1 Samuel 14:9
If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
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
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
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
דֹּ֕מּוּ
thus unto us Tarry
H1826
דֹּ֕מּוּ
thus unto us Tarry
Strong's:
H1826
Word #:
5 of 13
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַגִּיעֵ֖נוּ
until we come
H5060
הַגִּיעֵ֖נוּ
until we come
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
וְעָמַ֣דְנוּ
to you then we will stand still
H5975
וְעָמַ֣דְנוּ
to you then we will stand still
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
9 of 13
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
תַחְתֵּ֔ינוּ
H8478
תַחְתֵּ֔ינוּ
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
10 of 13
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The Philistines' response 'Tarry until we come to you' would represent a typical defensive challenge - maintaining position while sending troops to investigate. This would give Philistines time to organize a proper response to the intruders.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when God's guidance indicates waiting rather than advancing?
- What makes 'standing still' an act of faith rather than passivity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.
The first possible response - 'Tarry until we come to you' - would indicate waiting, not advancing. Jonathan interprets this as a sign to 'stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.' The Hebrew amad ('stand still') suggests maintaining position without retreat but without advance. Jonathan builds flexibility into his sign-seeking: he is willing to accept either outcome as God's direction. True faith submits to divine guidance rather than manipulating signs to confirm predetermined desires.