King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:1 in the King James Version says “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and le... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side . But he told not his father. it came: or, there was a day

1 Samuel 14:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side . But he told not his father. it came: or, there was a day

2

And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

3

And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. Ahiah: called Ahimelech


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

Jonathan's initiative - 'Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison' - contrasts dramatically with Saul's passivity. The young prince acts without informing his father, suggesting he knows Saul would forbid such apparent recklessness. The Hebrew na'ar ('young man') emphasizes Jonathan's youth and the informal relationship with his armor-bearer. Faith sees opportunity where fear sees only danger. Jonathan's unnamed action partner represents the faithful few willing to follow courageous leadership into seemingly impossible situations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Armor-bearers were personal attendants who carried secondary weapons and shields for warriors. The relationship involved deep loyalty and trust. Jonathan's armor-bearer later demonstrates his willingness to follow into certain death, reflecting ancient Near Eastern warrior-bond traditions.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has faithful initiative required acting without institutional approval?
  2. What distinguishes reckless presumption from faith-driven courage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 21
H1961

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

הַיּ֗וֹם2 of 21

Now it came to pass upon a 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

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר3 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֽוֹנָתָ֤ן4 of 21

that Jonathan

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בֶּן5 of 21

the 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

שָׁאוּל֙6 of 21

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל7 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנַּ֙עַר֙8 of 21

unto the young man

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

נֹשֵׂ֣א9 of 21

that bare

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כֵלָ֔יו10 of 21

his armour

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

לְכָ֗ה11 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנַעְבְּרָה֙12 of 21

and let us go over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶל13 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַצַּ֣ב14 of 21

garrison

H4673

a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים15 of 21

to the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אֲשֶׁ֖ר16 of 21
H834

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

מֵעֵ֣בֶר17 of 21

that is on the other side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַלָּ֑ז18 of 21
H1975

this or that

וּלְאָבִ֖יו19 of 21

not his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

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

הִגִּֽיד׃21 of 21

But he told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to


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 14:1 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 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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