KJV ORIGINAL
And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Saul replied, 'May God punish me severely if I don't keep my word—Jonathan, you will definitely die.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Saul is declaring that his son Jonathan must die because he broke Saul's oath, even though Jonathan's actions helped save Israel.
📚 Historical Context
Saul had made a rash oath that anyone who ate food during battle would die, not knowing his son Jonathan had tasted honey. When Jonathan's violation was discovered through casting lots, Saul felt bound by his oath despite Jonathan's innocent mistake and successful military leadership that day. This moment reveals Saul's tendency toward impulsive decisions and rigid adherence to oaths, even when mercy would be wiser.
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