King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:27 Mean?

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 14:27 · King James Version


Context

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

29

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

Jonathan's ignorance of the oath - 'Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people' - creates dramatic tension. He takes honey freely, and 'his eyes were enlightened' - physical refreshment that pictures spiritual truth. The Hebrew phrase for enlightened eyes (va-ta'ornah einav) describes renewed energy and clarity. Jonathan receives what his father prohibited, experiences blessing his father's oath denied the army. The one who initiated victory through faith now unknowingly violates the king's command.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'his eyes were enlightened' indicates recovery from the faintness of exhaustion. Ancient warriors recognized that extreme hunger affected vision and mental clarity. Jonathan's refreshment demonstrates the practical folly of Saul's oath.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jonathan's experience of blessing through ignorance of bad rules suggest about such rules?
  2. How does physical refreshment sometimes picture deeper spiritual truth?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְיֽוֹנָתָ֣ן
1 of 23

But Jonathan

H3129
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
לֹֽא
2 of 23
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֗ע
3 of 23

heard

H8085
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּהַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ
4 of 23

charged

H7650
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
אָבִיו֮
5 of 23

not when his father

H1
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֶת
6 of 23
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָם֒
7 of 23

the people

H5971
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
8 of 23

wherefore he put forth

H7971
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
9 of 23
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קְצֵ֤ה
10 of 23

the end

H7097
an extremity
הַמַּטֶּה֙
11 of 23

of the rod

H4294
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
12 of 23
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָדוֹ֙
13 of 23

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
וַיִּטְבֹּ֥ל
14 of 23

and dipped

H2881
to dip, to immerse
אוֹתָ֖הּ
15 of 23
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיַעְרַ֣ת
16 of 23

it in an honeycomb

H3295
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
הַדְּבָ֑שׁ
17 of 23
H1706
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
וַיָּ֤שֶׁב
18 of 23

and put

H7725
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יָדוֹ֙
19 of 23

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
אֶל
20 of 23
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
פִּ֔יו
21 of 23

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
וַתָּרֹ֖אְנָה
22 of 23

were enlightened

H215
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
עֵינָֽיו׃
23 of 23

and his eyes

H5869
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 14:27 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 14:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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