1 Samuel 20:33
1 Samuel 20:33 in Multiple Translations
Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.
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.
And Saul, pointing his spear at him, made an attempt to give him a wound: from which it was clear to Jonathan that his father's purpose was to put David to death.
Saul threw his spear at Jonathan, trying to kill him, so he knew that his father definitely wanted David dead.
And Saul cast a speare at him to hit him, whereby Ionathan knew, that it was determined of his father to slay Dauid.
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.
Saul cast his spear at him to strike him. By this Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to slay David.
And Saul caught up a spear to strike him. And Jonathan understood that it was determined by his father to kill David.
Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan in order to kill him, but the spear did not hit him. So Jonathan knew that his father really wanted to kill David.
But as soon as Saul heard that, he suddenly threw his spear at his son. He meant to kill him dead, but he missed. So then Jonathan knew that his father really wanted to kill David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:33
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 20:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨טֶל
שָׁא֧וּל
אֶֽת
הַ/חֲנִ֛ית
עָלָ֖י/ו
לְ/הַכֹּת֑/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֨דַע֙
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
כִּֽי
כָ֥לָה
הִ֛יא
מֵ/עִ֥ם
אָבִ֖י/ו
לְ/הָמִ֥ית
אֶת
דָּוִֽד
וַ/יָּ֨טֶל
ṭûwl
H2904
to cast
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֧וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/חֲנִ֛ית
chănîyth
H2595
spear
Art | N-fs
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לְ/הַכֹּת֑/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יֵּ֨דַע֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָ֥לָה
kâlâh
H3617
consumption
N-fs
הִ֛יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מֵ/עִ֥ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לְ/הָמִ֥ית
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:33
וַ/יָּ֨טֶל
ṭûwl
H2904
"to cast"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to throw or cast something away, like when God casts out evil spirits in the Bible. It is used in various forms, such as to hurl or carry away. In the KJV, it is translated as carry away or cast out.
Definition: 1) to hurl, cast 1a) (Pilpel) to throw away, carry away, hurl 1b) (Hiphil) to throw, cast, cast out 1c)(Hophal) 1c1) to be hurled, hurled down 1c2) to be cast, be thrown, be cast out, be thrown down
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: carry away, (utterly) cast (down, forth, out), send out. See also: 1 Samuel 18:11; Jeremiah 22:26; Psalms 37:24.
שָׁא֧וּל
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.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/חֲנִ֛ית
chănîyth
H2595
"spear"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְ/הַכֹּת֑/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וַ/יֵּ֨דַע֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
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.
כָ֥לָה
kâlâh
H3617
"consumption"
N-fs
This word refers to the act of completely destroying or consuming something, like the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:28.
Definition: 1) completion, termination, full end, complete destruction, consumption, annihilation 1a) completion 1a1) completely, altogether (adv) 1b) complete destruction, consumption, annihilation
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: altogether, (be, utterly) consume(-d), consummation(-ption), was determined, (full, utter) end, riddance. See also: Genesis 18:21; Jeremiah 5:18; Isaiah 10:23.
הִ֛יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מֵ/עִ֥ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אָבִ֖י/ו
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.
לְ/הָמִ֥ית
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּוִֽד
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:33
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:33
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:33
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:33
Context — Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
31For 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!”
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. 35In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 20:7 | If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:11 | and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 19:10 | Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night. |
1 Samuel 20:33 Summary
In this verse, we see Saul's anger and jealousy towards David boil over, causing him to lash out at his own son Jonathan. This event shows us the dangers of unchecked emotions and the importance of seeking wisdom and self-control, as encouraged in Proverbs 16:32. Jonathan's response to this situation, as seen in the following verses, is a great example of loyalty and friendship, similar to the kind of friendship and loyalty that Jesus calls us to in John 15:13. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn more about the importance of prioritizing wisdom, self-control, and kindness in our own lives, and seeking to cultivate friendships that are characterized by loyalty and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul try to kill Jonathan in this verse?
Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan because he was angry and felt Jonathan was taking David's side, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:32 where Jonathan questioned his father's desire to kill David. This action shows the depth of Saul's anger and jealousy towards David, similar to the anger and jealousy that led Cain to kill Abel in Genesis 4:5-8.
What did Jonathan learn from this experience?
Jonathan learned that his father was determined to kill David, which is stated explicitly in 1 Samuel 20:33. This realization likely motivated Jonathan to take action to protect his friend David, as seen in his actions in 1 Samuel 20:35.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 20, as it shows the escalating tension between Saul and Jonathan, and sets the stage for Jonathan's actions to protect David in the following verses, such as 1 Samuel 20:35. It also highlights the contrast between Saul's behavior and the covenant of friendship between Jonathan and David, as described in 1 Samuel 18:3.
What can we learn from Saul's behavior in this verse?
Saul's behavior in this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked anger and jealousy, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Genesis 27:41 and Proverbs 27:4. It also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and self-control, as encouraged in Proverbs 16:32 and James 1:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can recognize and respond to anger or jealousy in my own life, and how can I seek wisdom and self-control in those moments?
- How can I cultivate friendships like the one between Jonathan and David, where loyalty and trust are paramount, and what can I learn from their example?
- What are some times when I have felt like I was in a difficult or precarious situation, like Jonathan was in this verse, and how did I respond to those challenges?
- How can I apply the lesson of Saul's behavior in this verse to my own relationships and interactions with others, and what are some ways that I can prioritize wisdom, self-control, and kindness?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:33
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him,.... So provoked to wrath was he by what he said.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:33
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:33
To smite him, i. e. to wound him, though not to smite him even to the wall, as he designed to do to David, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:33
1 Samuel 20:33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.Ver. 33. And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him.] Which, if it had hit him, and killed him, Saul would have had as small joy of it as Alexander when he had killed Clitus in his passion, whom he would have revived, but could not, with his own heart’ s blood. “ Qui non moderabitur irae, &c. ”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:33
33. cast a javelin] Or, as in 1 Samuel 18:11, lifted his spear: brandished it threateningly, without actually casting it.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:33
33. Jonathan knew that it was determined… to slay David — He had before been disposed to attribute his father’s acts of violence towards David to his madness, and the demon that at times possessed