1 Samuel Chapter 14 · Verse 29
Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
Original Language Analysis
עָכַ֥ר
hath troubled
H5916
עָכַ֥ר
hath troubled
Strong's:
H5916
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict
אָבִ֖י
My father
H1
אָבִ֖י
My father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 16
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רְאוּ
see
H7200
רְאוּ
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נָא֙
H4994
נָא֙
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
8 of 16
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֹ֣רוּ
have been enlightened
H215
אֹ֣רוּ
have been enlightened
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
10 of 16
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
עֵינַ֔י
I pray you how mine eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֔י
I pray you how mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
11 of 16
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Jonathan's critique of Saul echoes Joshua's charge against Achan - that individual action brought trouble on the entire community. The reversal is striking: Jonathan accuses the king of the very thing kings should prevent. His public criticism of royal authority was extraordinary.
Questions for Reflection
- When is it appropriate to publicly critique authority figures whose commands harm the community?
- How does Jonathan's 'see for yourself' argument model addressing bad leadership decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
Jonathan's response - 'My father hath troubled the land' - directly challenges royal authority. The Hebrew akar ('troubled') is the same word used for Achan's sin (Joshua 7:25), suggesting the oath brings corporate harm like covenant violation. Jonathan's evidence is personal and practical: 'see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.' He argues from experience against his father's theology. Obedience to a bad order would have hindered rather than helped.