King James Version
1 Samuel 14:16 in the King James Version says “And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.”
1 Samuel 14:16 · KJV
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. an: or, half a furrow of an acre of land
And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. a very: Heb. a trembling of God
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.
And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“looked”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“And the watchmen”
H6822properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
“of Benjamin”
H1144binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
“melted away”
H4127to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
“on beating down”
H1986to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
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.
1 Samuel 14:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge