2 Samuel 1:5
New International Version
Then David said to the young man who brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

New Living Translation
“How do you know Saul and Jonathan are dead?” David demanded of the young man.

English Standard Version
Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

King James Bible
And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

New King James Version
So David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?”

New American Standard Bible
Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

NASB 1995
So David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

NASB 1977
So David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

Legacy Standard Bible
So David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

Amplified Bible
So David said to the young man who informed him, “How do you know Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

Christian Standard Bible
David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know Saul and his son Jonathan are dead? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"”

American Standard Version
And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?

Contemporary English Version
David asked, "How do you know Saul and Jonathan are dead?"

English Revised Version
And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"How do you know Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?" David asked the young man who had brought him the news.

Good News Translation
"How do you know that Saul and Jonathan are dead?" David asked him.

International Standard Version
David asked the young man who related the story, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"

Majority Standard Bible
Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, ?How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead??

NET Bible
David said to the young man who was telling him this, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"

New Heart English Bible
David said to the young man who had told him this, "How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said to the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?

World English Bible
David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David says to the youth who is declaring [it] to him, “How have you known that Saul and his son Jonathan [are] dead?”

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith unto the youth who is declaring it to him, 'How hast thou known that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to the youth announcing to him, How knewest thou that Saul died, and Jonathan his son?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said to the young man that told him: How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son, are dead?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said to the youth who was reporting to him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan have died?”

New American Bible
Then David said to the youth who was reporting to him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan died?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David said to the young man, Tell me, how did Saul and Jonathan his son die?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to the young man: “Tell me how Shaul died and Yonathan his son”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said unto the young man that told him: 'How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said to the young man who brought him the tidings, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Learns of Saul's Death
4“What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 5Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 31:1-6
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ...

1 Chronicles 10:1-6
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. ...

2 Samuel 4:10
when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

2 Samuel 18:32
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”

1 Samuel 4:16-18
“I have just come from the battle,” the man said to Eli. “I fled from there today.” “What happened, my son?” Eli asked. / The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” / As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years.

2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

2 Samuel 1:11-12
Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

2 Samuel 1:19-27
“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! / Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. / O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. ...

2 Samuel 4:4
And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 1:1-4
After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. / On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. / “Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. ...

1 Samuel 28:19
Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Samuel 15:28
So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 24:6
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

1 Samuel 26:9
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”


Treasury of Scripture

And David said to the young man that told him, How know you that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

How knowest

Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

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David Dead Declaring Jonathan News Report Saul Young Youth
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David Dead Declaring Jonathan News Report Saul Young Youth
2 Samuel 1
1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain
17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song














Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report
David's inquiry to the young man highlights his leadership and responsibility. In the context of ancient Israel, leaders were expected to verify the truth of reports, especially concerning matters of national importance. This reflects David's wisdom and discernment, qualities that are emphasized throughout his life. The young man is identified as an Amalekite, which is significant given the historical enmity between Israel and the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). This enmity adds a layer of tension to the narrative, as the Amalekites were known for their hostility towards Israel.

“How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”
David's question underscores the importance of verifying the death of a king and his heir, which would have significant implications for the nation of Israel. The deaths of Saul and Jonathan mark a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from Saul's troubled reign to David's anointed kingship. This inquiry also reflects David's personal grief, as Jonathan was his close friend and Saul, despite their conflicts, was the anointed king of Israel. Theologically, this moment foreshadows the ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The need for confirmation of their deaths also connects to the biblical theme of witness and testimony, which is crucial in both Old and New Testament contexts (Deuteronomy 19:15; John 8:17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a central figure in the history of Israel. At this point, he is mourning the loss of Saul and Jonathan.

2. The Young Man
An Amalekite who brings news of Saul and Jonathan's death to David, claiming to have killed Saul himself.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, whose reign ended in tragedy. His complex relationship with David is marked by jealousy and conflict.

4. Jonathan
Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and covenant friendship with David.

5. Mount Gilboa
The location where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines, marking a significant turning point in Israel's history.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Truthfulness
The young man's report raises questions about his honesty. This reminds us of the importance of truthfulness in our own lives and the consequences of deceit.

Grieving with Hope
David's response to the news of Saul and Jonathan's death shows a balance of grief and hope. As Christians, we are called to mourn with hope, trusting in God's sovereignty.

Respect for Authority
Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David still respects Saul as God's anointed. This teaches us to respect those in authority, even when they are flawed.

The Value of Godly Friendships
Jonathan's relationship with David exemplifies the strength and support found in godly friendships. We should seek and nurture such relationships in our lives.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions
The transition from Saul to David as king illustrates God's control over leadership changes. We can trust God during times of transition in our own lives.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
David
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

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

the young man
הַנַּ֖עַר (han·na·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

who had brought him the report,
הַמַּגִּ֣יד (ham·mag·gîḏ)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

“How
אֵ֣יךְ (’êḵ)
Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where

do you know
יָדַ֔עְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

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

and his son
בְּנֽוֹ׃ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Jonathan
וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֥ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

are dead?”
מֵ֥ת (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 2 Samuel 1:5 David said to the young man who (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 1:4
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