King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:49 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:49 in the King James Version says “Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name o...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:”

1 Samuel 14:49 · KJV

Context

47

So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.

48

And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. gathered: or, wrought mightily

49

Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:

50

And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. Abner: Heb. Abiner

51

And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:

The genealogical information introduces Saul's family: sons Jonathan, Ishui (also called Ishbosheth), and Malchi-shua; daughters Merab and Michal. Jonathan's prominence in this chapter makes his listing first fitting. Merab was promised to David but given to another (18:17-19); Michal became David's first wife (18:27). These family relationships will shape Israel's future. The mention of daughters is unusual in royal genealogies, suggesting their narrative importance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Royal genealogies established dynastic claims and political relationships. Ishui/Ishbosheth's later brief reign over northern Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-10) and the daughters' marriages to David intertwine Saul's house with Israel's future. The family information prepares for subsequent narrative.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do family relationships established here shape Israel's future history?
  2. What does inclusion of daughters in the genealogy suggest about their coming significance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙1 of 15
H1961

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

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 15

“Now the sons”

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

שָׁא֔וּל3 of 15

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

יֽוֹנָתָ֥ן4 of 15

“were Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

וְיִשְׁוִ֖י5 of 15

“and Ishui”

H3440

jishvi, the name of two israelites

וּמַלְכִּישׁ֑וּעַ6 of 15

“and Melchishua”

H4444

malkishua, an israelite

וְשֵׁ֥ם7 of 15

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שְׁתֵּ֣י8 of 15

“of his two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֹתָ֔יו9 of 15

“daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְשֵׁ֥ם10 of 15

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַבְּכִירָה֙11 of 15

“of the firstborn”

H1067

the eldest daughter

מֵרַ֔ב12 of 15

“Merab”

H4764

merab, a daughter of saul

וְשֵׁ֥ם13 of 15

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה14 of 15

“of the younger”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

מִיכַֽל׃15 of 15

“Michal”

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

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 14:49 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 14:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 8:331 Samuel 31:21 Chronicles 9:392 Samuel 6:20-231 Samuel 18:7-212 Samuel 3:13-16

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