King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:2 in the King James Version says “And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were w... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

1 Samuel 14:2 · 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

4

And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

While Jonathan prepares to advance, Saul 'tarried' (yoshev) 'in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree.' The contrast could not be sharper: the king sits passively while his son advances in faith. The mention of 'about six hundred men' recalls the depleted force from chapter 13 - Saul has gained nothing through his failed sacrifice. The pomegranate tree at Migron creates a picture of royal inaction, the king literally 'sitting it out' while his kingdom crumbles.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pomegranate trees provided shade in the hot Palestinian climate. The location 'in the uttermost part of Gibeah' suggests Saul positioned himself as far as possible from the Philistine threat while maintaining a presence. This defensive posture contrasts with Jonathan's offensive action.

Reflection Questions

  1. What causes leaders to become passive when decisive action is needed?
  2. How does fear of failure produce the very failure it fears?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָׁא֗וּל1 of 14

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

יוֹשֵׁב֙2 of 14

tarried

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִּקְצֵ֣ה3 of 14

in the uttermost

H7097

an extremity

הַגִּבְעָ֔ה4 of 14

part of Gibeah

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

תַּ֥חַת5 of 14
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הָֽרִמּ֖וֹן6 of 14

under a pomegranate tree

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 14
H834

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

בְּמִגְר֑וֹן8 of 14

which is in Migron

H4051

migron, a place in palestine

וְהָעָם֙9 of 14

and the people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834

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

עִמּ֔וֹ11 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כְּשֵׁ֥שׁ12 of 14

that were with him were about six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֖וֹת13 of 14

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִֽישׁ׃14 of 14

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)


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 14:2 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 14:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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