King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:11 in the King James Version says “And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebre...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 14:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.

Read 1 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer 'discovered themselves' (galah) - made themselves known, exposed themselves to danger. The Philistines' contemptuous response - 'Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves' - reveals their arrogant assumption that Israel was broken and hiding. Their mockery blinds them to the faith-driven attack coming their way. Pride precedes destruction; the Philistines' disdain becomes their downfall.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistine taunt about Israelites hiding 'in holes' reflects the actual situation - many Israelites had indeed fled to caves (13:6). The enemy's accurate assessment of Israel's weakness made Jonathan's attack seem laughable. This overconfidence contributed to Philistine unpreparedness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does enemy contempt sometimes contribute to faith's victory?
  2. When has your apparent weakness caused opponents to underestimate what God could do?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּגָּל֣וּ1 of 15

“of them discovered”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם2 of 15

“And both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַצַּ֖ב4 of 15

“themselves unto the garrison”

H4673

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

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים5 of 15

“and the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ6 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים7 of 15

“and the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

הִנֵּ֤ה8 of 15
H2009

lo!

עִבְרִים֙9 of 15

“Behold the Hebrews”

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

יֹֽצְאִ֔ים10 of 15

“come forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִן11 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַֽחֹרִ֖ים12 of 15

“out of the holes”

H2356

a cavity, socket, den

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

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

הִתְחַבְּאוּ14 of 15

“where they had hid”

H2244

to secrete

שָֽׁם׃15 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 14:11 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 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:61 Samuel 14:22Judges 6:2

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