And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

1 SAMUEL 14:11KJV
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1 Samuel 14:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:11 mean?

1 Samuel 14:11 describes how Jonathan and his armor-bearer revealed themselves openly to the Philistine soldiers stationed nearby. The Philistines noticed them and mocked them, saying that the Hebrews were finally coming out of hiding places where they had been concealed.

In this scene, Jonathan (the son of King Saul) and his armor-bearer are taking a bold step by showing themselves to the enemy garrison. The Philistines’ reaction shows their confidence and perhaps their scorn, as they believe the Israelites have been hiding in fear. This moment sets up the dramatic action that follows, highlighting Jonathan’s courage and the risky situation.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:11

  • "discovered" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means to uncover or reveal. Here, it emphasizes that Jonathan and his companion made themselves visible on purpose, not by accident.
  • "garrison" (מַצָּב, matstsev): This refers to a military outpost or group of stationed soldiers. Knowing this helps the reader picture a guarded position, not just a random group.
  • "holes" (חֹר, chor): This word means holes, caves, or hiding places. The Philistines’ comment uses this word to mock the Israelites, suggesting they have been hiding underground or in caves out of fear.
  • "hid" (טָפַן, taman): This means to hide or conceal. The Philistines assume the Hebrews have been deliberately hiding themselves away, reinforcing the sense of Israel’s vulnerability at this point.

Why 1 Samuel 14:11 matters

  • This verse helps the reader understand the risky and brave nature of Jonathan’s actions, as he deliberately exposes himself to a much larger enemy force.
  • The Philistines’ mocking words reveal their view of the Israelites as weak and afraid, which sets up the surprise of what Jonathan is about to do.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, showing the tension between human fear and bold trust.

Where else these words appear

“holes” Hebrew H2356 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
  • Song of Solomon 5:4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
  • Nahum 2:12 The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.

“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 14:1 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 14:15 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.

“Hebrews” Hebrew H5680 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Exodus 2:7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?
  • Deuteronomy 15:12 And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

“hid” Hebrew H2244 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
  • 1 Samuel 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait,(for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.