Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

1 SAMUEL 14:1KJV
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1 Samuel 14:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:1 mean?

1 Samuel 14:1 describes Jonathan, the son of King Saul, secretly inviting his young armor-bearer to cross over to the Philistine outpost without telling his father. The verse sets up a private and risky initiative by Jonathan, acting independently of Saul’s knowledge or command.

Jonathan is the one speaking in this verse, addressing the young man who carries his armor. The situation takes place during a time of conflict with the Philistines, Israel’s enemies. The verse highlights Jonathan’s boldness and secrecy, as he chooses not to inform Saul, suggesting a personal decision that could have significant consequences for both himself and Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:1

  • גַּלְעֵד (garrison; transliterated as matstebh; H4673): This word refers to a military outpost or stronghold. The mention of the Philistines’ garrison emphasizes the danger and significance of Jonathan’s plan, as he is targeting a fortified enemy position.
  • נַעַר (na'ar; H5288): This word means "young man" and refers to Jonathan’s armor-bearer. The use of this term shows that Jonathan is not acting alone but is accompanied by a loyal and likely inexperienced companion.
  • עָבַר (avar; H5674): This verb means "to cross over" or "go over." It highlights the physical and symbolic crossing Jonathan intends, moving from the safety of his own people toward the enemy.

Why 1 Samuel 14:1 matters

  • The verse shows Jonathan’s initiative and courage, setting the stage for a dramatic and pivotal event in Israel’s struggle with the Philistines.
  • By noting that Jonathan did not tell his father Saul, the verse hints at a lack of communication or trust within the royal family, which is a recurring theme in the surrounding chapters.
  • The secrecy and risk involved in Jonathan’s action help readers understand the tension and uncertainty of the situation, making the following events more meaningful.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H1975 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 6:20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
  • 2 Kings 4:25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:
  • Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

“garrison” Hebrew H4673 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • 1 Samuel 14:4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
  • 1 Samuel 14:15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3129 · used in 35 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
  • 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
  • 1 Kings 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

“side” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.