1 Samuel 14:28
Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּעַן֩
Then answered
H6030
וַיַּעַן֩
Then answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הָאִ֛ישׁ
be the man
H376
הָאִ֛ישׁ
be the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָעָֽם׃
And the people
H5971
הָעָֽם׃
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הִשְׁבִּ֨יעַ
charged
H7650
הִשְׁבִּ֨יעַ
charged
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
5 of 18
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
הִשְׁבִּ֨יעַ
charged
H7650
הִשְׁבִּ֨יעַ
charged
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
6 of 18
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
אָבִ֤יךָ
Thy father
H1
אָבִ֤יךָ
Thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָֽם׃
And the people
H5971
הָעָֽם׃
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הָאִ֛ישׁ
be the man
H376
הָאִ֛ישׁ
be the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֶ֖חֶם
any food
H3899
לֶ֖חֶם
any food
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
15 of 18
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
הַיּ֑וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
16 of 18
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
Historical Context
The soldier's information serves as formal notification that Jonathan now knowingly stands under his father's curse. Ancient Near Eastern culture considered ignorance a valid excuse, but knowledge created responsibility. Jonathan must now respond to this situation.
Questions for Reflection
- When have religious rules produced weakness rather than strength in God's people?
- How should we respond when informed we have unknowingly violated human religious requirements?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.
A soldier informs Jonathan of the oath and curse, adding 'the people were faint.' This addition indicts Saul - his command for religious discipline has weakened rather than strengthened his army. The contrast is clear: Jonathan, who ate, is strengthened; the army, which obeyed, is faint. Saul's 'spiritual' leadership produces practical disaster. The informing soldier's comment implies recognition that the oath was problematic, though no one dared challenge it openly.