1 Samuel 20:34 Meaning: Jonathan's Anger
So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.
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.
So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
And Jonathan riseth from the table in the heat of anger, and hath not eaten food on the second day of the new moon, for he hath been grieved for David, for his father put him to shame.
And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no meat the second day of the new moon; for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
Meaning in one sentence
This verse shows Jonathan's fierce anger and grief after his father shames David.
Context
The story unfolds at a new moon feast, a time of celebration. King Saul notices David's seat is empty the first day, then the second. When he asks Jonathan why, Jonathan explains that David went to Bethlehem for a family sacrifice. Saul erupts, accusing Jonathan of choosing David over his own kingdom. He hurls a spear at his own son. In that moment, Jonathan knows his father is determined to kill David. He leaves the table not with cold fury but with a grief that burns outward. He cannot eat. His heart is torn between the father he loves and the friend he loves. The verse catches a good man's sorrow turning visible, and asks what loyalty looks like when family turns against someone innocent.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words give the verse its weight. The phrase 'fierce anger' translates cho.ri af, literally 'heat of nose.' In Hebrew thinking, anger was a fire in the nostrils. It was not automatically sinful; it could be the heat of protective love. The word 'grieved' (ne'tzav) means to be in pain, cut to the heart. It is the same root used for causing someone sorrow. Jonathan's anger is not rage; it is heartache burning outward. Finally, 'treated him shamefully' comes from hikhlim, to humiliate or put to public disgrace. Saul had not merely disagreed with David, he had dishonored him before the whole table. Jonathan's fierce response was grief over the shame inflicted on his friend.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have understood Jonathan's anger in different ways. The Geneva Bible notes see it as natural sorrow for David mixed with resentment at his father's insults. Adam Clarke suggests the anger is really grief, the deep pain of seeing his father turn on his friend. The Cambridge Bible highlights Jonathan's generosity: he did not resent the injury to himself so much as the wrong done to David. John Gill points out that Jonathan resented his father's attempt to smite him and his determination to slay David. Across these readings, the anger is never treated as simple sin. It flows from love for the innocent. Even where the command to honor parents is acknowledged, most readers agree that standing against injustice can be part of love.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
This week, you may see someone you love treated unfairly by a family member. Your first reaction might be heat. Pause and name what you actually feel. Is that anger protecting your pride, or is it grief over injustice? Jonathan shows that righteous anger can coexist with love, for the wrongdoer and the victim. You can feel both. Ask God to help you stay connected to the pain beneath the heat. Then act with courage that honors everyone, even when it costs you something.
Main takeaway: Grief for a friend can burn as anger, and such anger is not always sin, sometimes it is love in pain.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jonathan was sad and angry because his dad was mean to his friend. Sometimes we feel sad when someone we love is hurt. It is okay to feel that way.
For ages 9, 12
Jonathan knew his father was wrong to want to hurt David. He was so upset he could not even eat. His anger was not about being mad, it was about loving his friend too much to stay quiet. When you see someone treated unfairly, you can feel sad and brave at the same time. That is what Jonathan shows us.
Questions People Ask
Why did Jonathan get so angry at his father?
Jonathan became angry because he realized his father was determined to kill David, his closest friend. Saul had thrown a spear at Jonathan and insulted him. But the deeper cause was grief, Jonathan was grieved for David because his father had treated him shamefully.
Did Jonathan sin by being angry at Saul?
The Bible does not say Jonathan sinned. His anger was rooted in grief for David, not pride or rebellion. Ephesians 4:26 says, <blockquote class="scripture"><p>"Be angry, and don’t sin."</p><cite>— Ephesians 4:26a (WEB)</cite></blockquote> Other passages like Mark 3:5 show Jesus being angry and grieved at hard hearts. The key is what fuels the anger.
What does 'fierce anger' mean in Hebrew?
The phrase comes from the Hebrew cho.ri af, meaning 'heat of nose' or burning anger. It pictures anger as a fire in the nostrils. In the Old Testament, this phrase often describes righteous indignation, not just raw emotion.
Why didn't Jonathan eat any food?
Jonathan did not eat because his grief overwhelmed his appetite. In ancient Israel, mourning often involved fasting. The second day of the new moon was part of a feast, but Jonathan could not participate because his heart was full of sorrow for David.
How does this verse relate to honoring your parents?
Honoring parents does not mean agreeing with everything they do. Jonathan respected his father but could not support his plan to kill an innocent man. Jesus also taught that loyalty to God can create difficult family situations (Matthew 10:37). Jonathan's grief shows that honoring parents and loving a friend can pull in opposite directions.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study