1 Samuel 14:10

Verse

But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

American Standard Version (1901)

But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up; for Jehovah hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign unto us.

Bible in Basic English

But if they say, Come up to us; then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hands: and this will be the sign to us.

Free Bible Version

But if they say, ‘Come on up to us,’ we'll climb up, for that will be the sign that the Lord has handed them over to us.”

King James (Authorized) Version

But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.

Translation for Translators

But if they say to us, ‘Come up here and fight against us,’ that will show us that Yahweh will enable us to defeat them. Then we will go up and fight them.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

But if they reply, 'Come over to us,' then we will cross over; because Yahweh has given them into our hand. This will be the sign to us.”

Noah Webster Bible

But if they say thus, Come up to us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand; and this shall be a sign to us.

World English Bible

But if they say this, ‘Come up to us!’ then we will go up, for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us.”

Young's Literal Translation

and if thus they say, 'Come up against us,' then we have gone up, for Jehovah hath given them into our hand, and this to us [is] the sign.

Context

Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines

⁹If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them.¹⁰But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

Summary

In this verse, Jonathan and his armor-bearer demonstrate great faith and courage as they trust in God's power to deliver them in battle against the Philistines. Despite being outnumbered and facing a formidable enemy, Jonathan's boldness stems from his confidence in the Lord's ability to grant victory. Their actions exemplify the importance of stepping out in faith and relying on God's strength rather than human resources. This account serves as a powerful reminder of the rewards that come from trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But if they say unto us, come up unto us,.... Which however spoken in contempt of them, yet would discover some fear, that they did not care to come out of their hold to them, and expose themselves to any danger; and besides being bid to come up, though it might be in a sneering ironical way, as supposing it impracticable for them; yet this would lead them on to make the attempt; and while the men were careless and secure, they might obtain their point: then we will go up: the precipice, which was supposed impassable: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hands: they being afraid to come out, and scornful and self-confident in their garrison: and this shall be a sign unto us; a direction how to behave, what steps to take, and a confirming sign assuring of success. Bishop Patrick and others observe, from Herodotus (o), something similar to this, of the Paeonians, who went to war with the Perinthians, directed by the oracle; and were ordered that if the Perinthians provoked them to fight, calling them by name, then they should invade them; but, if not, should abstain; and so they did, and overcame; for when they met, there were three single combats; in the two first the Perinthians were conquerors, and began to triumph and insult; upon which the Paeonians said to one another, now is the oracle fulfilled, now is our business, and so fell upon them, and left few of them. (o) Terpsichore, sive, l. 5. c. 1.