King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:39 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:39 in the King James Version says “For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.”

1 Samuel 14:39 · KJV

Context

37

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

38

And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. chief: Heb. corners

39

For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.

40

Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

41

Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. Give: or, Shew the innocent escaped: Heb. went forth

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.

Saul's oath intensifies the tragedy: 'though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.' The Hebrew moth yamuth ('he shall surely die') is emphatic. Saul commits to execute even his own son without knowing who is guilty. This compound oath - cursing those who eat and vowing death to the oath-breaker - reveals Saul's pattern of creating problems through impulsive words. The people's silence - 'there was not a man among all the people that answered him' - suggests disapproval they dare not voice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings were expected to enforce oaths absolutely, even against family. Saul's inclusion of Jonathan demonstrates (or performs) impartiality. The people's silence may indicate they already knew or suspected Jonathan was the violator.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do compounding oaths create impossible situations?
  2. What does the people's silence suggest about their view of Saul's leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כִּ֣י1 of 18
H3588

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

חַי2 of 18

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 18

“For as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַמּוֹשִׁ֙יעַ֙4 of 18

“which saveth”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֶת5 of 18
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 18

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֧י7 of 18
H3588

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

אִם8 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶשְׁנ֛וֹ9 of 18

“though it be”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

בְּיֽוֹנָתָ֥ן10 of 18

“in Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בְּנִ֖י11 of 18

“my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כִּ֣י12 of 18
H3588

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

יָמ֑וּת13 of 18

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יָמ֑וּת14 of 18

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְאֵ֥ין15 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֹנֵ֖הוּ16 of 18

“that answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מִכָּל17 of 18
H3605

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

הָעָֽם׃18 of 18

“But there was not a man among 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

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 14:39 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 14:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 14:442 Samuel 12:51 Samuel 14:241 Samuel 22:16Ecclesiastes 9:21 Samuel 19:6

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