1 Samuel 20 33

1 Samuel 20:33 kjv

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

1 Samuel 20:33 nkjv

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

1 Samuel 20:33 niv

But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.

1 Samuel 20:33 esv

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

1 Samuel 20:33 nlt

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.

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 33 Meaning

1 Samuel 20:33 powerfully depicts King Saul's unbridled, murderous rage and the horrifying confirmation for Jonathan that his father was unchangeably determined to assassinate David. This pivotal moment underscores the depth of Saul's depravity, his rejection of God's will, and his willingness to commit violence against his own son who defended an innocent man. It cemented the reality of David's mortal danger and rendered any further plea for him impossible.

1 Samuel 20 33 Context

1 Samuel Chapter 20 records the climax of David and Jonathan's deep friendship and their covenant. Following Saul's attempts on David's life, David seeks confirmation of Saul's intentions through Jonathan. Jonathan, torn between loyalty to his father and his best friend, tries to appease Saul during a New Moon feast, defending David's absence. This verse marks the explosive breaking point: Saul's escalating irrational fury reaches a peak where he casts his spear not at David (who is absent) but at his own son, Jonathan, for daring to question or defend David. This act, witnessed by all, is the definitive proof of Saul's relentless, murderous determination to kill David, shattering any hope Jonathan held for reconciliation and making the subsequent elaborate signal between the friends critically necessary for David's escape and continued survival. Historically, this highlights the instability of kingship, the personal nature of monarchy in ancient Israel, and the tragic fallout when a king's personal animosity overrides divine mandates and natural family bonds.

1 Samuel 20 33 Word analysis

• Then Saul (wěšāʾūl - waw-conjunctive + Saul): Marks a sudden, reactive shift in action by Saul. Saul's name, meaning "asked for" or "loaned," now stands in stark contrast to his tyrannical reign. His regal authority is weaponized against loyalty and justice.
• cast (wayyāṭel - וַיָּטֶל֙): Hiphil imperfect of ṭûl (to throw, cast down). Denotes an immediate, forceful, and intentional act of throwing. It is not accidental. This is the third time Saul hurls his spear at David (or one close to him) in the narrative, illustrating his repeated violent nature and an evil spirit's influence (cf. 1 Sam 18:11; 19:9-10).
• his spear (ʾeṯ-haḥănîṯ - אֶת־הַחֲנִית֙): The definite article "the spear" implies it's the known weapon of Saul, often in hand (1 Sam 19:9) and symbolic of his kingly authority and personal aggression. Here, it is desecrated from a royal scepter to an instrument of familial violence and intended murder.
• at him (ʿālāyw - עָלָיו): Literally "upon him." The shocking recipient is Jonathan, Saul's own son. This demonstrates the irrational depth of Saul's hatred for David, now consuming anyone who stands in its way, including his closest kin. It represents a shocking breakdown of paternal love and royal order.
• to strike him down (lĕhakkoṯô - לְהַכֹּתֽוֹ): Hiphil infinitive construct of nāḵāh (to strike, to kill). Expresses clear purpose and intent. Saul meant to kill Jonathan. This is not a warning shot but an actual attempt on his son's life, a monstrous act of patricidal impulse.
• by this Jonathan knew (wayyēḏaʿ Yônāṯān - וַיֵּדַע֙ יוֹנָתָן֙): "Jonathan knew." The turning point. Jonathan's earlier attempts to justify his father's behavior and mediate for David now vanish. The spear throw serves as undeniable, final evidence. The verb "knew" (yādaʿ) here signifies full comprehension and realization, moving from uncertainty to certainty.
• that his father (ʾăḇîw - אֲבִיו): "his father." The word emphasizes the tragic breach of the sacred filial bond. This realization, that his own father intended to commit murder against David, was particularly grievous for Jonathan.
• was determined (huḥleṭāh - הֻחְלְטָ֛ה): Hophal perfect of ḥālaṭ (to make a final decision, determine, decree). This rare verb form in the Hophal (passive, causative) signifies that the decision was firmly made, irrevocably set, unchangeable. It denotes Saul's fixed and settled purpose, implying no possibility of dissuasion or change of mind regarding David.
• to kill David (dāwiḏ - דָּוִֽד): The ultimate target of Saul's resolute, murderous determination. David's very existence threatens Saul's kingdom, leading to this ultimate rejection of God's plan and human decency.

Words-group analysis:

• Then Saul cast his spear at him to strike him down: This phrase illustrates Saul's escalating, irrational rage, confirming his internal madness and willingness to murder. The weapon of kingship is used for personal vendetta, first against his favored son, signifying an absolute rejection of divine and moral order.
• by this Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David: This group reveals Jonathan's moment of profound and painful enlightenment. Saul's attempted fratricide on Jonathan served as the irrefutable, horrific proof that Saul's murderous intent toward David was irrevocably fixed. It is a moment of despair for Jonathan, sealing David's fate for flight.

1 Samuel 20 33 Bonus section

The casting of the spear at Jonathan reflects a tragic irony: Saul is supposed to be protecting Israel, but he is actively seeking to destroy its future king and those allied with him. The spear, traditionally a weapon of warfare or symbol of authority, becomes an instrument of domestic terror and infanticide (attempted). This act completely unravels the relationship between father and son, showcasing the destructive power of unrighteous anger and envy within a family and leadership structure. It also underscores the extent of Jonathan's faithfulness, where his love for David superseded his natural loyalty to his own life and lineage, knowing his father would act like this. The word "determined" (huḥleṭāh) is highly significant; it portrays Saul as completely consumed by this destructive resolve, unable or unwilling to be persuaded otherwise by reason, love, or even fear of God. This hardened heart mirrors a king who has consistently rebelled against the divine will.

1 Samuel 20 33 Commentary

1 Samuel 20:33 is a dark and defining moment in the life of Saul, Jonathan, and David. It showcases the catastrophic descent of King Saul into tyrannical paranoia and unholy rage. His action of casting a spear, not just to threaten but "to strike down" his own loyal son, Jonathan, for defending David, highlights the profound evil that consumed him. This was not a moment of momentary anger but the raw, unadulterated resolve of a king determined to eliminate his perceived rival, even if it meant striking his own flesh and blood. Jonathan's immediate understanding ("knew that his father was determined") confirms the finality of Saul's murderous purpose. No intercession or plea would ever sway him. This tragic incident solidifies the impossibility of David ever returning to court, signaling his destiny as a hunted fugitive. It powerfully demonstrates the ultimate brokenness of Saul's character, his defiance of God's anointing on David, and his disregard for familial love and justice. This single act underscores the complete triumph of an evil spirit (1 Sam 16:14; 18:10) and Saul's unchecked envy, propelling David into his long season of exile and trials, but ultimately securing God's purpose for His chosen king.