King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 14:10 Mean?
“But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.”
1 Samuel 14:10 · KJV
Context
8
Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.
9
If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. Tarry: Heb. Be still
10
But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.
11
And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
12
And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer , and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer , Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.
The confirming sign - 'Come up unto us' - is interpreted as divine guarantee: 'the LORD hath delivered them into our hand.' The Philistine challenge, humanly a tactical advantage (forcing attackers to climb toward defended positions), becomes Jonathan's assurance of victory. What appears as greater danger ('we will go up') is received as certain success. Faith transforms apparent disadvantage into confirmed opportunity. Jonathan's confidence is not in his climbing ability but in divine deliverance.
The confirming sign - 'Come up unto us' - is interpreted as divine guarantee: 'the LORD hath delivered them into our hand.' The Philistine challenge, humanly a tactical advantage (forcing attackers to climb toward defended positions), becomes Jonathan's assurance of victory. What appears as greater danger ('we will go up') is received as certain success. Faith transforms apparent disadvantage into confirmed opportunity. Jonathan's confidence is not in his climbing ability but in divine deliverance.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Military advantage in ancient warfare typically belonged to defenders on high ground. The Philistines' invitation to 'come up' would normally ensure their tactical superiority. Jonathan's faith reinterprets this tactical situation through theological lens.
Reflection Questions
- How does faith reinterpret apparent disadvantages as opportunities for God's glory?
- When has what seemed like greater difficulty actually confirmed God's leading?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוְאִם1 of 13
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כֹּ֨ה2 of 13
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ4 of 13
“thus Come up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙5 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ6 of 13
“thus Come up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כִּֽי7 of 13
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נְתָנָ֥ם8 of 13
“hath delivered”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה9 of 13
“for the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיָדֵ֑נוּ10 of 13
“them into our hand”
H3027a 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
לָּ֖נוּ12 of 13
H0הָאֽוֹת׃13 of 13
“and this shall be a sign”
H226a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge