1 Samuel 14:44

44 And Saul answered , God do so and more also : for thou shalt surely die , Jonathan.

1 Samuel 14:44 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 14:44

And Saul answered, God do so and more also
A form of an oath imprecating evils upon him more and greater than he chose to mention, see the like form in ( Ruth 1:17 ) , though Abarbinel thinks this is not the form of an oath, but an asseveration of a curse that would befall him; as that God would not answer him when he inquired of him, and that he would add to do so again and again, if he died not:

for thou shall surely die, Jonathan;
such words from a father must be very striking to a son, and argue a want of paternal affection in Saul, that could call his son by his name, and deliver such a speech unto him in so strong a manner.

1 Samuel 14:44 In-Context

42 And Saul said , Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken .

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done . And Jonathan told him, and said , I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die .

44 And Saul answered , God do so and more also : for thou shalt surely die , Jonathan.

45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die , who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.