1 Samuel 14:7
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
Original Language Analysis
נֹשֵׂ֣א
And his armourbearer
H5375
נֹשֵׂ֣א
And his armourbearer
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כֵלָ֔יו
H3627
כֵלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
4 of 13
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
unto him Do
H6213
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
unto him Do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כִּלְבָבֶֽךָ׃
all that is in thine heart
H3824
כִּלְבָבֶֽךָ׃
all that is in thine heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
8 of 13
the heart (as the most interior organ)
נְטֵ֣ה
turn
H5186
נְטֵ֣ה
turn
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
9 of 13
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
Historical Context
The armor-bearer's response reflects ancient Near Eastern warrior codes where loyalty unto death was expected. His willingness to follow Jonathan into certain danger exemplifies the bond between warrior and attendant. This relationship anticipates David and Jonathan's later friendship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does faithful followership enable courageous leadership?
- What does it mean to be 'with someone according to their heart' in spiritual ventures?
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Analysis & Commentary
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
The armor-bearer's response - 'Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart' - models faithful followership. He commits fully to Jonathan's initiative without demanding guarantees of success. The phrase 'according to thy heart' (kil'vaveka) indicates complete alignment of purpose. Such wholehearted partnership in faith ventures magnifies courage and enables action that neither could accomplish alone. The unnamed armor-bearer becomes a hero by supporting Jonathan's faith.