And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

1 SAMUEL 14:45KJV
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1 Samuel 14:45 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:45 mean?

1 Samuel 14:45 shows the people of Israel standing up to King Saul, refusing to let him execute his son Jonathan, because Jonathan had brought about a great victory for Israel with God's help. The people insist that Jonathan should not be harmed, and they intervene to save his life.

In this verse, the people are speaking directly to Saul after he has threatened Jonathan with death for breaking Saul’s oath. The crowd recognizes that Jonathan’s actions, which led to Israel’s deliverance, were done in partnership with God. Their words, “there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground,” stress their determination to protect Jonathan, and their intervention ultimately prevents his execution.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:45

  • “salvation” (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu‘ah): This word means “deliverance” or “rescue.” The people credit Jonathan with bringing about a significant rescue for Israel, highlighting the importance of his actions.
  • “rescued” (פָּדָה, padah): This word means “to redeem” or “to deliver.” The people’s intervention is described with this word, showing that they actively redeemed Jonathan from a death sentence, not just passively objected.
  • “as the LORD liveth” (יְהוָה, YHWH + חַי, chai): This phrase is a solemn oath, emphasizing the seriousness and certainty of their promise to protect Jonathan.

Why 1 Samuel 14:45 matters

  • This verse shows the people’s ability to challenge the king’s authority when they see injustice, especially when God’s work is involved.
  • The verse highlights Jonathan’s role as a faithful and courageous leader, whose actions are recognized as being in partnership with God, not just human effort.
  • It marks a turning point in Saul’s leadership, revealing cracks in his relationship with both the people and his own family, which will become important as the story continues.

Where else these words appear

“hair” Hebrew H8185 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
  • 1 Kings 1:52 And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.
  • Psalms 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

“forbid” Hebrew H2486 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
  • 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
  • 2 Samuel 20:20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

“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.

“rescued” Hebrew H6299 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
  • Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.