King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:7 in the King James Version says “And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy he... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

1 Samuel 14:7 · KJV


Context

5

The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. forefront: Heb. tooth

6

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

7

And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

8

Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.

9

If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. Tarry: Heb. Be still


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

The armor-bearer's response - 'Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart' - models faithful followership. He commits fully to Jonathan's initiative without demanding guarantees of success. The phrase 'according to thy heart' (kil'vaveka) indicates complete alignment of purpose. Such wholehearted partnership in faith ventures magnifies courage and enables action that neither could accomplish alone. The unnamed armor-bearer becomes a hero by supporting Jonathan's faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The armor-bearer's response reflects ancient Near Eastern warrior codes where loyalty unto death was expected. His willingness to follow Jonathan into certain danger exemplifies the bond between warrior and attendant. This relationship anticipates David and Jonathan's later friendship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does faithful followership enable courageous leadership?
  2. What does it mean to be 'with someone according to their heart' in spiritual ventures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙2 of 13
H0
נֹשֵׂ֣א3 of 13

And his armourbearer

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כֵלָ֔יו4 of 13
H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

עֲשֵׂ֖ה5 of 13

unto him Do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּל6 of 13
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כִּלְבָבֶֽךָ׃8 of 13

all that is in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

נְטֵ֣ה9 of 13

turn

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

לָ֔ךְ10 of 13
H0
הִנְנִ֥י11 of 13
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עִמְּךָ֖12 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּלְבָבֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

all that is in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)


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 14:7 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 14:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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