Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.” So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.” New Living Translation Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the LORD will help us defeat them!” English Standard Version And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.” Berean Standard Bible So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” Berean Literal Bible And the men of the garrison called to Jonathan and the bearer of his armor and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you⁺ something.” And Jonathan said to the bearer of his armor, “Come up after me, for YHWH has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” King James Bible And 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. New King James Version Then the men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you something.” Jonathan said to his armorbearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” New American Standard Bible So the men of the garrison responded to Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, “Come up to us and we will inform you of something.” And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has handed them over to Israel.” NASB 1995 So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, “Come up to us and we will tell you something.” And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel.” NASB 1977 So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, “Come up to us and we will tell you something.” And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel.” Legacy Standard Bible So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will make you know something.” And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for Yahweh has given them into the hands of Israel.” Amplified Bible So the men of the garrison responded to Jonathan and his armor bearer, “Come up to us and we will tell you something.” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Climb up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel.” Berean Annotated Bible So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan (YHWH has given) and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you⁺ a lesson! “Follow me, Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD {YHWH} has delivered them into the hand of Israel (he wrestles with God).” Christian Standard Bible The men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson! ” they said. “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has handed them over to Israel.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” they said. “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has handed them over to Israel.” American Standard Version And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armorbearer, Come up after me; for Jehovah hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. English Revised Version And 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Come up here," the men of the military post said to Jonathan and his armorbearer. "We have something to show you." Jonathan told his armorbearer, "Follow me up [to the military post] because the LORD has handed the troops over to Israel." Good News Translation Then they called out to Jonathan and the young man, "Come on up here! We have something to tell you!" Jonathan said to the young man, "Follow me. The LORD has given Israel victory over them." International Standard Version The men of the garrison responded to Jonathan and his armor bearer: "Come up and fight us, and we will show you something." Jonathan then told his armor bearer, "Follow me, for the LORD has given them into Israel's control." NET Bible Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor bearer, "Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!" Then Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up behind me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel!" New Heart English Bible The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, "Come up to us, and we will show you something." Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me; for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel." Webster's Bible Translation And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” World English Bible The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you something!” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the men of the station answer Jonathan, and the bearer of his weapons, and say, “Come up to us, and we cause you to know something.” And Jonathan says to the bearer of his weapons, “Come up after me, for YHWH has given them into the hand of Israel.” Berean Literal Bible And the men of the garrison called to Jonathan and the bearer of his armor and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you⁺ something.” And Jonathan said to the bearer of his armor, “Come up after me, for YHWH has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” Young's Literal Translation And the men of the station answer Jonathan, and the bearer of his weapons, and say, 'Come up unto us, and we cause you to know something.' And Jonathan saith unto the bearer of his weapons, 'Come up after me, for Jehovah hath given them into the hand of Israel.' Smith's Literal Translation And the men of the garrison will answer Jonathan and him lifting up his arms, and they will say, Come up to us, and we will make a word known to you. And Jonathan will say to him lifting up his arms, Come up after me: for Jehovah gave them into the hand of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the men of the garrison spoke to Jonathan, and to his armourbearer, and said: Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said to his armourbearer: Let us go up, follow me: for the Lord hath delivered them into the hands of I srael. Catholic Public Domain Version And the men of the garrison spoke to Jonathan and to his armor bearer, and they said, “Ascend to us, and we will show you something.” And Jonathan said to his armor bearer: “Let us ascend. Follow me. For the Lord has delivered them into the hands of Israel.” New American Bible The men of the outpost called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Come up here,” they said, “and we will teach you a lesson.” So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me, for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” New Revised Standard Version The men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer, saying, “Come up to us, and we will show you something.” Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me; for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you something. And Jonathan said to his armorbearer, Come up after me; for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and the Bearer of his weapons, and they said: “Come up to us and we will tell you something!” And Jonathan said to the Bearer of his weapons, “Come up after me, because LORD JEHOVAH has delivered them into the hand of Israel!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the men of the garrison spoke to Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said: 'Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.' And Jonathan said unto his armour-bearer: 'Come up after me; for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men of Messab answered Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing: and Jonathan said to his armour-bearer, Come up after me, for the Lord has delivered them into the hands of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines…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!” 12So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” 13So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.… Cross References So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, 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. 1 Samuel 17:8 And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. 2 Kings 7:10 So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” 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. 2 Kings 18:19-20 The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? 2 Chronicles 32:17-18 He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” / Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, Judges 7:17-18 “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” Judges 4:14 Then Deborah said to Barak, “Arise, for this is the day that the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you?” So Barak came down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him. 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” 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.” 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. 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 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 Samuel 5:24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 2 Kings 7:6-7 For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. 1 Chronicles 14:15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” Treasury of Scripture And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, Come up after me: for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel. 1 Samuel 14:10 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. 1 Samuel 17:43,44 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods… 2 Samuel 2:14-17 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise… Come up after me Genesis 24:26,27,42,48 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD… Judges 4:14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. Judges 7:15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian. Jump to Previous Armor Armorbearer Armor-Bearer Armourbearer Armour-Bearer Bearer Delivered Hailed Hand Hands Israel Jonathan Outpost Shouted Show Something Teach We'llJump to Next Armor Armorbearer Armor-Bearer Armourbearer Armour-Bearer Bearer Delivered Hailed Hand Hands Israel Jonathan Outpost Shouted Show Something Teach We'll1 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 So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer This phrase sets the scene at a Philistine outpost, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during this period, often engaging in battles for control of the land. The outpost represents a strategic military position, and the Philistines' confidence is evident in their taunting call. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is accompanied by his armor-bearer, a common practice in ancient warfare where a young man would assist a warrior by carrying his armor and weapons. “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” 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 military victories. 2. Armor-bearer Jonathan's young assistant, who demonstrates loyalty and courage by following Jonathan into battle. 3. Philistine Outpost The location where the Philistine soldiers were stationed, representing the enemy forces against Israel. 4. Israel The nation chosen by God, often in conflict with surrounding nations, including the Philistines. 5. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is actively involved in the deliverance of Israel. Teaching Points Faith in ActionJonathan's decision to confront the Philistines demonstrates active faith. Believers are encouraged to trust God and take bold steps in obedience to His leading. Divine Deliverance The passage highlights that victory comes from the LORD. Christians should remember that success in spiritual battles is not by human might but by God's power. Courage and Leadership Jonathan's leadership inspires his armor-bearer to follow him. Believers are called to lead by example, encouraging others to trust and act in faith. God's Sovereignty The assurance that "the LORD has delivered them" underscores God's control over circumstances. Trusting in God's sovereignty brings peace and confidence in challenging situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:12?2. How does 1 Samuel 14:12 demonstrate Jonathan's faith in God's deliverance? 3. What can we learn from Jonathan's response to the Philistines' challenge? 4. How does Jonathan's courage in 1 Samuel 14:12 inspire our daily spiritual battles? 5. Compare Jonathan's faith in 1 Samuel 14:12 with David's in 1 Samuel 17. 6. How can we apply Jonathan's trust in God to our current challenges? 7. What does 1 Samuel 14:12 reveal about God's role in battles? 8. How does 1 Samuel 14:12 demonstrate Jonathan's faith and courage? 9. What historical context surrounds the events of 1 Samuel 14:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14? 11. How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12–14)? 12. Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's child? 13. Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance? 14. In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence? What Does 1 Samuel 14:12 Mean So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearerThe Philistine sentries spot two Israelites scrambling up the rocky pass. Their shout is more than a warning; it is a taunt, drenched in confidence that Israel poses no threat. • The scene recalls earlier Philistine arrogance in 1 Samuel 13:4–5, where their overwhelming forces intimidated Saul’s army. • Similar ridicule surfaces later when Goliath derides David (1 Samuel 17:43). • Throughout Scripture, enemy mockery often precedes the Lord’s decisive action (2 Kings 18:28–35; Psalm 2:1–4). “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” The invaders invite Jonathan to climb, promising to “show” him something—an ancient taunt meaning, “We will beat you soundly.” • Jonathan had prayed for a clear sign: “If they say, ‘Come up,’ we will go, for the LORD has delivered them into our hands” (1 Samuel 14:9–10). The Philistines unknowingly speak the very words that confirm God’s plan. • God can turn enemy bragging into the believer’s assurance (Exodus 14:24–25; Acts 4:25–28). • Human pride sets the stage for divine reversal (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 1:27). “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer Jonathan responds instantly, leading rather than hesitating. • He embodies courageous leadership like Gideon: “Watch me… do as I do” (Judges 7:17). • His armor-bearer’s loyalty echoes Ruth’s pledge: “Where you go I will go” (Ruth 1:16). Biblical partnership under godly leadership multiplies faith (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). • Jonathan acts on previous conviction expressed in 1 Samuel 14:6—“Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” Jonathan’s confidence rests not in strategy or numbers but in the Lord’s guaranteed victory. • He speaks in the past tense—faith sees God’s promise as already accomplished (Joshua 6:2; Romans 4:17). • The phrase mirrors later declarations: David before Goliath, “The LORD will deliver you into my hand” (1 Samuel 17:46); Jehoshaphat’s assurance, “The battle belongs to God” (2 Chronicles 20:17). • Jonathan frames the triumph as national, not personal: “into the hand of Israel.” God’s victories build up His people as a whole (Deuteronomy 20:4; Psalm 44:3). summary 1 Samuel 14:12 captures a pivotal moment where enemy scorn collides with steadfast faith. Philistine arrogance validates Jonathan’s prayed-for sign, prompting immediate, fearless action. Secure in God’s already-accomplished deliverance, Jonathan leads his companion upward, knowing the Lord has handed the foe to Israel. The verse teaches that when God’s people cling to His promises, even hostile taunts become confirmations of coming victory. Verse 12. - Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. The Philistines thus give Jonathan the very omen he had desired. The last clause is a popular phrase, and expresses a sort of amused contempt for the two adventurers. Raillery of this sort is not at all uncommon between the outposts of two armies.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the menאַנְשֵׁ֨י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of the outpost הַמַּצָּבָ֜ה (ham·maṣ·ṣā·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4675: Perhaps a guard, watch called out וַיַּעֲנוּ֩ (way·ya·‘ă·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6030: To answer, respond to Jonathan יוֹנָתָ֣ן ׀ (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3129: Jonathan and his armor-bearer, נֹשֵׂ֣א (nō·śê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take “Come on up, עֲל֣וּ (‘ă·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively and we will teach וְנוֹדִ֥יעָה (wə·nō·w·ḏî·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 3045: To know you a lesson!” דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause “Follow עֲלֵ֣ה (‘ă·lêh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively me,” אַחֲרַ֔י (’a·ḥă·ray) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part Jonathan יוֹנָתָ֜ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3129: Jonathan told וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say his armor-bearer, נֹשֵׂ֤א (nō·śê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take “for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction 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 the hand בְּיַ֥ד (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of Israel.” יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links 1 Samuel 14:12 NIV1 Samuel 14:12 NLT 1 Samuel 14:12 ESV 1 Samuel 14:12 NASB 1 Samuel 14:12 KJV 1 Samuel 14:12 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 14:12 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 14:12 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 14:12 French Bible 1 Samuel 14:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 14:12 The men of the garrison answered Jonathan (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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