1 Samuel 14:1
Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיּ֗וֹם
Now it came to pass upon a day
H3117
הַיּ֗וֹם
Now it came to pass upon a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 21
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
unto the young man
H5288
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
unto the young man
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
8 of 21
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
נֹשֵׂ֣א
that bare
H5375
נֹשֵׂ֣א
that bare
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
9 of 21
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כֵלָ֔יו
his armour
H3627
כֵלָ֔יו
his armour
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
10 of 21
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
לְכָ֗ה
H1980
לְכָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
11 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְנַעְבְּרָה֙
and let us go over
H5674
וְנַעְבְּרָה֙
and let us go over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
12 of 21
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
מַצַּ֣ב
garrison
H4673
מַצַּ֣ב
garrison
Strong's:
H4673
Word #:
14 of 21
a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
to the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
to the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
15 of 21
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מֵעֵ֣בֶר
that is on the other side
H5676
מֵעֵ֣בֶר
that is on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
וּלְאָבִ֖יו
not his father
H1
וּלְאָבִ֖יו
not his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
19 of 21
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Historical Context
Armor-bearers were personal attendants who carried secondary weapons and shields for warriors. The relationship involved deep loyalty and trust. Jonathan's armor-bearer later demonstrates his willingness to follow into certain death, reflecting ancient Near Eastern warrior-bond traditions.
Questions for Reflection
- When has faithful initiative required acting without institutional approval?
- What distinguishes reckless presumption from faith-driven courage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.
Jonathan's initiative - 'Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison' - contrasts dramatically with Saul's passivity. The young prince acts without informing his father, suggesting he knows Saul would forbid such apparent recklessness. The Hebrew na'ar ('young man') emphasizes Jonathan's youth and the informal relationship with his armor-bearer. Faith sees opportunity where fear sees only danger. Jonathan's unnamed action partner represents the faithful few willing to follow courageous leadership into seemingly impossible situations.