1 Samuel 14:39 Meaning and Explanation
“For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Saul swears that the guilty one will die, even if it is his own son Jonathan, and the people stay silent.
What Does 1 Samuel 14:39 Mean?
Saul binds himself with another solemn oath: whoever is guilty shall surely die, even if it proves to be his own son Jonathan. The vow is sworn in the Lord's name. The people, perhaps knowing more than they say, answer him with utter silence.
Here again Saul speaks rashly, swearing a deadly oath before he knows the facts. His words will soon trap him. The scene warns against binding ourselves with hasty vows, for they can box us into harm. Zeal that outruns wisdom and love can put even the innocent and beloved in peril.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 14:39
What does 1 Samuel 14:39 mean?
Saul swears that the guilty one will die, even if it is his own son Jonathan, and the people stay silent.