1 Samuel 14:44
1 Samuel 14:44 in Multiple Translations
And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”
And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
And Saul said, God do so and more also; for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
And Saul said, May God's punishment be on me if death is not your fate, Jonathan.
Saul said, “May God punish me very severely if you do not die, Jonathan!”
Againe Saul answered, God doe so and more also, vnlesse thou die the death, Ionathan.
And Saul saith, 'Thus doth God do, and thus doth He add, for thou dost certainly die, Jonathan.'
Saul said, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”
And Saul answered, God do so, and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
And Saul said: May God do so and so to me, and add still more: for dying thou shalt die, O Jonathan.
Saul replied, “Yes, you must be executed! I hope/wish that God will strike me and kill me if you are not executed for having done that!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:44
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 14:44 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
שָׁא֔וּל
כֹּֽה
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וְ/כֹ֣ה
יוֹסִ֑ף
כִּֽי
מ֥וֹת
תָּמ֖וּת
יוֹנָתָֽן
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/כֹ֣ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Conj | Adv
יוֹסִ֑ף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
תָּמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
יוֹנָתָֽן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
Jonathan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:44
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/כֹ֣ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יוֹסִ֑ף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
תָּמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוֹנָתָֽן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:44
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:44 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:44
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:44
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:44
Context — The People Save Jonathan
42Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.
43“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?”
44And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”
45But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. 46Then Saul gave up his pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 14:39 | As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. |
| 2 | Ruth 1:17 | Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 25:22 | May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.” |
| 4 | Genesis 38:24 | About three months later, Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has prostituted herself, and now she is pregnant.” “Bring her out!” Judah replied. “Let her be burned to death!” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:9 | May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 12:5 | David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! |
| 7 | Proverbs 25:16 | If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 12:31 | David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 19:13 | And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” |
1 Samuel 14:44 Summary
In this verse, Saul is so angry and hurt that he says Jonathan must die for eating some honey, even though Jonathan didn't know about the oath. This shows how quickly we can act out of fear, anger, or pride, and do things that hurt others. As seen in Proverbs 14:29, patience and self-control are important virtues for believers to cultivate. We can learn from this verse to be careful with our words and actions, and to consider the consequences before reacting, just as it is written in James 1:19-20, where we are taught to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul declare that Jonathan must die?
Saul declared that Jonathan must die because Jonathan had unknowingly broken the oath that Saul had made, as stated in 1 Samuel 14:24, and Saul felt that Jonathan's actions deserved punishment, even death, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:44.
What was the significance of Saul's oath?
Saul's oath was a vow to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:24, and by Jonathan breaking this oath, Saul believed that God's judgment would fall upon him and the people if Jonathan was not punished, which is supported by Deuteronomy 23:21-23, where it is written that vows to God should not be broken.
Was Saul's reaction to Jonathan justifiable?
Saul's reaction to Jonathan was not justifiable because, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:45, the people recognized that Jonathan's actions were done in ignorance and that his death would be unjust, and this is supported by Proverbs 24:23-25, which teaches that a just ruler will not punish the innocent.
What can we learn from Saul's behavior in this verse?
We can learn from Saul's behavior that when we allow fear, anger, or pride to control our actions, we can act rashly and unjustly, which is contrary to God's will, as stated in James 1:20, where it is written that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting out of fear or pride, and how can I surrender these to God?
- How can I apply the principle of showing mercy and compassion, as seen in the people's response to Jonathan, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of considering the consequences of our words and actions, as seen in Saul's oath and its impact on Jonathan?
- How can I balance the need for justice and accountability with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in this verse and supported by Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:44
And Saul answered, God do so and more also,.... A form of an oath imprecating evils upon him more and greater than he chose to mention, see the like form in Ruth 1:17, though Abarbinel thinks this is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:44
And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
From this and other like expressions of Saul’ s, some gather that he was exceeding prone to the vice of swearing and cursing. Thou shalt surely die: strange perverseness! He who was so indulgent as to spare wicked Agag, 1 Samuel 15, is now so severe as to destroy his own worthy son: he that could easily dispense with God’ s righteous and reasonable command, will not bear the violation of his own rash and foolish command; because his own authority and power is concerned in this, and only God’ s in the other.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
1 Samuel 14:44 And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.Ver. 44. And Saul answered, God do so and more also.] It appeareth that Saul was a great swearer. Et rationem maiorem habebat iurameuti quam iuris, &c. Thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.] This was sharp law; as was afterwards that of Manlius the Roman, who condemned his own son to death for slaying an enemy without his command: whereupon sharp and severe commands were usually called Manliana, saith Gellius. But what an abhorred cruelty was that of Philip, king of Spain, who delivered up his eldest son Charles to be murdered by the cruel Inquisition, because he seemed to favour the reformed religion! Jun. Lib. ix., cap. 13. Jerome. Catin.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
(43, 44) Lo, I must die.—These wild and thoughtless vows are peculiarly characteristic of this half-barbaric period. We have already observed that the age now closing had been peculiarly the age of vows. A similar terrible oath, equalling Saul’s in its rashness, had been taken by Jephthah. It is noticeable that not only Saul, who vowed the vow, but Jonathan, its victim, were convinced that the vow, though perhaps hastily and rashly made, must be kept. “Against both these,” says Erdman in Lange with great force “rises the people’s voice as the voice of God, the question (in 1 Samuel 14:45), ‘Shall Jonathan die? ‘and the answer,’ Far be it,’ expresses the sorrowful astonishment and the energetic protest of the people, who were inspired by Jonathan’s heroic deed and its brilliant result. . . . Over against Saul’s oath the people set their own: ‘As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground.’ Probably Saul was not unwilling in this awful question, when his son’s life trembled in the balance, to submit his will for once to the people’s.” “Take then no vow at random: ta’en in faith, Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once, Blindly to execute a rash resolve, Whom better it had suited to exclaim, ‘I have done ill than to redeem his pledge By doing worse.”—Dante, Paradise, 5:63-68.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:44
Verse 44. And Saul answered - thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.] To save thy rash oath! So must John Baptist's head be taken off at the desire of an impure woman, because a Herod had sworn to give her whatever she might request! Unfeeling brute! However, the king was JUDGE. But what said the people, who were the JURY?
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:44
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given |
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(Genesis) 54 - Judah and the Messianic Succession by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Judah and Tamar from the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by highlighting the possibility of evil that exists within human nat |
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Trophies of His Grace by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays shares a personal anecdote about his grandson wanting to go to the zoo but not having enough time. He then transitions into discussing how sometim |
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Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate -5- Too Much Honey -6- Pride by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of the sins of pride and the pursuit of self-glory, likening them to the seduction of too much honey. He warns that indulging in self-satisfac |
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Health Seminar Crash Course by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies as a gift from God, discussing the rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes, and the need for a balanc |
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Health - What Does the Bible Say? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the biblical perspective on health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of stewardship over our bodies and the need to return to God's design for eatin |