1 Samuel 14:10
New International Version
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.”

New Living Translation
But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the LORD’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”

English Standard Version
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.”

Berean Standard Bible
But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

Berean Literal Bible
But if thus they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will go up, for YHWH has delivered them into our hands, and this is a sign to us.”

King James Bible
But 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.

New King James Version
But if they say thus, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up. For the LORD has delivered them into our hand, and this will be a sign to us.”

New American Standard Bible
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has handed them over to us; and this shall be the sign to us.”

NASB 1995
“But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us.”

NASB 1977
“But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for Yahweh has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us.”

Amplified Bible
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will go up, for the LORD has handed them over to us; and this shall be the sign to us.”

Berean Annotated Bible
But if they say, ‘Come on up, then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD {YHWH} has delivered them into our hands.”

Christian Standard Bible
But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we’ll go up, because the LORD has handed them over to us—that will be our sign.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we’ll go up, because the LORD has handed them over to us—that will be our sign.”

American Standard Version
But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up; for Jehovah hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign unto us.

Contemporary English Version
But we will go if they tell us to come up the hill and fight. That will mean the LORD is going to help us win."

English Revised Version
But 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 the sign unto us.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if they say to us, 'Come up here,' then we'll go up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has handed them over to us."

Good News Translation
But if they tell us to go to them, then we will, because that will be the sign that the LORD has given us victory over them."

International Standard Version
But if they say, 'Come up and fight us,' then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands, and this will be the sign for us."

NET Bible
But if they say, 'Come up against us,' we will go up. For in that case the LORD has given them into our hand--it will be a sign to us."

New Heart English Bible
But if they say this, 'Come up to us.' then we will go up; for the LORD has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us."

Webster's Bible Translation
But if they say thus, Come up to us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand; and this shall be a sign to us.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

World English Bible
But if they say this, ‘Come up to us!’ then we will go up, for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if they thus say, Come up against us, then we have gone up, for YHWH has given them into our hand, and this [is] the sign to us.”

Berean Literal Bible
But if thus they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will go up, for YHWH has delivered them into our hands, and this is a sign to us.”

Young's Literal Translation
and if thus they say, 'Come up against us,' then we have gone up, for Jehovah hath given them into our hand, and this to us is the sign.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if thus they shall say, Come up upon us; and we went up: for Jehovah gave them into our hand; and this to us the sign.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if they shall say: Come up to us: let us go up, because the Lord hath delivered them into our hands, this shall be a sign unto us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if they will say, ‘Ascend to us,’ let us ascend. For the Lord has delivered them into our hands. This will be the sign to us.”

New American Bible
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will go up, because the LORD has delivered them into our hand. That will be our sign.”

New Revised Standard Version
But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up; for the LORD has given them into our hand. That will be the sign for us.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if they say to us thus, Come up to us; then we will go up; for the LORD our God has delivered them into our hand; and this shall be a sign to us.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if thus they will say to us: ‘Come up to us!’, we will go up, because LORD JEHOVAH our God has handed them over into our hands, this is a sign to us”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But 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 the sign unto us.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if they should say thus to us, Come up to us; then will we go up, for the Lord has delivered them into our hands; this shall be a sign to us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines
9If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. 10But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” 11So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!”…

Cross References
But if they say, ‘Come on up,’

1 Samuel 17:44-45
“Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” / But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Judges 1:1-2
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” / “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”
then we will go up,

Joshua 8:1
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.

2 Samuel 5:19-20
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.” / So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim.
because this will be our sign

Exodus 3:12
“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”

Judges 6:17
Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight, give me a sign that it is You speaking with me.

1 Samuel 10:7
When these signs have come, do as the occasion demands, for God is with you.
that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

Judges 3:28
“Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over.

Joshua 10:8
The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.”

Joshua 2:24
“The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.”
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. …

Genesis 24:12-14
“O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. / Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. / Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

Exodus 4:1-9
Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” / And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. / “Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. …

Judges 6:36-40
Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, / then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” / And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. …

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”


Treasury of Scripture

But if they say thus, Come up to us; then we will go up: for the LORD has delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign to us.

this shall be a sign

1 Samuel 10:7
And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

Genesis 24:14
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Judges 7:11
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

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1 Samuel 14
1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
15. 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












But if they say, ‘Come on up,’
This phrase reflects a test of faith and discernment. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is seeking a sign from God to determine His will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, seeking signs was a common practice to ascertain divine guidance. This moment is reminiscent of Gideon's fleece test in Judges 6:36-40, where Gideon also sought confirmation from God. The phrase indicates Jonathan's reliance on God's direction rather than human wisdom or military strategy.

then we will go up,
The act of going up signifies an advance into enemy territory, which in this case is the Philistine garrison. The geographical context is significant here; the Israelites were positioned in a lower area, and the Philistines were on higher ground, making the ascent a tactical challenge. This phrase demonstrates Jonathan's courage and trust in God's promise, echoing the faith of other biblical figures who acted on divine assurance, such as David facing Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

because this will be our sign
In the biblical narrative, signs often serve as confirmations of God's will or presence. This phrase underscores the importance of divine signs in the life of Israel, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3) or the signs given to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:8-11). Jonathan's request for a sign reflects a deep-seated belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”
This phrase is a declaration of faith in God's sovereignty and power. The concept of God delivering enemies into the hands of His people is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, seen in the victories of Joshua (Joshua 10:8) and David (1 Samuel 17:46). It highlights the belief that success in battle is not due to human strength but to divine intervention. This foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who conquers sin and death, delivering believers from spiritual enemies.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God. In this passage, he is taking a bold step of faith by seeking a sign from God for victory over the Philistines.

2. Armor-bearer
Jonathan's loyal companion who supports him in his daring plan. His role is crucial as he demonstrates faith and trust in Jonathan's leadership and God's guidance.

3. Philistines
The enemies of Israel, representing the challenges and opposition faced by God's people. They are stationed at a garrison, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer plan to attack.

4. Gibeah
The location near where the Israelites are encamped. It serves as the backdrop for Jonathan's act of faith.

5. The LORD
Central to the account, God is the one whom Jonathan seeks guidance from, demonstrating reliance on divine intervention for victory.
Teaching Points
Faith in Action
Jonathan's willingness to act on his faith, even in the face of danger, teaches us the importance of trusting God and taking bold steps when He leads us.

Seeking God's Guidance
Like Jonathan, we should seek God's direction in our decisions, looking for His signs and confirmations in our lives.

Courage and Companionship
The support of Jonathan's armor-bearer reminds us of the value of having faithful companions who encourage us in our spiritual journey.

Divine Deliverance
The passage underscores the belief that victory comes from the Lord, encouraging us to rely on His power rather than our own strength.

Obedience to God's Signs
Jonathan's readiness to act based on God's sign challenges us to be obedient when God reveals His will to us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:10?

2. How does 1 Samuel 14:10 demonstrate reliance on God's guidance in decisions?

3. What role does faith play in Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 14:10?

4. How can we discern God's will like Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:10?

5. How does Jonathan's trust in God inspire our daily spiritual battles?

6. What other biblical examples show reliance on God for victory in battles?

7. What does 1 Samuel 14:10 reveal about God's guidance in decision-making?

8. How does 1 Samuel 14:10 illustrate faith in divine signs?

9. What historical context surrounds the events of 1 Samuel 14:10?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14?

11. What are Messianic prophecies?

12. How do skeptics reconcile 'the LORD put him to death' (1 Chronicles 10:14) with the naturalistic account of Saul's death in 1 Samuel?

13. Why does the 'Spirit of God' in 1 Samuel 10:10 produce such immediate prophetic activity in Saul, yet seemingly not in others?

14. What is Pretribulationism?
What Does 1 Samuel 14:10 Mean
But if they say

- Jonathan is laying out a very specific condition. By stating, “But if they say,” he shows that he expects God to speak through the ordinary words of the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:9-10).

- Scripture often records believers asking God for unmistakable clarity before acting. Compare Gideon’s fleece in Judges 6:36-40 and David’s inquiry in 2 Samuel 5:23-24.

- The condition is not doubt-driven but discernment-driven; Jonathan believes God can guide through human speech just as easily as through a prophet.


‘Come on up’

- The Philistines’ invitation would look, humanly speaking, like a challenge to fight on their own high ground—an apparent disadvantage.

- God delights in turning apparent disadvantages into victories (Exodus 14:13-16; 1 Corinthians 1:27).

- Jonathan’s request focuses on words, not circumstances. He is listening for God’s cue, not reading the terrain.


then we will go up

- Immediate obedience is assumed. Once the pre-arranged sign occurs, there is no need for further debate.

- Obedient action always follows genuine faith (Genesis 22:3; James 2:17).

- Jonathan’s “we” includes his armor-bearer, illustrating how faith can inspire others to join in courageous obedience (1 Samuel 14:7).


because this will be our sign

- Jonathan expects supernatural confirmation in a very natural form. Signs in Scripture often attach to everyday realities: a baby wrapped in cloths (Luke 2:12) or rustling treetops (2 Samuel 5:24).

- He is not testing God arrogantly; he is seeking the Lord’s predetermined indicator so that the glory clearly rests with Him (Isaiah 42:8).


that the LORD has delivered them into our hands

- The victory is declared before the battle begins. Using the perfect tense (“has delivered”) reflects absolute confidence in God’s sovereignty (Judges 7:9; 1 Samuel 17:46).

- “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Jonathan’s words echo this enduring truth.

- The phrase underscores a biblical pattern: God grants triumph so His people may acknowledge His power, not their own skill (Psalm 44:3; Romans 8:37).


summary

1 Samuel 14:10 shows Jonathan setting a simple, God-directed condition: if the Philistines call him up, he will climb, knowing the LORD has already secured the outcome. The verse illustrates discernment, immediate obedience, and unwavering confidence that victory belongs to God alone.

Verse 10. - A sign. The waiting of the garrison for Jonathan and his armour bearer to mount up to them would be a sign of great indifference and supineness on their part; but what he rather meant was that they were to regard it as an omen. Kim'hi has a long digression in his commentary on this place to show that there was nothing superstitous in their looking for a prognostic to encourage them in their hazardous undertaking. God, he says, bade Gideon go to the camp of the Midianites to obtain such a sign. as Jonathan looked for here (see Judges 7:11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

they say,
יֹאמְר֜וּ (yō·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Come on up,’
עֲל֤וּ (‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

then we will go up,
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ (wə·‘ā·lî·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

this
וְזֶה־ (wə·zeh-)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

will be our sign
הָאֽוֹת׃ (hā·’ō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 226: A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence

that the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has delivered them
נְתָנָ֥ם (nə·ṯā·nām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

into our hands.”
בְּיָדֵ֑נוּ (bə·yā·ḏê·nū)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:10 But if they say thus Come up (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 14:9
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