1 Samuel 14:16
1 Samuel 14:16 in Multiple Translations
Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction,
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went hither and thither.
And the watchmen of Saul, looking out from Geba in the land of Benjamin, saw all the army flowing away and running here and there.
Saul's lookouts at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the Philistine army melting away, scattering in all directions.
Then the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Beniamin sawe: and beholde, the multitude was discomfited, and smitten as they went.
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin see, and lo, the multitude hath melted away, and it goeth on, and is beaten down.
The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away and scattered.
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another .
And the watchmen of Saul, who were in Gabaa of Benjamin looked, and behold a multitude overthrown, and fleeing this way and that.
Saul’s ◄lookouts/men who were watching to see if enemies were coming► were in Gibeah town in the land of the tribe of Benjamin. They saw that the soldiers of the Philistia army were running away in all directions.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:16
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 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ
הַ/צֹּפִים֙
לְ/שָׁא֔וּל
בְּ/גִבְעַ֖ת
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
וְ/הִנֵּ֧ה
הֶ/הָמ֛וֹן
נָמ֖וֹג
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
וַ/הֲלֹֽם
וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/צֹּפִים֙
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
Art | V-Qal
לְ/שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/גִבְעַ֖ת
Gibʻâh
H1390
Gibeah
Prep | N-proper
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
וְ/הִנֵּ֧ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
הֶ/הָמ֛וֹן
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
Art | N-ms
נָמ֖וֹג
mûwg
H4127
to melt
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/הֲלֹֽם
hâlam
H1986
to smite
Conj | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:16
וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/צֹּפִים֙
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
Art | V-Qal
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
לְ/שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Prep | N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
בְּ/גִבְעַ֖ת
Gibʻâh
H1390
"Gibeah"
Prep | N-proper
Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.
Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
וְ/הִנֵּ֧ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הֶ/הָמ֛וֹן
hâmôwn
H1995
"crowd"
Art | N-ms
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
נָמ֖וֹג
mûwg
H4127
"to melt"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To melt means to soften or dissolve, and can also describe feeling faint or fearful. In the Bible, it is used to describe times when people are overwhelmed or weakened, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to melt, cause to melt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to melt, faint 1a2) to cause to melt 1b) (Niphal) to melt away 1c) (Polel) to soften, dissolve, dissipate 1d) (Hithpolel) to melt, flow
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: consume, dissolve, (be) faint(-hearted), melt (away), make soft. See also: Exodus 15:15; Psalms 107:26; Psalms 46:7.
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וַ/הֲלֹֽם
hâlam
H1986
"to smite"
Conj | Adv
To smite means to strike down or conquer, like God smiting the Egyptians in Exodus 3:20. It can also mean to hammer or overcome, as in Jeremiah 23:29.
Definition: (Qal) to smite, strike, hammer, strike down
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer). See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 141:5; Psalms 74:6.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:16
Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines
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,
17Saul said to the troops who were with him, “Call the roll and see who has left us.” And when they had called the roll, they saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.)Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 20:22–25 | The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped. Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables —more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. |
| 2 | Isaiah 19:2 | “So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. |
| 3 | Judges 7:22 | And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. |
| 4 | Psalms 68:2 | As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. |
| 5 | Psalms 58:7 | May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 14:20 | Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. |
1 Samuel 14:16 Summary
In 1 Samuel 14:16, the watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the Philistine troops running away and scattering in all directions, which was a result of the bravery and faith of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, as well as the work of God. This verse shows how God can give us victory even when the odds seem against us, as seen in other Bible stories like Exodus 14:13-14 and 1 Samuel 17:45-47. As we face our own challenges and fears, we can trust in God's power and presence, just like Jonathan did, and remember that He is always with us, as promised in Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:5. By trusting in God, we can have the courage to stand strong in the face of adversity, just like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and see God's power and glory revealed in our lives, as described in Psalm 46:1-3 and Isaiah 40:28-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looking at in 1 Samuel 14:16?
The watchmen were observing the Philistine troops melting away and scattering in every direction, which was a result of the terror that struck them as described in 1 Samuel 14:15, and this terror was a work of God as stated in 1 Samuel 14:15, which says panic spread from God.
Why were the Philistine troops melting away and scattering in 1 Samuel 14:16?
The Philistine troops were melting away and scattering because of the terror that struck them, which was caused by the bravery and faith of Jonathan and his armor-bearer as seen in 1 Samuel 14:14, where they struck down about twenty men, and also due to the work of God as mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:15.
What does the phrase 'melting away' mean in the context of 1 Samuel 14:16?
In this context, 'melting away' means that the Philistine troops were quickly fleeing and disappearing from the battlefield, similar to how the armies of other nations fled in fear as described in Exodus 14:25 and Deuteronomy 28:7.
How does 1 Samuel 14:16 relate to the rest of the chapter?
1 Samuel 14:16 is a pivotal verse that connects the bravery of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14:14 to the actions of Saul in 1 Samuel 14:17, where he takes roll and discovers that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are missing, which ultimately leads to the events that unfold in the rest of the chapter, including the defeat of the Philistines and the inquiry of Saul about the missing soldiers, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What role does faith play in the face of overwhelming odds, as seen in the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14:14-16?
- How can I, like Jonathan, trust in God's power and presence in the midst of challenging circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate courage and trust in God, as Jonathan did, in my own life and circumstances, as inspired by the examples of brave believers in the Bible, such as David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47?
- In what ways can I, like the watchmen at Gibeah, be aware of the spiritual battles that are taking place around me, as warned in Ephesians 6:12, and how can I respond in a way that honors God, as instructed in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:16
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked,.... The city of Gibeah was built on an hill, from where it had its name; and these watchmen or sentinels of Saul were set by him no doubt in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:16
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. The watchmen of Saul ... looked.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
In Gibeah, or, in the hill, as the very same word is rendered, , and that was the fittest place for watchmen. The multitude, to wit, of that numerous host of the Philistines. Melted away, i.e. were strangely and suddenly dispersed, and put to flight. Beating down one another; either, 1. Accidentally, through hasty flight; or, 2. With design to destroy one another, as the authors or abettors of the present calamity. Possibly God blinded their eyes or their minds, that they could not distinguish friends from foes. Compare , &c.; .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another].Ver. 16. And they went on beating down one another.] As any one was in their way, they knocked him down: being smitten with such a scotama or acridis, a giddiness of brain, or blindness of judgment, that they knew not their friends from their foes in that distemper and hurrycomb. Josephus saith, that when Jonathan first showed himself, a cloud suddenly arose, which so darkened the air, that they knew neither him, nor one another. But God, where he pleaseth, can easily trouble the fantasy, and make men to mistake; as we see daily in melancholy persons, who looking through a black cloud, as it were, see all things black, dark, cross and harmful.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
(16) And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked . . .—The distance between the outposts of the little Israelite army and the vast Philistine host was only about two miles, but a deep ravine or chasm lay between them. The watchmen of Saul were well able to see the scene of dire confusion in the outposts, a confusion which they could discern was rapidly spreading through the more distant camp of the main body. The Hebrew words, vayçleh vahãlom, in the last clause of the verse, have been variously rendered; the Rabbinical interpretation is the best: “magis magisque pangebatur”—“were more and more broken up.” This takes hãlom as an infinitive absolute. The LXX. considers this word an adverb, and translates enthen hai enthen, hither and thither, and does not attempt to give any rendering for vayçleh.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
Verse 16. The watchmen of Saul] Those who were sent out as scouts to observe the motions of the army. Melted away] There was no order in the Philistine camp, and the people were dispersing in all directions. The Vulgate has, Et ecce multitudo prostrata, "And behold the multitude were prostrate;" many lay dead upon the field, partly by the sword of Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and partly by the swords of each other, 1 Samuel 14:20.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:16
16–23. The rout of the Philistines 16. in Gibeah of Benjamin] If Tuleil-el-Fûl is the true site of the town of Gibeah, we must either suppose that Gibeah is here used of the surrounding district, or read Geba for Gibeah, since according to Lieut. Conder, Michmash is not visible from Tuleil-el-Fûl. See note on 1 Samuel 10:5. they went on beating down one another] It is doubtful if this or any other meaning can be extracted from the present Heb. text The Sept. gives a good sense: “And behold, the camp was in confusion on every side.”
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:16
Multitude - The word is in 1 Samuel 14:19 (margin) rendered tumult. It must have the same meaning here. The sentence is obscure and probably corrupt; perhaps it means, “and behold the tumult!
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16
16. The watchmen of Saul — Who were stationed where they could observe all the movements of the Philistine army.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout |
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Sing Praise to the Lord! by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the power of singing and praising in the midst of troubles, encouraging a shift from overthinking to joyful worship. He illustrates how singing can rel |
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Ii Chronicles 20:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the power of praise in achieving victory, as demonstrated in II Chronicles 20:22. King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming enemy and sought the Lord, acknowled |
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(Education for Exultation) the Gideon Venture by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon is in a difficult situation, feeling weak and unsure of what to do. However, God arranges for Gide |
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The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o |
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Against All Odds by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl |