1 Samuel 20:34

1 Samuel 20:34 Meaning and Explanation

So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Jonathan leaves the feast in anger and grief, fasting because of how his father has shamed David.

What Does 1 Samuel 20:34 Mean?

Jonathan rises from the table in fierce anger and refuses to eat, his appetite swallowed by sorrow. The text names the cause precisely: he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame. His pain is for his friend, not himself.

Here is love that suffers for another's sake. Jonathan's grief and his righteous anger flow together, for both are stirred by injustice done to someone he loves. To mourn the wrong done to a friend as if it were done to oneself is the mark of a heart joined in covenant, and a reflection of the One who is touched with the feeling of our griefs.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 20:34

What does 1 Samuel 20:34 mean?

Jonathan leaves the feast in anger and grief, fasting because of how his father has shamed David.

Keep Studying 1 Samuel 20

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.