Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

1 SAMUEL 14:40KJV
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1 Samuel 14:40 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:40 mean?

1 Samuel 14:40 describes Saul telling the people of Israel to stand on one side, while he and his son Jonathan stand on the other. The people respond by telling Saul to do whatever he thinks is best. This sets up a moment of decision and separation between Saul’s family and the rest of the Israelites.

In this scene, King Saul is speaking to all the Israelites after a troubling event in battle. Saul is trying to find out who is responsible for a problem among the people, so he separates himself and Jonathan from everyone else. The people show their respect for Saul’s authority by agreeing to his plan and leaving the decision to him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:40

  • "side" (עֵבֶר, ʿēver): This word means "side" or "across," highlighting the physical separation Saul is creating between himself (with Jonathan) and the rest of Israel. It shows a deliberate dividing line for the purpose of investigation.
  • "Do" (עָשָׂה, ʿāśâ): This verb means "to do" or "to make." The people use it to give Saul full permission to act as he sees fit, showing their willingness to follow his judgment.
  • "seemeth good" (עַיִן טוֹב, ʿayin tov): Literally "what is good in your eyes," this phrase means "whatever you think is best." It emphasizes that the people are deferring to Saul’s wisdom and authority in this tense moment.

Why 1 Samuel 14:40 matters

  • This verse shows the trust and authority Saul still holds among the people at this point, even as tension rises over his earlier decisions.
  • The separation of Saul and Jonathan from the rest of Israel is a key step in the process Saul uses to discover who broke his command, setting up the dramatic events that follow.
  • The people’s response, letting Saul do what he thinks is right, highlights the seriousness of the situation and their willingness to accept his leadership, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Where else these words appear

“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 14:21 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 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.