King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:22 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:22 in the King James Version says “So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people t... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

1 Samuel 13:22 · KJV


Context

20

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.

21

Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks , and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. a file: Heb. a file with mouths sharpen: Heb. to set

22

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. garrison: or, standing camp


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

The military implication is stark: 'in the day of battle, there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people.' Only Saul and Jonathan possessed proper weapons. This impossible military situation - an essentially unarmed force against iron-equipped Philistines - sets the stage for God's dramatic deliverance in chapter 14. Human resources are deliberately shown to be inadequate so that divine power receives full credit. The pattern recalls Gideon's reduced army and foreshadows many biblical deliverances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The contrast between Israelite and Philistine armament was extreme. Philistines possessed iron weapons, chariots, and professional soldiers. Israel had agricultural implements as improvised weapons and only two actual swords. Humanly speaking, victory was impossible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God often arrange circumstances so that His power alone can receive credit?
  2. When have you seen God work through completely inadequate human resources?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּי֣וֹם2 of 19

So it came to pass in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מִלְחֶ֔מֶת3 of 19

of battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְלֹ֨א4 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וַתִּמָּצֵ֣א5 of 19

found

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

חֶ֤רֶב6 of 19

that there was neither sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַֽחֲנִית֙7 of 19

nor spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

בְּיַ֣ד8 of 19

in the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כָּל9 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֔ם10 of 19

of any of the people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֶת12 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְשָׁא֔וּל13 of 19

but with Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאֶת14 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּלְיֽוֹנָתָ֖ן15 of 19

and Jonathan

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

וַתִּמָּצֵ֣א16 of 19

found

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

לְשָׁא֔וּל17 of 19

but with Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וּלְיֽוֹנָתָ֖ן18 of 19

and Jonathan

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בְּנֽוֹ׃19 of 19

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


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 13:22 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 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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