1 Samuel 19:1
New International Version
Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David

New Living Translation
Saul now urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David. But Jonathan, because of his strong affection for David,

English Standard Version
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,

King James Bible
And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

New King James Version
Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David.

New American Standard Bible
Now Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.

NASB 1995
Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.

NASB 1977
Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Saul spoke with Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.

Amplified Bible
Now Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David, but Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much,

American Standard Version
And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should slay David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David.

Contemporary English Version
One day, Saul told his son Jonathan and his officers to kill David. But Jonathan and David were best friends,

English Revised Version
And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should slay David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul told his son Jonathan and all his officers to kill David. But Saul's son Jonathan was very fond of David,

Good News Translation
Saul told his son Jonathan and all his officials that he planned to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David,

International Standard Version
Saul told his son Jonathan and all his officials to kill David, but Saul's son Jonathan was very fond of David.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,

NET Bible
Then Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul's son Jonathan liked David very much.

New Heart English Bible
Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Saul?s son Jonathan liked David very much.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

World English Bible
Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul speaks to his son Jonathan, and to all his servants, to put David to death,

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul speaketh unto Jonathan his son, and unto all his servants, to put David to death,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will speak to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, to kill David. And Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted in David greatly:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan the son of Saul loved David exceedingly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Saul spoke to his son Jonathan, and to all his servants, so that they would kill David. But Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David very much.

New American Bible
Saul discussed his intention to kill David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David,

New Revised Standard Version
Saul spoke with his son Jonathan and with all his servants about killing David. But Saul’s son Jonathan took great delight in David.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants that they should kill David.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul told Jonathan his son and all his Servants to kill David, and Yonathan, son of Shaul, was greatly delighted with David
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should slay David; but Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, to slay David.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Attempts to Kill David
1Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, 2so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:10-11
The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

1 Samuel 20:31-33
For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” / “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” / Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.

1 Samuel 22:17-18
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. / So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.

1 Samuel 23:15-18
While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. / And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” ...

1 Samuel 24:2-3
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. / Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.

1 Samuel 25:29
And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.

1 Samuel 26:2
So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.

2 Samuel 5:10
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

2 Samuel 7:15
But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.

2 Samuel 22:1
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

Psalm 59:1-2
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.

Psalm 18:17
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

Psalm 37:32
Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them,

Psalm 54:3
For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah

Matthew 2:13
When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

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Attendants David Death Delighted Jonathan Kill Orders Saul Saul's Servants Slay Speaketh
1 Samuel 19
1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
9. Hannah in grief prays for a child
12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord














Now Saul
The phrase "Now Saul" introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative of 1 Samuel. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26). This moment marks a significant decline in Saul's reign, as he transitions from a king chosen by God to one who acts out of jealousy and fear. The Hebrew root for Saul, "Sha'ul," means "asked for" or "prayed for," reflecting Israel's initial desire for a king. This highlights the tragic irony of Saul's kingship, as the one who was once the answer to Israel's prayers becomes a source of turmoil.

told his son Jonathan
Jonathan, Saul's son, is a key figure in the narrative, known for his deep friendship with David. The Hebrew name "Yehonatan" means "Yahweh has given," indicating Jonathan's role as a divine gift in David's life. Despite his father's command, Jonathan's loyalty to David is unwavering, showcasing a profound example of covenant friendship and integrity. This phrase sets the stage for the tension between familial loyalty and divine purpose, as Jonathan must navigate his allegiance to his father and his friendship with David.

and all his servants
The inclusion of "all his servants" indicates the extent of Saul's paranoia and the widespread nature of his command. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's servants were expected to carry out his orders without question. However, this command to kill David, who had been a loyal servant and hero in Israel, reveals Saul's irrationality and the moral dilemma faced by those in his court. This phrase underscores the pervasive impact of Saul's jealousy, affecting not only his family but his entire administration.

to kill David
The command "to kill David" is a direct result of Saul's growing fear and jealousy of David, who had been anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). The Hebrew verb "harag" means "to kill" or "to slay," and its use here highlights the severity of Saul's intentions. David, whose name in Hebrew means "beloved," is a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate anointed one who would face persecution. This phrase encapsulates the spiritual battle between God's chosen servant and the forces of opposition, reminding believers of the cost of following God's call.

(1) That they should kill David.--The literal translation of the original gives a much better sense: "that he intended to kill David," or "about killing David." The latter is the rendering of the LXX. and the Syriac. The murderous impulse of the unhappy Saul gradually increased in intensity. First, it showed itself only in the paroxysms of insanity, when the half distraught king would grasp and poise his heavy spear, as though he would hurl it at the kindly musician as he tried to calm the troubled spirit. Then it would plot and scheme against the hated life, trying to involve this young soldier in some enterprise fraught with deadly peril. Now he speaks openly to his heir and his counsellors of the risk incurred by suffering so dangerous a man to live.

Verse 1. - Saul spake to Jonathan his son...that they should kill David. The translation of the last clause is untenable; it really means "about killing David," and so both the Septuagint and the Syriac render it. The descent of men once full of noble impulses, as was the case with Saul, into open crime is gradual, and with many halts on the way. Saul first gave way to envy, and instead of struggling against his bad feelings, nourished them. Then, when scarcely accountable for his actions, he threatened David's life; and next, with growing malice, encouraged him in dangerous undertakings, in the hope that in one of them he might be slain. And now he goes one step farther. He talks to Jonathan and his officers concerning the many reasons there were for David's death; argues that without it there will be no security for himself and his dynasty; represents David probably as a traitor, with secret purposes of usurping the throne; and reveals what hitherto had been but the half-formed wishes of his heart. But even now, probably, he still spoke of David's death as a painful necessity, and had many misgivings in his own mind. But he was really encouraging himself in crime, and by cherishing thoughts of murder he was gradually descending towards the dark abyss into which he finally fell.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Saul
שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

ordered
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

his son
בְּנוֹ֙ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Jonathan
יוֹנָתָ֤ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

and all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his servants
עֲבָדָ֔יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

to kill
לְהָמִ֖ית (lə·hā·mîṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

David.
דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

But Jonathan
וִיהֽוֹנָתָן֙ (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

delighted
חָפֵ֥ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

greatly
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

in David,
בְּדָוִ֖ד (bə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse


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OT History: 1 Samuel 19:1 Saul spoke to Jonathan his son (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:30
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