King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:16 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:16 in the King James Version says “And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philist...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. present: Heb. found Gibeah: Heb. Geba”

1 Samuel 13:16 · KJV

Context

14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

15

And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. present: Heb. found

16

And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. present: Heb. found Gibeah: Heb. Geba

17

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:

18

And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

Read 1 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

The positioning of Saul, Jonathan, and their small force in Gibeah while the Philistines occupied Michmash creates the geographical setting for Jonathan's heroic action in chapter 14. The Hebrew yashab ('abode') suggests stationary, passive waiting - Saul has lost initiative after his rejection. The contrast between the paralyzed king and his bold son emerges as a major theme. Saul's spiritual failure has translated into military passivity; he awaits events rather than seeking God's guidance for action.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Geba (or Gibeah) and Michmash were separated by a deep wadi (valley) about four miles apart. The Philistine occupation of Michmash gave them strategic control of the central hill country and blocked Israelite movement. This standoff continued until Jonathan's initiative.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual failure affect our capacity for faithful action?
  2. What is the difference between patient waiting on God and passive paralysis from failed leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְשָׁא֞וּל1 of 12

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְיֽוֹנָתָ֣ן2 of 12

“and Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בְּנ֗וֹ3 of 12

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְהָעָם֙4 of 12

“and the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַנִּמְצָ֣א5 of 12

“that were present”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

עִמָּ֔ם6 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים7 of 12

“with them abode”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּגֶ֣בַע8 of 12

“in Gibeah”

H1387

geba, a place in palestine

בִּנְיָמִ֑ן9 of 12

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים10 of 12

“but the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

חָנ֥וּ11 of 12

“encamped”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְמִכְמָֽשׂ׃12 of 12

“in Michmash”

H4363

mikmas or mikmash, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 13:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:3

Places in This Verse

Geba 1Settlement · Modern: Jaba · 31.86°N, 35.26°E14 verses across 8 books
MichmashSettlement · Modern: Mukhmas · 31.87°N, 35.28°E11 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 13 →

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