1 Samuel 14:14
1 Samuel 14:14 in Multiple Translations
In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men over half an acre of land.
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armorbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land.
And at their first attack, Jonathan and his servant put to the sword about twenty men, all inside the space of half an acre of land.
In this first attack, Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed about twenty men over an area of half an acre.
So the first slaughter which Ionathan and his armour bearer made, was about twentie men, as it were within halfe an acre of land which two oxen plowe.
And the first smiting which Jonathan and the bearer of his weapons have smitten is of about twenty men, in about half a furrow of a yoke of a field,
That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land.
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were a half-acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow .
And the first slaughter which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was of about twenty men, within half an acre of land, which a yoke of oxen is wont to plough in a day.
In that first battle the two of them killed about 20 Philistia soldiers in an area that was about half an acre.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 14:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּהִ֞י
הַ/מַּכָּ֣ה
הָ/רִאשֹׁנָ֗ה
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
הִכָּ֧ה
יוֹנָתָ֛ן
וְ/נֹשֵׂ֥א
כֵלָ֖י/ו
כְּ/עֶשְׂרִ֣ים
אִ֑ישׁ
כְּ/בַ/חֲצִ֥י
מַעֲנָ֖ה
צֶ֥מֶד
שָׂדֶֽה
וַ/תְּהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/מַּכָּ֣ה
makkâh
H4347
wound
Art | N-fs
הָ/רִאשֹׁנָ֗ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הִכָּ֧ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יוֹנָתָ֛ן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
Jonathan
N-proper
וְ/נֹשֵׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal
כֵלָ֖י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/עֶשְׂרִ֣ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Prep | Adj
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כְּ/בַ/חֲצִ֥י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Prep | Prep | N-ms
מַעֲנָ֖ה
maʻănâh
H4618
furrow
N-fs
צֶ֥מֶד
tsemed
H6776
pair
N-ms
שָׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:14
וַ/תְּהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/מַּכָּ֣ה
makkâh
H4347
"wound"
Art | N-fs
A wound or blow, also referring to carnage, pestilence, or defeat. It can describe physical harm, like a beating, or widespread suffering, like a plague.
Definition: 1) blow, wound, slaughter 1a) blow, stripe 1b) beating, scourging 1c) wound 1d) slaughter 1e) defeat, conquest 1f) plague
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beaten, blow, plague, slaughter, smote, [idiom] sore, stripe, stroke, wound(-ed). See also: Leviticus 26:21; 2 Chronicles 22:6; Psalms 64:8.
הָ/רִאשֹׁנָ֗ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הִכָּ֧ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
יוֹנָתָ֛ן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
וְ/נֹשֵׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כֵלָ֖י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
כְּ/עֶשְׂרִ֣ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Prep | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כְּ/בַ/חֲצִ֥י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Prep | Prep | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
מַעֲנָ֖ה
maʻănâh
H4618
"furrow"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a furrow or a plowed field, like a line of turned-over soil. It is used in the Bible to describe farming or working the land.
Definition: ploughing ground, place for task
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] acre, furrow. See also: 1 Samuel 14:14; Psalms 129:3.
צֶ֥מֶד
tsemed
H6776
"pair"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a pair or team, often of animals, and can also mean an acre of land that a yoke of cattle can plow in a day. It's used to describe a unit or a set of two things working together.
Definition: 1) couple, pair, team, yoke 1a) couple, pair, span (usually of animals) 1b) acre 1b1) the amount of land a span of oxen could plow in one day
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: acre, couple, [idiom] together, two (donkeys), yoke (of oxen). See also: Judges 19:3; 2 Kings 5:17; Isaiah 5:10.
שָׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 14:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines
12So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”
13So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.
14In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre of land.
15Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God. 16Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction,1 Samuel 14:14 Summary
[This verse shows how Jonathan and his armor-bearer trusted God and were able to defeat a large number of Philistines, which is a great example of how God can help us when we have faith in Him, just like it says in Psalm 28:7. It also reminds us that with God, even the smallest actions can lead to big victories, as seen in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-58. By trusting in God, we can overcome any challenge, no matter how big it seems, because as Romans 8:31 says, if God is for us, who can be against us?]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jonathan and his armor-bearer striking down twenty men in this verse?
This event showcases the power of faith and trust in God, as seen in Jonathan's confidence in 1 Samuel 14:12, and demonstrates how God can give victory over overwhelming odds, as promised in Deuteronomy 20:4.
How did Jonathan and his armor-bearer manage to defeat so many Philistines?
The Bible does not provide detailed tactics, but it emphasizes the role of faith and God's intervention, highlighting that the victory was not just due to human strength but to God's deliverance, as Jonathan acknowledged in 1 Samuel 14:12.
What is the importance of the specific number of men struck down and the area of land mentioned?
The specifics of 'about twenty men' and 'half an acre of land' in 1 Samuel 14:14 may emphasize the focused and efficient nature of Jonathan's and his armor-bearer's attack, underlining God's precision and power in battle, similar to the miraculous victories described in Exodus 14:13-14 and Joshua 10:10-14.
How does this event relate to the broader context of Israel's history?
This victory is part of a larger narrative of God's deliverance and protection of Israel, echoing the stories of Abraham's victories in Genesis 14:13-16 and David's triumphs in 1 Samuel 17:1-58, showcasing God's consistent support for those who trust in Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for victory, just like Jonathan did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's power, as seen in this verse, to my daily challenges and struggles?
- In what ways can I, like Jonathan, be a catalyst for God's work and victory in the lives of those around me?
- What does this verse teach me about the relationship between faith, action, and God's intervention in my life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:14
And the first slaughter which Jonathan and his armourbearer made was about twenty men,.... Or the first blow they struck, as the Targum, they killed about twenty men; that is, they did not stop
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:14
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
1 Samuel 14:14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, [which] a yoke [of oxen might plow].Ver. 14. Was about twenty men.] Twenty men, plus minus. So John 4:6, "It was about the sixth hour." In things whereof there is no necessity of speaking on a certainty, we must deliver ourselves accordingly. Within as it were an half acre.] Brevissimo spatio: in a small compass of ground these two slew twenty; so well they bequit them. Vat.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
(14) And that first slaughter . . .—Considerable doubt exists as to the exact meaning of this verse. The LXX. either had here a different text before them, or else translated, as has been suggested, “conjecturally, what they did not understand;” their rendering is “about twenty men, with darts and slings and stones of the field.” Ewald explains the Hebrew words as follows: “At the very beginning he strikes down about twenty men at once, as if a yoke of land were in course of being ploughed, which must beware of offering opposition to the sharp ploughshare in the middle of its work.” The simplest interpretation seems to be that twenty men were smitten down, one after the other, in the distance of half a rood of land. Bunsen considers this verse an extract from a poet.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
Verse 14. A half acre of land] The ancients measured land by the quantum which a yoke of oxen could plough in a day. The original is obscure, and is variously understood. It is probably a proverbial expression for a very small space.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:14
14. within as it were a half acre of land which a yoke of oxen might plow] Lit. in about half a furrow of a yoke of land. “A yoke of land” may denote such a piece of land as a yoke of oxen would plough in one day, a natural measure for an agricultural people to use. “The furrow of a yoke” will then denote the length of one side of such a square measure. The point appears to be that the garrison was cut to pieces in a comparatively short distance. The Sept. however (unless its rendering is mere conjecture) represents a different reading: “And the first slaughter … was with darts and slings and stones of the field.” But Jonathan at any rate was better armed (1 Samuel 13:22), and it is hard to see the point of mentioning the weapons with which the first slaughter was accomplished.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:14
Within as it were an half acre ... - The Hebrew text is extremely obscure.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14
14. A half acre of land — Literally, Within about half a furrow of a yoke of land; that is, half a furrow’s length. A yoke of land is what a yoke of oxen would plough in a day.