Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.

1 SAMUEL 14:8KJV
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1 Samuel 14:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:8 mean?

1 Samuel 14:8 describes Jonathan’s decision to approach the Philistines with his armor-bearer, the man who carried his weapons. Jonathan plans to let the enemy see them rather than remain hidden. His words begin a plan for deciding what the two men will do next.

The KJV phrase “discover ourselves” means “show ourselves,” not “find out who we are.” Jonathan’s choice puts the two men where the Philistines can respond to them. The words “these men” refer to the Philistine soldiers stationed across the passage.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:8

  • “discover” — גָּלָה (galah): The word often means to uncover or reveal. Here it describes making themselves visible, which gives “discover” a different sense from its common use today.

Why 1 Samuel 14:8 matters

  • Jonathan’s plan leaves the next move partly dependent on the Philistines’ response. In verses 9–10, he gives his armor-bearer different instructions for what to do depending on what the soldiers say.

  • Jonathan and his armor-bearer are acting together. Jonathan says “we will pass over” and “we will discover ourselves,” continuing the agreement between the two men in verse 7.

  • The soldiers’ words become a sign for Jonathan. If they invite the two men to come up, Jonathan takes that as a sign that the Lord has given the Philistines into their hands (verse 10).

Where else these words appear

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • 2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!