1 Samuel 14:10

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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.

Original Language Analysis

וְאִם H518
וְאִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כֹּ֨ה H3541
כֹּ֨ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 2 of 13
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יֹֽאמְר֜וּ But if they say H559
יֹֽאמְר֜וּ But if they say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ thus Come up H5927
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ thus Come up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 4 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙ H5921
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ thus Come up H5927
וְעָלִ֔ינוּ thus Come up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 6 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נְתָנָ֥ם hath delivered H5414
נְתָנָ֥ם hath delivered
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 8 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה for the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיָדֵ֑נוּ them into our hand H3027
בְּיָדֵ֑נוּ them into our hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 10 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְזֶה H2088
וְזֶה
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 11 of 13
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
לָּ֖נוּ H0
לָּ֖נוּ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 12 of 13
הָאֽוֹת׃ and this shall be a sign H226
הָאֽוֹת׃ and this shall be a sign
Strong's: H226
Word #: 13 of 13
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

Analysis & Commentary

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.

The confirming sign - 'Come up unto us' - is interpreted as divine guarantee: 'the LORD hath delivered them into our hand.' The Philistine challenge, humanly a tactical advantage (forcing attackers to climb toward defended positions), becomes Jonathan's assurance of victory. What appears as greater danger ('we will go up') is received as certain success. Faith transforms apparent disadvantage into confirmed opportunity. Jonathan's confidence is not in his climbing ability but in divine deliverance.

Historical Context

Military advantage in ancient warfare typically belonged to defenders on high ground. The Philistines' invitation to 'come up' would normally ensure their tactical superiority. Jonathan's faith reinterprets this tactical situation through theological lens.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources