1 Samuel 20:10
1 Samuel 20:10 in Multiple Translations
Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”
Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?
Then David said to Jonathan, Who will give me word if your father gives you a rough answer?
“So who's going to let me know if your father gives you a nasty answer?” David asked.
Then said Dauid to Ionathan, Who shall tell me? how shall I knowe, if thy father answere thee cruelly?
And David saith unto Jonathan, 'Who doth declare to me? or what [if] thy father doth answer thee sharply?'
Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly?”
Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father shall answer thee roughly?
And David answered Jonathan: Who shall bring me word, if thy father should answer thee harshly concerning me?
David asked him, “How will I find out if your father answers you harshly?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:10
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 20:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
דָּוִד֙
אֶל
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
מִ֖י
יַגִּ֣יד
לִ֑/י
א֛וֹ
מַה
יַּעַנְ/ךָ֥
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
קָשָֽׁה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
א֛וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יַּעַנְ/ךָ֥
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
קָשָֽׁה
qâsheh
H7186
severe
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:10
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § 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) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
א֛וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יַּעַנְ/ךָ֥
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
קָשָֽׁה
qâsheh
H7186
"severe"
Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:10
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:10
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
8Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”
9“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”
10Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”
11“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field, 12and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:14 | Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 25:17 | Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” |
| 3 | Genesis 42:30 | “The man who is lord of the land spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying on the country. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 12:13 | And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:10 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 20:30–34 | Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the disgrace of the mother who bore you? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship 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. Jonathan 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. |
| 7 | Genesis 42:7 | And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 18:23 | The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. |
1 Samuel 20:10 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 20:10, David is asking Jonathan how he will know if King Saul is still trying to hurt him. This shows that David is still in danger and needs Jonathan's help to stay safe, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:11 and 1 Samuel 19:10. David trusts Jonathan and values their friendship, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:8. This verse reminds us that having loyal friends who care about us is very important, and we can learn from David and Jonathan's example, as seen in Proverbs 17:17 and John 15:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of David's question to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:10?
David's question is in response to Jonathan's promise to sound out his father, King Saul, about his intentions towards David, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:9, and David wants to know how he will be informed of the outcome, as stated in 1 Samuel 20:10.
Why is David concerned about King Saul's response to Jonathan?
David is concerned because he knows that King Saul has already tried to kill him, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:11 and 1 Samuel 19:10, and he wants to be prepared for any potential danger.
What does David's question reveal about his relationship with Jonathan?
David's question reveals that he trusts Jonathan and values their friendship, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:8, and he is seeking Jonathan's help and protection.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of 1 Samuel?
This verse is part of the larger story of David's flight from King Saul and his trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in 1 Samuel 18-31, and it highlights the importance of loyalty, friendship, and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Proverbs 17:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to my friends, just like Jonathan did for David?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when faced with uncertainty or danger, like David did in 1 Samuel 20:10?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom and guidance from God, like Jonathan did when he promised to sound out his father, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:12?
- How can I cultivate friendships that are built on trust, loyalty, and mutual support, like the friendship between David and Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:8?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:10
Then said David to Jonathan, who shall tell me?.... The disposition of Saul's mind towards him, whether he gave a kind answer to the report of Jonathan concerning him: or what [if] thy father answer thee roughly?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:10
If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
By what means or messenger shall I understand this? for peradventure thou wilt not be able to come to me thyself.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
1 Samuel 20:10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what [if] thy father answer thee roughly?Ver. 10. Who shall tell me?] Since thou canst neither come, nor send to me with any safety. If thy father answer thee roughly.] As indeed he did, Et tristoribus dictis atrocia facta coniungebat, as Tacitus saith of Tiberius; he spake stones, and threw daggers.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
(10) Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?—The language in the original is here very abrupt and involved. Evidently the very words uttered in the memorable scene by the excited and sorrowful friends are remembered and reported. The “if” supplied in the English Version probably is nearest the meaning intended to be conveyed by the broken, agitated words. Another rendering is, “If thy father shall answer thee harshly, who will declare it to me?” “These questions of David were suggested by a correct estimate of the circumstances—namely, that Saul’s suspicions would lead him to the conclusion that there was some understanding between Jonathan and David, and that he would take steps, in consequence, to prevent Jonathan from making David acquainted with the result of his conversation with Saul.”—Keil.In the next verse Jonathan leads David into a solitary spot—“the field”—where, before saying their last words together, they might agree upon some secret sign by means of which Saul’s real mind towards David might be communicated, if necessary, by Jonathan to his friend.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:10
Verse 10. Who shall tell me?] Who shall give me the necessary information? What means wilt thou use to convey this intelligence to me?
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:10
10. Who shall tell me, &c.] The double question answers to Jonathan’s double promise in 1 Samuel 20:12-13, that he will let David know the result in either event. But perhaps the words should be rendered simply, who shall tell me if haply thy father answer thee roughly?
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) How Not to Respond to an Insult by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man named Naval from the book of 1 Samuel. Naval was a wealthy man, but lacked character and was harsh and evil in his actions |
|
Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42:7-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Joseph tests his brothers who have come to Egypt to buy food during a famine. He accuses them of being spies and locks them up for three days. Joseph treats them ro |
|
Money, Mules and Travel by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the message of salvation. He highlights that the purpose of the church is to bring pe |
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The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari |
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Poor and Contrite Spirits—the Objects of the Divine Favor by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of being poor and contrite in spirit, and trembling at the Word of God to receive divine favor. He emphasizes the need for humility, sel |