King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:20 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:20 in the King James Version says “And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. assembled: Heb. were cried together

1 Samuel 14:20 · KJV


Context

18

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.

19

And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand. noise: or, tumult

20

And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. assembled: Heb. were cried together

21

Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

22

Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.

Saul's forces assemble and enter a battle already won: 'every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.' The Hebrew mehumah ('discomfiture' or 'confusion') echoes the divine panic of verse 15. The Israelites arrive to find Philistines destroying each other. Saul claims credit by participation in a victory God accomplished through Jonathan's faith. This pattern - taking credit for divine action - characterizes much of Saul's reign.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The scene of confused combat where enemies attack each other recalls Gideon's victory (Judges 7:22). Such supernatural victories were designed to demonstrate that 'the battle is the LORD's' (17:47). Israel's role was to pursue and complete what God initiated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we properly give God credit for victories we participate in but did not create?
  2. What does it mean to join what God is already doing rather than initiating our own plans?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּזָּעֵ֣ק1 of 17

that were with him assembled

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

שָׁא֗וּל2 of 17

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְכָל3 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָם֙4 of 17

and all the people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 17
H834

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

אִתּ֔וֹ6 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ7 of 17

themselves and they came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד8 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה9 of 17

to the battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְהִנֵּ֨ה10 of 17
H2009

lo!

הָֽיְתָ֜ה11 of 17
H1961

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

חֶ֤רֶב12 of 17

sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

אִישׁ֙13 of 17

and behold every man's

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)

בְּרֵעֵ֔הוּ14 of 17

was against his fellow

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

מְהוּמָ֖ה15 of 17

discomfiture

H4103

confusion or uproar

גְּדוֹלָ֥ה16 of 17

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מְאֹֽד׃17 of 17

and there was a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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