The big picture
1 Samuel 14 opens in verse 1 with “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 26 with “And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put…”, and closes in verse 52 with “And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw…” Repeated or prominent terms include Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
1 Samuel · King James Version · 521 Samuel 14:1-8
1–8: It came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the…
1 Samuel 14:1–8 opens with “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare…” and reaches “Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by Jonathan, garrison, side.
Context that brings the passage to life
“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…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
“And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’s priest in Shiloh…” Naming Ahiah and Ahitub keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
“And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy…” The line’s distinctive content terms include heart, armourbearer, turn. Its relationship to verses 6 and 8 shows what work it does in this passage.
1 Samuel 14:1-8
King James Version1Now 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.
2And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
3And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’s priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
4And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
5The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.
6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
7And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
8Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.
1 Samuel 14:9-16
9–16: If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand…
1 Samuel 14:9–16 opens with “If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and…” and reaches “And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by armourbearer, Jonathan, garrison.
Context that brings the passage to life
“If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto…” Naming Tarry keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the…” Naming Philistines and Hebrews keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before…” Naming Jonathan keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
1 Samuel 14:9-16
King James Version9If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.
10But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.
11And 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.
12And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.
13And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.
14And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.
15And 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.
16And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
1 Samuel 14:17-24
17–24: Said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is…
1 Samuel 14:17–24 opens with “Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And…” and reaches “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by Saul, Israel, people.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had…” Naming Jonathan and Number keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.
“Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the…” Naming Hebrews and Israelites keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
1 Samuel 14:17-24
King James Version17Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.
18And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
19And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.
20And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.
21Moreover 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.
22Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.
23So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven.
24And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
1 Samuel 14:25-32
25–32: All they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the…
1 Samuel 14:25–32 opens with “And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.” and reaches “And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by people, father, hand.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.” The line’s distinctive content terms include ground, honey, land. Its relationship to verses 26 shows what work it does in this passage.
“But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
“Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I…” Naming Jonathan keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
1 Samuel 14:25-32
King James Version25And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.
26And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.
27But 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.
28Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.
29Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
30How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?
31And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.
32And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood.
1 Samuel 14:33-40
33–40: They told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD , in…
1 Samuel 14:33–40 opens with “Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD , in that they eat with the…” and reaches “Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by Saul, people, LORD.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD , in that they eat with the blood. And he said…” Naming Saul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And Saul built an altar unto the LORD : the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD .” Naming Saul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
1 Samuel 14:33-40
King James Version33Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD , in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
34And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.
35And Saul built an altar unto the LORD : the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD .
36And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.
37And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.
38And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
39For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.
40Then 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 14:41-48
41–48: Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And…
1 Samuel 14:41–48 opens with “Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were…” and reaches “And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by Jonathan, Saul, Israel.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
“Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
1 Samuel 14:41-48
King James Version41Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
42And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
43Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.
44And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
45And 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.
46Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.
47So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.
48And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.
1 Samuel 14:49-52
49–52: The sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the…
1 Samuel 14:49–52 opens with “Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two…” and reaches “And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Samuel 14 develops its own movement around Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, with particular weight carried by name, Saul, Abner.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the…” The number two makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
1 Samuel 14:49-52
King James Version49Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
50And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.
51And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
52And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
1 Samuel 14:1 begins with “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’…”
Where the chapter turns
1 Samuel 14:27 forms a natural hinge: “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…”
The final note
1 Samuel 14:52 leaves the reader with “And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Saul, people, Jonathan, Philistines, Israel, LORD help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
What contrasts the two royal encounters?
Melchizedek blesses God as the source of victory; Abram refuses a financial arrangement that would let Sodom claim credit for his wealth.
How does Abram treat Lot after their separation?
He risks resources to rescue him rather than treating earlier disagreement as a reason for abandonment.
KJV words made clear
- behold
- look, or pay close attention
- unto
- to
- thee
- you
- thou
- you
- thy
- your
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.