King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:26 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:26 in the King James Version says “And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the pe... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

1 Samuel 14:26 · KJV


Context

24

And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

25

And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.

26

And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

27

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb , and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

28

Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. faint: or, weary


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

The people's fear of Saul's curse overpowers their physical need: they see 'the honey dropped' but 'no man put his hand to his mouth.' The Hebrew emphasizes restraint despite extreme temptation - honey literally dripping before exhausted, hungry warriors. Fear of the king's oath supersedes natural desire and practical need. Saul's word binds more than God's provision frees. This reversal of proper authority - king's command over divine gift - characterizes Saul's dysfunctional leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient curses were taken with utmost seriousness. The people's fear reflects belief in the effective power of pronounced oaths. Violation was thought to bring automatic negative consequences. This cultural context explains the troops' restraint despite exhaustion.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does fear of human authority prevent receiving what God provides?
  2. How do we distinguish between proper respect for leadership and improper bondage to human decrees?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיָּבֹ֤א1 of 17

were come

H935

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

הָעָ֖ם2 of 17

And when the people

H5971

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

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיַּ֔עַר4 of 17

into the wood

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וְהִנֵּ֖ה5 of 17
H2009

lo!

הֵ֣לֶךְ6 of 17

dropped

H1982

properly, a journey, i.e., (by implication) a wayfarer; also a flowing

דְּבָ֑שׁ7 of 17

behold the honey

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

וְאֵין8 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַשִּׂ֤יג9 of 17

but no man put

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָדוֹ֙10 of 17

his hand

H3027

a 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

אֶל11 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פִּ֔יו12 of 17

to his mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

כִּֽי13 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרֵ֥א14 of 17

feared

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הָעָ֖ם15 of 17

And when the people

H5971

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

אֶת16 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשְּׁבֻעָֽה׃17 of 17

the oath

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath


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 14:26 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 14:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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