1 Samuel 20:33
New International Version
But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.

New Living Translation
Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him. So at last Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David.

English Standard Version
But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.

King James Bible
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

New King James Version
Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David.

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike and kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.

NASB 1995
Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.

NASB 1977
Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.

Amplified Bible
Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down, so Jonathan knew [without any doubt] that his father had decided to put David to death.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him, so he knew that his father was determined to kill David.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him, so he knew that his father was determined to kill David.

American Standard Version
And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.

Contemporary English Version
Saul threw his spear at Jonathan and tried to kill him. Then Jonathan was sure that his father really did want to kill David.

English Revised Version
And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul raised his spear to strike him. Then Jonathan knew his father was determined to kill David.

Good News Translation
At that, Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him, and Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David.

International Standard Version
Then Saul threw the spear that was beside him to strike Jonathan down. So Jonathan realized that his father was determined to kill David.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.

NET Bible
Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan in order to strike him down. So Jonathan was convinced that his father had decided to kill David.

New Heart English Bible
And Saul raised his spear at him to strike him. Then Jonathan realized that this evil from his father to kill David was determined.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to slay David.

World English Bible
Saul cast his spear at him to strike him. By this Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul casts the javelin at him to strike him, and Jonathan knows that it has been determined by his father to put David to death.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul casteth the javelin at him to smite him, and Jonathan knoweth that it hath been determined by his father to put David to death.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will lift up his spear against him to strike him, and Jonathan will know that it was finished from his father to kill David.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul caught up a spear to strike him. And Jonathan understood that it was determined by his father to kill David.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul picked up a lance, so that he might strike him. And Jonathan understood that it had been decided by his father that David be put to death.

New American Bible
At this Saul brandished his spear to strike him, and thus Jonathan learned that his father was determined to kill David.

New Revised Standard Version
But Saul threw his spear at him to strike him; so Jonathan knew that it was the decision of his father to put David to death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul lifted up a javelin to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that his father was determined to slay David.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul lifted a spear against him to strike him, and Yonathan knew the purpose from the presence of his father was to kill David
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul lifted up his spear against Jonathan to slay him: so Jonathan knew that this evil was determined on by his father to slay David.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
32“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” 33Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. 34Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the month, for he was grieved by his father’s shameful treatment of David.…

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 19:9-10
But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

1 Samuel 14:44
And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”

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 24:11
See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.

1 Samuel 26:9
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

2 Samuel 16:9-10
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” / But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”

2 Samuel 18:14
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.

2 Kings 11:15
And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 23:14
And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 37:12
The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,

Proverbs 29:10
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.

Matthew 21:38-39
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Mark 12:7-8
But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ / So they seized the son, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

Jump to Previous
Attempt Cast Casteth Clear David Death Decided Determined Hurled Javelin Jonathan Kill Pointing Purpose Saul Slay Smite Spear Strike Whereby Wound
Jump to Next
Attempt Cast Casteth Clear David Death Decided Determined Hurled Javelin Jonathan Kill Pointing Purpose Saul Slay Smite Spear Strike Whereby Wound
1 Samuel 20
1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath
18. Jonathan's token to David
23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan
35. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David














Then Saul hurled his spear
The act of hurling a spear is a vivid depiction of Saul's intense anger and hostility. In Hebrew, the word for "hurled" is "שָׁלַךְ" (shalach), which conveys a sense of casting or throwing with force. This action is not just a moment of anger but a deliberate attempt to harm. Historically, spears were common weapons in ancient Israel, used both in warfare and as symbols of authority. Saul's use of the spear against his own son’s friend, David, underscores the depth of his jealousy and paranoia, which had been growing since David's rise in popularity and success.

at him to kill him
The phrase "to kill him" reveals Saul's murderous intent. The Hebrew word for "kill" is "מוּת" (muth), which means to put to death or to cause to die. This is not an act of discipline or correction but a premeditated attempt on David's life. Saul's actions are a stark contrast to the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), highlighting his departure from God's law. This moment marks a significant moral and spiritual decline in Saul's reign as king, as he allows his personal vendetta to override his duty to God and his people.

So Jonathan knew
Jonathan's realization is pivotal. The Hebrew word for "knew" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies a deep understanding or recognition. Jonathan, who had been loyal to both his father and David, now fully comprehends the extent of Saul's determination to kill David. This knowledge forces Jonathan to make a difficult choice between his father and his covenant with David. Jonathan's discernment and subsequent actions demonstrate his integrity and faithfulness, qualities that are highly esteemed in biblical narratives.

that his father was determined
The phrase "was determined" indicates a fixed resolve. The Hebrew root "חָפֵץ" (chaphets) suggests a strong desire or delight in something. Saul's determination to kill David is not a fleeting emotion but a settled intention. This determination is fueled by Saul's fear and jealousy, as he perceives David as a threat to his throne. Saul's fixation on David's destruction reveals the destructive power of unchecked sin and the lengths to which it can drive a person.

to kill David
David, the anointed future king of Israel, is the target of Saul's wrath. The Hebrew name "David" (דָּוִד) means "beloved," reflecting his favored status with God. David's life is marked by God's favor and protection, even in the face of Saul's relentless pursuit. This moment foreshadows the trials David will endure before ascending to the throne, highlighting the theme of God's providence and the testing of His chosen ones. David's survival and eventual kingship serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, despite human opposition.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

hurled
וַיָּ֨טֶל (way·yā·ṭel)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2904: To pitch over, reel, to cast down, out

his spear
הַחֲנִ֛ית (ha·ḥă·nîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

at [Jonathan]
עָלָ֖יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

to kill him;
לְהַכֹּת֑וֹ (lə·hak·kō·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

so Jonathan
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

knew
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙ (way·yê·ḏa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

his father
אָבִ֖יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

was determined
כָ֥לָה (ḵā·lāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3617: Completion, complete destruction, consumption, annihilation

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

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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:33 Saul cast his spear at him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 20:32
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