1 Samuel 14:43
New International Version
Then 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 Version
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Version
Then 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 Bible
So 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 1995
Then 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 1977
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Bible
Saul 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 Bible
Saul 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 Bible
Saul 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 Version
Then 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 Version
Then 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 Translation
Then 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 Version
Saul 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!"

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?”

NET Bible
So 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 Bible
Then 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 Translation
Then 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.

World English Bible
Then 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 Version
And 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 Translation
And 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 Bible
And 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 Version
Then 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 Bible
Saul 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 Version
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Translated
And 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 1917
Then 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 Translation
And 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“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?” 44And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”…

Cross References
Judges 11:30-35
Jephthah 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 5:4-5
Or 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 30:2
If 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 7:19-20
So 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 12:13
Then 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 5:25-27
When 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 28:13
He 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 14:6-9
On 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 26:69-75
Meanwhile, 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 6:22-26
When 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 15:18-21
I 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 18:25-27
Simon 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 5:1-11
Now 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; hide it 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 evil is 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 that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

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1 Samuel 14
1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves
17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them
21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.
24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory
31. He restrains the people from eating blood
35. He builds an altar
37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people
47. Saul's victories, strength, and family














Tell me what you have done
This phrase is a direct command from Saul to Jonathan, indicating a moment of accountability and transparency. In the Hebrew context, the act of confessing or revealing one's actions is significant, often associated with the Hebrew word "nagad," meaning to make known or declare. This moment reflects the gravity of the situation, where Jonathan is called to account for his actions before his father and king, Saul. It underscores the importance of truth and honesty in relationships, especially between a father and son, and highlights the tension between authority and filial duty.

Jonathan replied
Jonathan's response is immediate and straightforward, reflecting his character as a man of integrity and courage. The Hebrew name "Jonathan" means "Yahweh has given," which is fitting as Jonathan often acts with a sense of divine purpose and righteousness. His willingness to speak openly in this critical moment demonstrates his trust in God and his commitment to truth, even when facing dire consequences.

I only tasted a little honey
The act of tasting honey is symbolic in the biblical context, often representing enlightenment or the sweetness of God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:103. The Hebrew word for honey, "debash," signifies not just physical nourishment but also spiritual insight. Jonathan's action was innocent and unintentional, highlighting the contrast between the sweetness of God's provision and the bitterness of human legalism and rash vows, as represented by Saul's earlier oath.

with the end of the staff that was in my hand
The staff in Jonathan's hand is a symbol of authority and guidance. In biblical times, a staff was often used by shepherds and leaders, representing their role in guiding and protecting their people. The Hebrew word "matteh" for staff can also mean tribe or branch, indicating leadership and lineage. Jonathan's use of the staff to taste the honey suggests a moment of personal initiative and decision-making, reflecting his role as a leader who acts with wisdom and discernment.

And now I must die?
This rhetorical question reveals Jonathan's shock and dismay at the prospect of death for such a minor infraction. The Hebrew word for die, "muth," carries the weight of finality and judgment. Jonathan's question underscores the tension between justice and mercy, highlighting the harshness of Saul's vow and the need for discernment in leadership. It invites reflection on the nature of divine justice, which balances righteousness with compassion, and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who died to fulfill the law and offer grace.

(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 Lange with 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
“Tell
הַגִּ֥ידָה (hag·gî·ḏāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

me what
מֶ֣ה (meh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

you have done,”
עָשִׂ֑יתָה (‘ā·śî·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

Saul
שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

commanded
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

him.
י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

So Jonathan
יוֹנָתָ֗ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

told him,
וַיַּגֶּד־ (way·yag·geḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

“I only
טָעֹ֨ם (ṭā·‘ōm)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 2938: To taste, to perceive

tasted
טָעַ֜מְתִּי (ṭā·‘am·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2938: To taste, to perceive

a little
מְעַ֥ט (mə·‘aṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

honey
דְּבַ֖שׁ (də·ḇaš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706: Honey, syrup

with the end
בִּקְצֵ֨ה (biq·ṣêh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the staff
הַמַּטֶּ֧ה (ham·maṭ·ṭeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

that [was]
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

in my hand.
בְּיָדִ֛י (bə·yā·ḏî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

And now I must die?”
אָמֽוּת׃ (’ā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan Tell me (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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