New International VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of my staff. And now I must die!”
New Living Translation“Tell me what you have done,” Saul demanded of Jonathan. “I tasted a little honey,” Jonathan admitted. “It was only a little bit on the end of my stick. Does that deserve death?”
English Standard VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.”
Berean Standard Bible“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?”
King James BibleThen Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.
New King James VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand. So now I must die!”
New American Standard BibleSo Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I did indeed taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!”
NASB 1995Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!”
NASB 1977Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!”
Legacy Standard BibleThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I must die!”
Amplified BibleSaul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!”
Christian Standard BibleSaul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die! ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSaul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die!”
American Standard VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and, lo, I must die.
Contemporary English Version"Jonathan," Saul exclaimed, "tell me what you did!" "I dipped the end of my walking stick in some honey and ate a little. Now you say I have to die!"
English Revised VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand; and, lo, I must die.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Tell me," Saul asked Jonathan. "What did you do?" So Jonathan told him, "I tasted a little honey on the tip of the staff I had in my hand. And for that I am to die?"
Good News TranslationThen Saul asked Jonathan, "What have you done?" Jonathan answered, "I ate a little honey with the stick I was holding. Here I am--I am ready to die."
International Standard VersionSaul told Jonathan, "Tell me what you've done." So Jonathan spoke to him: "I did taste a little honey from the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I'm ready to die!"
NET BibleSo Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." Jonathan told him, "I used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey. I must die!"
New Heart English BibleThen Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." And Jonathan told him, and said, "I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand; and look, I must die."
Webster's Bible TranslationThen Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and, lo, I must die. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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?”
World English BibleThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done!” Jonathan told him, and said, “I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul says to Jonathan, “Declare to me, what have you done?” And Jonathan declares to him and says, “I certainly tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that [is] in my hand; behold, I die!”
Young's Literal Translation And Saul saith unto Jonathan, 'Declare to me, what hast thou done?' and Jonathan declareth to him, and saith, 'I certainly tasted with the end of the rod that is in my hand a little honey; lo, I die!'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Saul will say to Jonathan, Announce to me what thou didst And Jonathan will announce to him and say, Tasting, I tasted with the extremity of the rod which was in my hand, a little honey, and behold, I shall die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul said to Jonathan: Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said: I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod, which was in my hand, and behold I must die.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan revealed to him, and said: “Truly, I tasted a little honey with the top of the staff that was in my hand. And behold, I shall die.”
New American BibleSaul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan replied, “I only tasted a little honey from the end of the staff I was holding. Am I to die for this?”
New Revised Standard VersionThen Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand; here I am, I will die.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Saul said to Jonathan. Tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand, and on account of that must I die?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Shaul said to Jonathan: “Tell me what you have done!” And Jonathan told him and said to him: “With the top of the staff that was in my hand I tasted a little honey, because I was dying!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Saul said to Jonathan: 'Tell me what thou hast done.' And Jonathan told him, and said: 'I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; here am I: I will die.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done: and Jonathan told him, and said, I did indeed taste a little honey, with the end of my staff that was in my hand, and, lo! I am to die.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The People Save Jonathan… 42Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected. 43“Tellmewhatyou have done,”Saulcommandedhim.So Jonathantoldhim,“I onlytasteda littlehoneywith the endof the staffthat wasin my hand.And nowI must die?”44And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”…
Cross References Judges 11:30-35Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, / then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” / So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand. ...
Genesis 44:16-34“What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” / But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” / Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. ...
Leviticus 5:4-5Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter. / If someone incurs guilt in one of these ways, he must confess the sin he has committed,
Numbers 30:2If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.
Joshua 7:19-20So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” / “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did:
2 Samuel 12:13Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.
2 Kings 5:25-27When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. / But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
Proverbs 28:13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Jonah 1:7-10“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. / “Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” / “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” ...
Matthew 14:6-9On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod / so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ...
Matthew 26:69-75Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said. / But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.” / When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” ...
Mark 6:22-26When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” ...
Luke 15:18-21I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ / So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. ...
John 18:25-27Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” / One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” / Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed.
Acts 5:1-11Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...
Treasury of Scripture Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and, see, I must die. Tell me Joshua 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hideit not from me. Jonah 1:7-10 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evilis upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah… I did but 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod thatwas in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Jump to Previous AccountDeathDeclareDeclarethDieEndHandHoneyIndeedJonathanLittleMerelyRodSaulStaffStoryTasteTastedTipJump to Next AccountDeathDeclareDeclarethDieEndHandHoneyIndeedJonathanLittleMerelyRodSaulStaffStoryTasteTastedTip1 Samuel 14 1.Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15.A divine terror makes them beat themselves17.Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them21.The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.24.Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory31.He restrains the people from eating blood35.He builds an altar37.Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people47.Saul's victories, strength, and family“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him.In this passage, King Saul is addressing his son Jonathan. The context is a critical moment after Saul had made a rash oath that cursed anyone who ate before evening. Saul's command reflects his authority as king and the seriousness of the situation. This moment highlights the tension between Saul's leadership and the actions of his son, which is a recurring theme in 1 Samuel. Saul's leadership is often marked by impulsive decisions, contrasting with Jonathan's more measured and faithful character. So Jonathan told him,
Jonathan's response to Saul's command is immediate and honest, demonstrating his integrity. This reflects the biblical principle of truthfulness and transparency, even when facing dire consequences. Jonathan's willingness to confess his actions shows his respect for his father and the authority structure, despite the potential personal cost. “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand.
Jonathan's action of tasting honey was innocent and unintentional in breaking Saul's oath. The honey symbolizes sustenance and enlightenment, often seen as a gift from God in the Bible. The staff in his hand signifies his role as a leader and warrior, and the act of tasting honey with it underscores the simplicity and innocence of his action. This incident also highlights the impracticality of Saul's oath, as it inadvertently endangered his own people. And now I must die?”
Jonathan's rhetorical question underscores the injustice of the situation. It reflects the tension between human law and divine justice. Jonathan's potential death for such a minor infraction points to the flawed nature of Saul's leadership and foreshadows the eventual decline of Saul's reign. This moment can be seen as a type of Christ, where an innocent person faces death due to the failings of human authority, prefiguring Jesus' own unjust suffering and sacrifice. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this passage, he is seen as a leader who has made a rash vow that endangers his own son. 2. JonathanThe son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faithfulness. He unknowingly breaks his father's oath by tasting honey during a battle. 3. The BattleThe context of this event is a battle against the Philistines, where Saul's army is engaged in combat, and Jonathan's actions play a significant role. 4. The OathSaul had made a rash oath that cursed anyone who ate food before evening, which Jonathan unknowingly violated. 5. The HoneyRepresents the sustenance and refreshment that Jonathan partook of, symbolizing the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership decisions. Teaching Points The Danger of Rash VowsRash vows can lead to unintended consequences and harm to those we love. It is crucial to seek God's wisdom before making commitments. The Importance of DiscernmentLeaders must exercise discernment and wisdom, especially in times of stress and conflict, to avoid decisions that may harm others. Mercy Over LegalismGod's desire for mercy over strict adherence to rules is evident. We should prioritize compassion and understanding in our relationships. The Role of CommunicationOpen and honest communication is vital in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings, as seen in Jonathan's explanation to Saul. Trust in God's ProvisionJonathan's act of eating honey symbolizes trusting in God's provision even when human rules seem to contradict it. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14
If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul’s oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43–45)?
Who was Jonathan in the Bible?
How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?
What natural or historical evidence supports the sudden 'panic' that supposedly afflicted the Philistine army (1 Samuel 14:15)?(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 Langewith great force "rises the people's voice as the voice of God, the question (in 1Samuel 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.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Tellהַגִּ֥ידָה(hag·gî·ḏāh)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousme whatמֶ֣ה(meh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatyou have done,”עָשִׂ֑יתָה(‘ā·śî·ṯāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeSaulשָׁאוּל֙(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelitescommandedוַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayhim.י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן(yō·w·nā·ṯān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129:JonathanSo Jonathanיוֹנָתָ֗ן(yō·w·nā·ṯān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129:Jonathantold him,וַיַּגֶּד־(way·yag·geḏ-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuous“I onlyטָעֹ֨ם(ṭā·‘ōm)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 2938:To taste, to perceivetastedטָעַ֜מְתִּי(ṭā·‘am·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2938:To taste, to perceivea littleמְעַ֥ט(mə·‘aṭ)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4592:A little, fewness, a fewhoneyדְּבַ֖שׁ(də·ḇaš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706:Honey, syrupwith the endבִּקְצֵ֨ה(biq·ṣêh)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097:End, extremityof the staffהַמַּטֶּ֧ה(ham·maṭ·ṭeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4294:A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribethat [was]אֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatin my hand.בְּיָדִ֛י(bə·yā·ḏî)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027:A handAnd now I must die?”אָמֽוּת׃(’ā·mūṯ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill
Links 1 Samuel 14:43 NIV1 Samuel 14:43 NLT1 Samuel 14:43 ESV1 Samuel 14:43 NASB1 Samuel 14:43 KJV
1 Samuel 14:43 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 14:43 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 14:43 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 14:43 French Bible1 Samuel 14:43 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan Tell me (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
