Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

1 SAMUEL 14:21KJV
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1 Samuel 14:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:21 mean?

1 Samuel 14:21 describes how some Hebrews who had previously joined the Philistines now switched sides and joined the Israelites fighting with Saul and Jonathan. When the battle turned in Israel’s favor, these Hebrews left the Philistine camp and rejoined their own people.

The verse is set during a battle between Israel and the Philistines. Some Hebrews had earlier aligned themselves with the Philistines, possibly out of fear or for survival. As Saul and Jonathan’s attack caused confusion among the Philistines, these Hebrews saw an opportunity to return to the Israelite side, showing how quickly loyalties could shift in times of war.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:21

  • עִבְרִי (ivri, "Hebrews"): This word refers specifically to the ethnic group of Israelites, highlighting that these were not Philistines but Israelites who had been living among or siding with the enemy.
  • פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pelishti, "Philistines"): The use of this term emphasizes the contrast between the two groups and the significance of the Hebrews’ decision to leave the Philistines and join their own people.
  • מַחֲנֶה (machaneh, "camp"): This word points to the military encampment, clarifying that the Hebrews were physically present with the Philistine army before switching sides.

Why 1 Samuel 14:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that all Israelites were always united; it shows that some had joined the enemy, but circumstances led them to return.
  • The verse highlights the turning point in the battle, where the momentum shifted so dramatically that even those who had defected felt safe to come back.
  • It connects to the wider story by showing the impact of Saul and Jonathan’s faith and leadership, which inspired others to rejoin the Israelite cause.

Where else these words appear

“before” Hebrew H865 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.
  • 1 Samuel 19:7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
  • Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

“time” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 10:11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

“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.

“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.