King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 14:7 Mean?
“And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.”
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
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Turn thee.**—The very words of the prince’s armour-bearer seem to have been preserved; the expression is a colloquial one, and is rendered here literally. It signifies, “Go on; I will follow.”
(8) **Behold, we will pass over.**—The steep crag upon which the Philistine outpost was entrenched was across a deep ravine, or chasm, which separated the hostile armies.
(9) **If they say thus unto us.**—He longed for a supernatural sign which should confirm him in his conviction, that the prompting which urged him to this deed of extreme daring was indeed a voice from heaven.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge