King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:8 in the King James Version says “Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 14:8 · KJV

Context

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

10

But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.

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Commentary

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

Jonathan proposes a sign (ot) to determine God's will: they will reveal themselves to the Philistines and interpret their response as divine guidance. This seeking of confirmation demonstrates that faith ventures should not proceed on mere impulse but seek God's direction. Jonathan's plan combines bold initiative with humble dependence on divine guidance. The willingness to 'discover ourselves unto them' accepts vulnerability as part of the faith test.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Seeking signs for divine guidance was common in ancient Israel (Judges 6:36-40; 1 Samuel 6:7-9). Jonathan's proposed sign differs from demanding God prove Himself; instead, it seeks discernment for a course of action already motivated by faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you seek divine confirmation for faith initiatives?
  2. What is the difference between testing God and seeking His guidance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 9

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן2 of 9

“Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

הִנֵּ֛ה3 of 9
H2009

lo!

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ4 of 9
H587

we

עֹֽבְרִ֖ים5 of 9

“Behold we will pass over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶל6 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים7 of 9

“unto these men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

וְנִגְלִ֖ינוּ8 of 9

“and we will discover”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃9 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 7:9-14

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