King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:42 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:42 in the King James Version says “And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

1 Samuel 14:42 · KJV


Context

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

42

And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

43

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

44

And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

The lot between Saul and Jonathan identifies Jonathan. The spare narrative - 'Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken' - heightens tension. What should have been unthinkable becomes reality: the hero of the battle stands condemned by his father's oath. The lot functions correctly; God identifies the oath-breaker. Yet the oath itself was the problem, not the one who unknowingly violated it. Divine process confirms human folly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The lot's identification of Jonathan was understood as divine verdict. Ancient Israelites believed God controlled lot outcomes (Proverbs 16:33). Jonathan's 'taking' by the lot was considered divine confirmation of his violation, regardless of his ignorance.

Reflection Questions

  1. When proper procedures produce unjust results, what is wrong - the procedure or the underlying situation?
  2. How should we evaluate systems that technically function correctly but produce harmful outcomes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 9

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֔וּל2 of 9

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הַפִּ֕ילוּ3 of 9

Cast

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בֵּינִ֕י4 of 9
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֖ין5 of 9
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

יֽוֹנָתָֽן׃6 of 9

And Jonathan

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בְּנִ֑י7 of 9

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

וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד8 of 9

was taken

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

יֽוֹנָתָֽן׃9 of 9

And Jonathan

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites


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 14:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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