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”

American Standard Version

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:32 encapsulates a moment of profound moral courage as Jonathan, son of King Saul, confronts his enraged father regarding the king's murderous intent towards David. With direct and challenging questions—"Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?"—Jonathan boldly intercedes for his friend, highlighting David's blamelessness and exposing the baseless, destructive nature of Saul's escalating paranoia and unjust decree. This verse serves as a powerful testament to Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and integrity in the face of tyranny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a dramatic climax within a larger narrative arc detailing the escalating conflict between King Saul and David, and the enduring, covenantal friendship between David and Jonathan. The chapter opens with David seeking Jonathan's counsel to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards him. Following a renewal of their deep covenant ([1 Samuel 20:16-17](/1_samuel/20-16 "1 Samuel 20:16-17 - David and Jonathan Renew Their Covenant")), they devise a plan involving David's absence from the new moon feast. Saul's subsequent furious reaction to David's empty seat, culminating in his explicit declaration that David must die ([1 Samuel 20:31](/1_samuel/20-31 "1 Samuel 20:31 - Saul's Intent to Kill David")), sets the stage for Jonathan's courageous intervention. Jonathan's questions in verse 32 are a direct, desperate plea for reason and justice, immediately preceding Saul's violent attempt to strike his own son with a spear ([1 Samuel 20:33](/1_samuel/20-33 "1 Samuel 20:33 - Saul Attempts to Strike Jonathan")), further underscoring the king's irrationality and the perilous nature of Jonathan's advocacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early Israelite monarchy, a period of transition from tribal confederacy to centralized kingship. Saul, Israel's first king, was divinely chosen but later rejected due to his disobedience. David, already anointed by Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")), was God's chosen successor, though this was not yet publicly known. In this patriarchal society, a son challenging his father, especially a king, was an act of extreme defiance and personal risk. Kings were expected to uphold justice and protect their subjects, making Saul's unprovoked murderous intent against an innocent, loyal servant a severe breach of his royal duty. The new moon feast was a significant religious and communal event, and David's absence would have been notable, providing the perfect catalyst for Saul's public display of rage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several critical themes. Firstly, **Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and courageous advocacy** are paramount. Despite being Saul's son and heir, Jonathan prioritizes his covenant with David over his familial ties and personal ambition, demonstrating extraordinary moral integrity and self-sacrifice. Secondly, **Saul's destructive jealousy and unjustifiable rage** are starkly exposed. His desire to kill David is not based on any wrongdoing by David but on his own insecurity and envy, illustrating how unchecked negative emotions can lead to irrationality, paranoia, and tyranny. Thirdly, the theme of **defense of the innocent** is central, as Jonathan acts as David's advocate, demanding justification for the proposed execution of a blameless man. This underscores the biblical imperative to uphold truth and justice, and to speak up for those who are wrongly accused or persecuted, even at great personal cost.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Hebrew, מַדּוּעַ, _maddua'_):** This interrogative adverb, meaning "why?" or "for what reason?", functions as a direct challenge demanding logical or moral justification. In Jonathan's mouth, it is not a request for information but a rhetorical question designed to expose the absence of any legitimate reason for Saul's murderous decree. It implies that Saul's intent is utterly baseless and irrational.
* **slain (Hebrew, יוּמָת, _yumat_):** This is the Hophal imperfect form of the verb מות (_mut_), meaning "to die." The Hophal stem indicates a passive causation, "to be put to death" or "to be killed." The use of this passive form emphasizes David's innocence and the unjust nature of the action being contemplated against him, portraying him as a helpless victim of an arbitrary royal decree.
* **done (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, _'asah'_):** This verb means "to do," "to make," or "to accomplish." Jonathan's question, "what hath he done?", is a direct inquiry into David's actions, demanding a specific charge or offense. It implicitly asserts David's blamelessness and forces Saul to confront the complete absence of any wrongdoing that would warrant such a severe punishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him,"**: This opening phrase establishes the immediate context of a direct, verbal confrontation between son and father, but more significantly, between the heir apparent and the reigning king. The act of "answering" implies a response to Saul's previous declaration of intent to kill David, indicating Jonathan's deliberate and courageous decision to intercede, despite the inherent danger of challenging royal authority and paternal command.
* **"Wherefore shall he be slain?"**: This is Jonathan's initial, bold challenge to Saul's murderous decree. It is a rhetorical question that demands a logical, moral, or legal justification for such an extreme and unjust action. By asking "why," Jonathan implicitly asserts that no valid reason exists for David's execution, thereby exposing the irrationality and moral bankruptcy of Saul's command. It is a plea for reason to prevail over unbridled rage.
* **"what hath he done?"**: This second question reinforces the first, shifting the focus from the abstract "why" to the concrete "what." Jonathan challenges Saul to articulate any specific offense or wrongdoing committed by David that would warrant death. This question serves as a powerful defense of David's innocence, forcing Saul to confront the absence of any legitimate charge against his loyal servant and exposing the king's actions as purely arbitrary and malicious.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Dialogue**, presenting a direct, high-stakes verbal exchange between Jonathan and Saul. This immediate confrontation heightens the dramatic tension of the narrative. Jonathan's questions are prime examples of **Rhetorical Questions**; they are not posed to elicit information but to challenge Saul's authority, expose his irrationality, and underscore David's blamelessness. They serve to highlight the injustice and moral vacuum in Saul's decree. The verse also employs **Contrast**, juxtaposing Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, moral clarity, and courageous advocacy with Saul's escalating paranoia, destructive rage, and tyrannical tendencies. This stark difference in character illuminates the spiritual and moral decline of Saul's kingship. Furthermore, this pivotal moment **Foreshadows** the tragic trajectory of Saul's reign and his ultimate downfall, as his inability to tolerate innocence and respond to reason signals his unsuitability for leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's courageous intercession for David in 1 Samuel 20:32 resonates deeply with biblical themes of justice, the defense of the innocent, and the sovereign protection of God's anointed. His willingness to speak truth to power, even risking his own life, reflects a profound commitment to righteousness that aligns with God's character. Jonathan acts as a moral compass in a kingdom increasingly adrift due to Saul's spiritual and emotional instability. His plea for David underscores the divine expectation that leaders, and indeed all people, should uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, not persecute them without cause. This moment is a powerful reminder that God often uses faithful individuals to stand against injustice and advocate for those who are wrongly accused, demonstrating His concern for equity and truth in human affairs.

* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed")
* [Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those Persecuted for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's bold stand in 1 Samuel 20:32 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to embody similar courage and moral clarity in our own lives. His example calls us to cultivate a deep commitment to justice and truth, urging us to speak up against injustice and defend the innocent, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or personally risky. This might involve challenging prevailing opinions, confronting those in positions of authority who abuse their power, or advocating for marginalized and vulnerable populations within our communities. Furthermore, Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, despite the personal cost, reminds us of the immense value of true, God-honoring friendship—a bond marked by sacrifice, mutual support, and a shared commitment to righteousness. Finally, Saul's story serves as a stark warning about the consuming and destructive nature of unchecked envy, insecurity, and paranoia. It compels us to guard our own hearts against such emotions, recognizing their potential to lead to irrationality, violence, and harm to ourselves and others, and instead to seek God's grace to cultivate humility, contentment, and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to speak truth to power, even when it is difficult or risky?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of loyal and self-sacrificing friendship modeled by David and Jonathan?**
* **What destructive emotions, like envy or insecurity, do I need to guard against in my own heart, recognizing their potential for harm?**
* **How does Jonathan's defense of David challenge me to advocate for those who are unjustly treated or marginalized in my community?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so determined to kill David?**

Answer: Saul's determination to kill David stemmed primarily from profound insecurity, jealousy, and paranoia. After David's victory over Goliath and subsequent military successes, his popularity among the people soared, symbolized by the women's song, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song of David's Fame")). This fueled Saul's envy, as he perceived David as a direct threat to his kingship and dynasty. Furthermore, the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")), contributing to his irrational behavior and violent outbursts. Saul's fear was rooted in the belief that God had rejected him and favored David, making David an existential threat in his eyes.

**What was the nature of David and Jonathan's friendship?**

Answer: The friendship between David and Jonathan was one of the most profound and celebrated relationships in the Old Testament, characterized by deep affection, unwavering loyalty, and covenantal commitment. It began when Jonathan's soul was "knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" ([1 Samuel 18:1](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1 - Jonathan's Love for David")). Their bond transcended political ambition and familial ties; Jonathan, as the heir apparent, willingly relinquished his claim to the throne, recognizing God's anointing on David's life. They made a solemn covenant, pledging mutual protection and care for each other's descendants ([1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - David and Jonathan's Covenant Renewed")). Their friendship serves as a powerful biblical archetype of loyal, self-sacrificing, and God-honoring companionship, demonstrating true agape love in action.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's courageous intercession for David in 1 Samuel 20:32, where he pleads for the innocent, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, an earthly prince, risked his life to defend a blameless friend who was unjustly pursued by a vengeful king. This act foreshadows Christ, our heavenly King and ultimate advocate, who did not merely risk His life but willingly laid it down for us, His friends, who were far from innocent. Just as Jonathan asked, "Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?", the world could find no legitimate charge against Christ, as even Pilate declared, "I find no guilt in him" ([John 19:4](/john/19-4 "John 19:4 - Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent")). Yet, unlike David, who was innocent, humanity stands guilty before a holy God. It is here that Christ's fulfillment shines most brightly: He became our perfect intercessor and advocate ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")), taking upon Himself the guilt we justly deserved. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the ultimate answer to the question of "what hath he done?" for us, the guilty. Through His sacrifice, He secured our acquittal and eternal life, demonstrating a love and self-sacrifice infinitely greater than Jonathan's, for He interceded for His enemies to make them friends ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:23

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

1 Samuel 19:5

For 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?

Luke 23:22

And 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.

Genesis 31:36

¶ And 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?

John 7:51

Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Proverbs 24:11

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;