Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

1 Samuel 20:30

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?

1 Samuel 20:30 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we see a moment of tension between Saul and his son Jonathan. Saul's anger is sparked when he realizes that Jonathan has chosen to support David, the son of Jesse, who Saul sees as a threat to his own rule. Saul's words to Jonathan are filled with both anger and disappointment, as he accuses him of choosing David over his own family. The phrase "Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman" is a direct insult to not only Jonathan but also to his mother, suggesting a lack of respect and loyalty. Saul's accusation that Jonathan's choice will lead to his own shame and embarrassment, as well as that of his mother, demonstrates the depth of his anger and the extent to which he values his own power and authority. This verse serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and power struggles that can arise within families and the consequences of choosing loyalty to others over one's own family.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, Saul's anger towards his son Jonathan is revealed when he accuses him of siding with David, the son of Jesse, whom Saul sees as a threat to his throne. The use of the phrase "son of the perverse rebellious woman" has sparked theological interpretations and word studies among scholars. Some believe that this insult implies that Saul questions Jonathan's loyalty because he is the son of a rebellious mother, perhaps suggesting that Jonathan has inherited negative traits from her. Others argue that this phrase is simply a derogatory insult meant to shame Jonathan. The reference to "choosing the son of Jesse to thine own confusion" serves as a warning to Jonathan about the consequences of his friendship with David. The mention of "thy mother's nakedness" adds a layer of humiliation to the insult, implying that Jonathan's actions bring shame not only to himself but also to his mother. Overall, this passage highlights the complex dynamics of power and loyalty in the biblical narrative of Saul, Jonathan, and David.

1 Samuel 20:30 in other translations

American Standard Version

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of a perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own shame, and unto the shame of thy mother's nakedness?

World English Bible

Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse rebellious woman, don’t I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness?

Douay-Rheims

Then Saul being angry against Jonathan, said to him: Thou son of a woman that is the ravisher of a man, do I not know that thou lovest the son of Isai to thy own confusion, and to the confusion of thy shameless mother?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then was Saul angrie with Ionathan, and sayde vnto him, Thou sonne of the wicked rebellious woman, doe not I know, that thou hast chosen the sonne of Ishai to thy confusion, and to the confusion and shame of thy mother?