Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. New Living Translation One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing. English Standard Version One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Berean Standard Bible One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. Berean Literal Bible And one day it came to pass that Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, and let us pass over to the garrison of the Philistines that is on the other side of this.” And his father he did not tell. King James Bible 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' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. New King James Version Now it happened one day that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. New American Standard Bible Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come, and let’s cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. NASB 1995 Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. NASB 1977 Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on yonder side.” But he did not tell his father. Legacy Standard Bible Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Amplified Bible One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to his young armor bearer, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Berean Annotated Bible One day Jonathan (YHWH has given) son of Saul (desired) said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine (immigrants) outpost on the other side. But Jonathan did not tell his father. Christian Standard Bible That same day Saul’s son Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” However, he did not tell his father. Holman Christian Standard Bible That same day Saul’s son Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” However, he did not tell his father. American Standard Version Now it fell upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on yonder side. But he told not his father. English Revised Version Now it fell 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 yonder side. But he told not his father. GOD'S WORD® Translation One day Saul's son Jonathan said to his armorbearer, "Let's go to the Philistine military post on the other side." But Jonathan didn't tell his father [he was going]. Good News Translation One day Jonathan said to the young man who carried his weapons, "Let's go across to the Philistine camp." But Jonathan did not tell his father Saul, International Standard Version One day Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine garrison which is on the other side," but he did not tell his father. NET Bible Then one day Jonathan son of Saul said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the Philistine garrison that is opposite us." But he did not let his father know. New Heart English Bible Now it happened one day that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let’s go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side." But he did not tell his father. Webster's Bible Translation Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of the Philistines, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOne day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. World English Bible Now it happened on a day that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come! Let’s go over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he didn’t tell his father. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the day comes that Jonathan son of Saul says to the young man carrying his weapons, “Come, and we pass over to the station of the Philistines, which [is] on the other side of this”; and he has not declared [it] to his father. Berean Literal Bible And one day it came to pass that Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, and let us pass over to the garrison of the Philistines that is on the other side of this.” And his father he did not tell. Young's Literal Translation And the day cometh that Jonathan son of Saul saith unto the young man bearing his weapons, 'Come, and we pass over unto the station of the Philistines, which is on the other side of this;' and to his father he hath not declared it. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be the day, and Jonathan son of Saul, will say to the boy lifting up his arms, Come, and we will pass over to the station of the rovers, which is from beyond this And to his father he announced not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow it came to pass one day that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man that bore his armour: Come, and let us go over to the garrison of the Philistines, which is on the other side of yonder place. But he told not this to his father. Catholic Public Domain Version And it happened that, on a certain day, Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the youth who bore his armor, “Come, and let us go over to the garrison of the Philistines, which is across from that place.” But he did not reveal this to his father. New American Bible One day Jonathan, son of Saul, said to his armor-bearer, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not inform his father— New Revised Standard Version One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNOW it came to pass one day, Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison that is on the other side yonder. But he did not tell his father. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And it was day and Jonathan son of Shaul said to the boy bearing his weapons: “Come, we will pass to the garrison of the Philistines to the other far side.” And he did not tell his father OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now it fell upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bore his armour: 'Come and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on yonder side. But he told not his father. Brenton Septuagint Translation And when a certain day arrived, Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, and let us go over to Messab of the Philistines that is on the other side yonder; but he told not his father. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. 2Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men,… Cross References One day Jonathan son of Saul 1 Samuel 13:2 He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home. 2 Samuel 1:23-27 Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions. / O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold. / How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. … 1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. … said to the young man bearing his armor, Judges 9:54 He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died. 1 Samuel 31:4-5 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. 2 Samuel 18:15 And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” 1 Samuel 13:3-4 Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” / And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Judges 16:30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. But Jonathan did not tell his father. 1 Samuel 20:35-42 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him. / He said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. / When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” … 1 Samuel 23:16-18 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 1 Samuel 19:1-2 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. Judges 7:9-15 That night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. / But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah / and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. … 2 Kings 7:3-7 Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? / If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” / So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. … 1 Samuel 13:22-23 So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons. / And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash. 1 Samuel 14:6-14 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” / “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. … Treasury of Scripture Now it came to pass on a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. A. 1 Samuel 14:39-45 For, 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… 1 Samuel 13:2,22 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 18:1-4 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul… he told not 1 Samuel 25:19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. Judges 6:27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. Judges 14:6 And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. Jump to Previous Armor Armour Bare Bore Jonathan Philistines Saul Side Yonder YoungJump to Next Armor Armour Bare Bore Jonathan Philistines Saul Side Yonder Young1 Samuel 14 1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves 17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them 21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them. 24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory 31. He restrains the people from eating blood 35. He builds an altar 37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people 47. Saul's victories, strength, and family One day Jonathan son of Saul Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is introduced as a key figure in this narrative. As the crown prince, Jonathan holds a significant position in Israel's monarchy. His name means "Yahweh has given," reflecting the divine favor upon him. Jonathan is known for his bravery and faith, qualities that are evident in this passage. His relationship with his father, Saul, is complex, as Saul's reign is marked by disobedience to God, leading to his eventual rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26). Jonathan's actions often contrast with Saul's, highlighting his own faithfulness and courage. said to the young man bearing his armor “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God. He plays a crucial role in Israel's battles against the Philistines. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, father of Jonathan. At this point in the account, Saul is leading Israel against the Philistines but is unaware of Jonathan's plans. 3. The Young Armor-Bearer A loyal companion to Jonathan, demonstrating trust and support in Jonathan's bold plan. 4. Philistine Outpost A military position held by the Philistines, Israel's enemies. It represents the challenge and threat faced by Israel. 5. The Other Side Refers to the geographical and metaphorical crossing Jonathan intends to make, symbolizing faith and initiative. Teaching Points Faith in ActionJonathan's initiative demonstrates that faith often requires stepping out in boldness, even when others are unaware or hesitant. Leadership and Initiative True leadership sometimes involves taking risks and making decisions that others may not understand or support initially. Trust in God's Sovereignty Jonathan's decision to confront the Philistines without informing Saul shows a reliance on God's guidance rather than human approval. The Role of Companionship The armor-bearer's willingness to follow Jonathan highlights the importance of supportive relationships in pursuing God's plans. Courage Against the Odds Jonathan's account encourages believers to face challenges with courage, trusting that God can deliver victory regardless of the circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:1?2. How does Jonathan's initiative in 1 Samuel 14:1 inspire personal faith actions? 3. What role does trust in God play in Jonathan's decision in 1 Samuel 14:1? 4. How can Jonathan's courage in 1 Samuel 14:1 be applied in modern challenges? 5. Compare Jonathan's faith in 1 Samuel 14:1 with other biblical acts of faith. 6. How does Jonathan's leadership in 1 Samuel 14:1 reflect biblical principles of leadership? 7. What is the significance of Jonathan's initiative in 1 Samuel 14:1? 8. How does Jonathan's faith in 1 Samuel 14:1 challenge modern believers? 9. What historical context surrounds Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 14:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14? 11. If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul’s oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43–45)? 12. Who was Jonathan in the Bible? 13. How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)? 14. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? What Does 1 Samuel 14:1 Mean One day• The narrative opens with a simple time marker, reminding us that God often chooses an ordinary day to launch extraordinary works (cf. Esther 4:14; Acts 3:1). • Such wording signals divine timing rather than coincidence—setting the stage for faith-filled action that will ripple through Israel’s history. Jonathan son of Saul • Jonathan is already known for courage (1 Samuel 13:3), yet the text ties him to Saul to highlight a contrast: the son walks by faith while the king hesitates (13:7). • His lineage adds weight; a prince risks his life for God’s glory, echoing later patterns of sacrificial leadership (John 10:11). • The Spirit’s search “throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is fully devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9) finds such a heart in Jonathan. said to the young man bearing his armor • Ancient warriors relied on an armor-bearer for protection and companionship. Jonathan’s invitation reveals trust and shared vision (1 Samuel 14:7). • The pair illustrate Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one… for if either falls, the other will lift up his companion.” • This teamwork foreshadows Jesus sending disciples out “two by two” (Luke 10:1), stressing partnership in mission. Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side • Jonathan proposes bold initiative against Israel’s oppressors, showing confidence that “nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few” (14:6). • Crossing over points to decisive faith steps—much like Israel crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17) or Peter stepping onto the water at Jesus’ call (Matthew 14:29). • He seeks engagement, not retreat: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). But Jonathan did not tell his father • Saul’s earlier fear and rash vows (13:7; 14:24) suggest he might have blocked the venture. Jonathan withholds information to obey a higher conviction without open rebellion—similar to the apostles who asserted, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • The action underscores that obedience to God sometimes requires quiet resolve when established authority falters (Galatians 1:10). • Though secrecy carries risk, the outcome vindicates Jonathan’s discernment when the Lord brings victory (14:15-23). summary On an ordinary day Jonathan seizes a God-given moment, gathers a trusted companion, and steps out against Israel’s enemy with unwavering faith. His initiative, partnership, and discreet courage model how believers can act when conviction overrides complacency, assured that the Lord delights to work through those who trust Him completely. (1) Now it came to pass.--As if in strong contrast to Saul--who at Gilgal openly made light of the supernatural assistance promised by Samuel, showing plainly by his conduct on that memorable occasion that he hardly believed in the part the invisible King had laken in the history of the people--the action of Jonathan at Michmash, which led to the rout of the Philistine army, is related with some detail. Jonathan was the typical warrior of that wild and adventurous age--recklessly brave, chivalrous, and generous, possessing evidently vast strength and unusual skill in all warlike exercises. He was animated with an intense faith in the willingness and power of the Eternal to help Israel. This mighty faith in the ever-presence of the God who chose Israel, was the mainspring of the victorious power of all the great Hebrew heroes--of men like Joshua and Gideon, Barak and Samson. David, the greatest of them all, we shall see, possessed this sublime spirit of faith in a pre-eminent degree. But King Saul utterly lacked it; hence his rejection.The young prince's heart burned within him at the degradation which the Philistine occupation brought upon the people. His father was too prudent to engage in battle with his own feeble and disorganised forces, so Jonathan determined, with the help of the Divine Friend of Israel, to strike a blow at these insolent foes. Under any other circumstances--without the consciousness of supernatural help--to attempt such a feat of arms would have been madness; but Jonathan had an inward conviction that an unseen Arm would hold a shield before him. It is noticeable that he never communicated his desperate purpose to his father, Saul. Verse 1. - Now it came to pass upon a day. Literally, "And there was a day, and Jonathan," etc.; or, as we should say, And it happened one day that Jonathan. The phrase means that Jonathan's brave feat took place not many days after the garrison had occupied the cliff, probably only two or three, but without definitely stating how many. He told not his father. Not only because Saul would have forbidden so rash an enterprise, but because secrecy was essential to any chance of success: probably too the purpose came upon him as an inspiration from above.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew One dayהַיּ֗וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Jonathan יוֹנָתָ֤ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3129: Jonathan son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the young man הַנַּ֙עַר֙ (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer bearing נֹשֵׂ֣א (nō·śê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take his armor, כֵלָ֔יו (ḵê·lāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus “Come, לְכָ֗ה (lə·ḵāh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk let us cross over וְנַעְבְּרָה֙ (wə·na‘·bə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the Philistine פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia outpost מַצַּ֣ב (maṣ·ṣaḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4673: A fixed spot, an office, a military post on the other side.” מֵעֵ֣בֶר (mê·‘ê·ḇer) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side But [Jonathan] did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no tell הִגִּֽיד׃ (hig·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous his father. וּלְאָבִ֖יו (ū·lə·’ā·ḇîw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father Links 1 Samuel 14:1 NIV1 Samuel 14:1 NLT 1 Samuel 14:1 ESV 1 Samuel 14:1 NASB 1 Samuel 14:1 KJV 1 Samuel 14:1 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 14:1 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 14:1 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 14:1 French Bible 1 Samuel 14:1 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 14:1 Now it fell on a day that (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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