Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. New Living Translation They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. English Standard Version And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. Berean Standard Bible In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre of land. Berean Literal Bible And that first slaughter that Jonathan and the bearer of his armor struck was about twenty men in about half a furrow of a yoke of land, King James Bible And 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. New King James Version That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armorbearer made was about twenty men within about half an acre of land. New American Standard Bible Now that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer inflicted was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. NASB 1995 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. NASB 1977 And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. Legacy Standard Bible And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. Amplified Bible That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a [plow] furrow in a plot of land [the area of which a yoke of oxen could plow in a day]. Berean Annotated Bible In that first assault, Jonathan (YHWH has given) and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre \half a yoke/ of land. Christian Standard Bible In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in a half-acre field. Holman Christian Standard Bible In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about 20 men in a half-acre field. American Standard Version And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armorbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. Contemporary English Version Before they had gone 30 meters, they had killed about 20 Philistines. English Revised Version And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. GOD'S WORD® Translation In their first slaughter Jonathan and his armorbearer killed about twenty men within about a hundred yards. Good News Translation In that first slaughter Jonathan and the young man killed about twenty men in an area of about half an acre. International Standard Version In the initial attack, Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area of about half an acre of land. NET Bible In this initial skirmish Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre. New Heart English Bible That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men, with arrows and with weapons from flints of the field. Webster's Bible Translation And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were a half-acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre of land. World English Bible That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the first striking which Jonathan and the bearer of his weapons have struck is of about twenty men, in about half a furrow of a yoke of a field, Berean Literal Bible And that first slaughter that Jonathan and the bearer of his armor struck was about twenty men in about half a furrow of a yoke of land, Young's Literal Translation And the first smiting which Jonathan and the bearer of his weapons have smitten is of about twenty men, in about half a furrow of a yoke of a field, Smith's Literal Translation And the first blow which Jonathan struck, and he lifting up his arms, will be about twenty men in about half the furrow of a yoke of a field. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the first slaughter which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was of about twenty men, within half an acre of land, which a yoke of oxen is wont to plough in a day. Catholic Public Domain Version And the first slaughter was made when Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty of the men, in the midst of an area of land that a yoke of oxen would usually plow in a day. New American Bible In this first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed about twenty men within half a furlong. New Revised Standard Version In that first slaughter Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed about twenty men within an area about half a furrow long in an acre of land. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the first slaughter which Jonathan and his armorbearer made was about twenty men; they cut them to pieces like stone-cutters and like men who plough a field. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the first slaughter that Jonathan and the Bearer of his weapons struck like Stone Cutters and like Drivers of Plows in a field was about twenty men OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armour-bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer effected was twenty men, with darts and slings, and pebbles of the field. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines…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. 14 In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men over half an acre of land. 15Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God.… Cross References In that first assault, Judges 7:19-22 Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. … 1 Samuel 17:48-51 As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. / Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. … 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. 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. 2 Samuel 18:15 And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 1 Samuel 31:4-6 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. / So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day. struck down about twenty men Judges 15:15-16 He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men. / Then Samson said: “With the jawbone of a donkey I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men.” 1 Samuel 11:11 The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. 2 Chronicles 14:12-13 So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled. / Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder in about half an acre of land. Isaiah 5:10 For ten acres of vineyard will yield but a bath of wine, and a homer of seed only an ephah of grain.” 1 Kings 19:19-21 So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. Luke 9:62 Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 2 Samuel 23:8-12 These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. … 1 Chronicles 11:12-14 Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. / He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory. 1 Samuel 13:23 And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash. 1 Samuel 17:50-52 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. / Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. Treasury of Scripture And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. an half acre of land. Jump to Previous Area Armor Armorbearer Armor-Bearer Armourbearer Armour-Bearer Attack Bearer Half Inside Jonathan Killed Length Oxen Plow Servant Slaughter Smiting Smitten Space Sword Twenty Weapons Within Wrought YokeJump to Next Area Armor Armorbearer Armor-Bearer Armourbearer Armour-Bearer Attack Bearer Half Inside Jonathan Killed Length Oxen Plow Servant Slaughter Smiting Smitten Space Sword Twenty Weapons Within Wrought Yoke1 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 In that first assault This phrase indicates the beginning of a significant military action led by Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Jonathan's initiative contrasts with his father's hesitance, showcasing his faith and courage. This event is part of a larger narrative where Israel is oppressed by the Philistines, and Jonathan's actions serve as a catalyst for a broader victory. The term "first assault" suggests a strategic and surprise attack, which is a common military tactic in ancient warfare. Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre of land Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God. He initiates the attack against the Philistines, demonstrating his trust in God's power. 2. Armor-bearer Jonathan's loyal companion who supports him in the battle. His role highlights the importance of faithful partnership in spiritual endeavors. 3. Philistines The enemies of Israel during this period. They represent the opposition and challenges faced by God's people. 4. Half an acre The area where the battle took place, indicating the small scale of the physical space but the significant impact of the victory. 5. First assault This refers to the initial attack led by Jonathan and his armor-bearer, setting the stage for a larger victory for Israel. Teaching Points Faith in ActionJonathan's initiative demonstrates that faith often requires us to take bold steps, trusting in God's power rather than our own strength. The Power of Partnership The armor-bearer's role underscores the importance of having faithful companions in our spiritual journey who support and encourage us. God's Sovereignty in Battle The victory over the Philistines illustrates that God can deliver His people regardless of the odds, reminding us to rely on His strength. Small Beginnings, Great Impact The small area of half an acre where the battle took place shows that God can use seemingly insignificant actions to achieve great results. Courage in Leadership Jonathan's leadership inspires us to lead with courage and conviction, especially when facing overwhelming challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:14?2. How does 1 Samuel 14:14 demonstrate God's power in overcoming great odds? 3. What can we learn from Jonathan's faith and courage in this passage? 4. How does this verse connect to other instances of divine intervention in Scripture? 5. How can we apply Jonathan's boldness in our spiritual battles today? 6. What role does faith play in achieving victory according to 1 Samuel 14:14? 7. What does 1 Samuel 14:14 reveal about God's intervention in battles? 8. How does 1 Samuel 14:14 demonstrate Jonathan's faith and courage? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 14:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14? 11. 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? 12. If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul's oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43-45)? 13. How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)? 14. Why would God honor Saul's command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31-33)? What Does 1 Samuel 14:14 Mean In that first assaultThe text opens by zeroing in on “that first assault,” highlighting a decisive, initial move against the Philistines. It was not a random skirmish but the first stage of an intentional, faith-driven operation. • This moment mirrors other “first strikes” in Israel’s history where God granted momentum once His people stepped out in obedience (Judges 7:15-22; 2 Samuel 5:24). • Jonathan’s confidence came from trusting that “nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). • We see the pattern: God often responds to courageous initiative that rests on His promise (Joshua 3:13-17). Jonathan and his armor-bearer Only two men climb the rocky pass, yet they move as one. Jonathan leads; the unnamed armor-bearer follows with equal faith (1 Samuel 14:7). • Scripture celebrates godly partnerships—Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16), David and his mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39), Paul and Silas (Acts 16:19-25). • The armor-bearer models loyal support, echoing Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one… if either falls, the one will lift up his companion.” • Together they embody Deuteronomy 32:30, where one can chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight—not by human strength but by the Lord’s. struck down about twenty men The result is astonishing: “about twenty” Philistines fall. The number is small compared to the enemy host, yet huge for two attackers. • God delights in victories that spotlight His power, not human prowess (Judges 7:2). • This detail reinforces Leviticus 26:8 and Joshua 23:10, promises that a faithful remnant can rout superior forces. • The “about” reminds us the Bible records history honestly while underscoring that even approximate counts showcase divine intervention. in about half an acre of land The battlefield was “half a yoke of land,” roughly half an acre—about the size of a modern backyard. • Such a confined space magnifies the miracle; there was no room for tactical maneuvering or escape. • It recalls Shammah defending a lentil field (2 Samuel 23:11-12), proving that God can turn even a patch of ground into holy territory when His servants stand firm. • The small setting underscores that victory depends on the Lord, not geography (Psalm 24:1). summary 1 Samuel 14:14 records a literal, historical triumph where two faith-filled men launched the first blow, slew roughly twenty foes, and did it in a space no larger than a sizeable garden. The verse showcases: • Obedient initiative that God honors. • The strength of covenant partnership. • Divine power turning weakness into overwhelming force. • A reminder that any plot of earth becomes a theater for God’s glory when His people trust Him. (14) And that first slaughter . . .--Considerable doubt exists as to the exact meaning of this verse. The LXX. either had here a different text before them, or else translated, as has been suggested, "conjecturally, what they did not understand;" their rendering is "about twenty men, with darts and slings and stones of the field." Ewald explains the Hebrew words as follows: "At the very beginning he strikes down about twenty men at once, as if a yoke of land were in course of being ploughed, which must beware of offering opposition to the sharp ploughshare in the middle of its work." The simplest interpretation seems to be that twenty men were smitten down, one after the other, in the distance of half a rood of land. Bunsen considers this verse an extract from a poet.Verse 14. - Within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. The Hebrew for this long circumlocution is, "within about a half furrow of a yoke of land." The Septuagint translates, "with darts and slings and stones of the field," but the other versions give no support to this rendering. The Israelites, like most ancient nations, were accustomed to measure land by the quantity which a yoke of oxen could plough in a day, - something really less than an acre, - so that the A.V. gives the fight sense. When Jonathan made his attack, the garrison probably, not knowing bow few their assailants were, ran in confusion to the narrow tongue of land where the exit was, and getting in one another's way, were soon panic stricken and helpless.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In that firstהָרִאשֹׁנָ֗ה (hā·ri·šō·nāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank assault, הַמַּכָּ֣ה (ham·mak·kāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4347: A wound, carnage, pestilence Jonathan יוֹנָתָ֛ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3129: Jonathan and his armor-bearer וְנֹשֵׂ֥א (wə·nō·śê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take struck down הִכָּ֧ה (hik·kāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike about twenty כְּעֶשְׂרִ֣ים (kə·‘eś·rîm) Preposition-k | Number - common plural Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth men אִ֑ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person over half כְּבַחֲצִ֥י (kə·ḇa·ḥă·ṣî) Preposition-k, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2677: The half, middle an acre מַעֲנָ֖ה (ma·‘ă·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4618: A field for plowing of land. שָׂדֶֽה׃ (śā·ḏeh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land Links 1 Samuel 14:14 NIV1 Samuel 14:14 NLT 1 Samuel 14:14 ESV 1 Samuel 14:14 NASB 1 Samuel 14:14 KJV 1 Samuel 14:14 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 14:14 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 14:14 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 14:14 French Bible 1 Samuel 14:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 14:14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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