1 Samuel 14:44 net — Saul said,“God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!”

NET Bible

"Saul said,“God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!”"

— 1 Samuel 14:44, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 14:44 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 14 — Context

41

Then Saul said,“O LORD God of Israel! If this sin has been committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O LORD God of Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by your people Israel, respond with Thummim.” Then Jonathan and Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated.

42

Then Saul said,“Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan!” Jonathan was indicated by lot.

43

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!”

44

Saul said,“God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!”

45

But the army said to Saul,“Should Jonathan, who won this great victory in Israel, die? May it never be! As surely as the LORD lives, not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground! For it is with the help of God that he has acted today.” So the army rescued Jonathan from death.

46

Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and the Philistines went back home.

47

After Saul had secured his royal position over Israel, he fought against all their enemies on all sides– the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. In every direction that he turned he was victorious.

1 Samuel 14:44 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 14:44 say?
1 Samuel 14:44 in the NET Bible reads: “Saul said,“God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!””
Where is 1 Samuel 14:44 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 14:44 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14, verse 44.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 14:44.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 14:44 in?
1 Samuel 14:44 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 14:44?
1 Samuel 14:44 reads (NET): “Saul said,“God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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