1 Samuel 14:26
1 Samuel 14:26 in Multiple Translations
And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath.
And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.
And when the people were come unto the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath.
But not a man put his hand to his mouth for fear of the curse.
While they were in the forest they saw the honey running out, but no one picked it up to eat it because they were all afraid of the oath they had taken.
And the people came into the wood, and beholde, the hony dropped, and no man mooued his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the othe.
and the people come in unto the forest, and lo, the honey dropped, and none is moving his hand unto his mouth, for the people feared the oath.
When the people had come to the forest, behold, honey was dripping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.
And when the people had come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.
And when the people came into the forest, behold the honey dropped, but no man put his hand to his mouth. For the people feared the oath.
They were afraid to eat any, because they had solemnly promised that they would not eat any food.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:26
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 14:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
הָ/עָם֙
אֶל
הַ/יַּ֔עַר
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
הֵ֣לֶךְ
דְּבָ֑שׁ
וְ/אֵין
מַשִּׂ֤יג
יָד/וֹ֙
אֶל
פִּ֔י/ו
כִּֽי
יָרֵ֥א
הָ/עָ֖ם
אֶת
הַ/שְּׁבֻעָֽה
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/יַּ֔עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
הֵ֣לֶךְ
hêlek
H1982
traveller
N-ms
דְּבָ֑שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
N-ms
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מַשִּׂ֤יג
nâsag
H5381
to overtake
V-Hiphil
יָד/וֹ֙
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פִּ֔י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָרֵ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁבֻעָֽה
shᵉbûwʻâh
H7621
oath
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:26
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/יַּ֔עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
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.
הֵ֣לֶךְ
hêlek
H1982
"traveller"
N-ms
A traveller is someone on a journey, like Abraham in Genesis 12:9. This word also means a flowing or a wayfarer. In the Bible, it refers to people on the move.
Definition: traveller
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dropped, traveller. See also: 1 Samuel 14:26; 2 Samuel 12:4.
דְּבָ֑שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַשִּׂ֤יג
nâsag
H5381
"to overtake"
V-Hiphil
To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.
Definition: 1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to overtake 1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach 1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Samuel 14:26; Psalms 7:6.
יָד/וֹ֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פִּ֔י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָרֵ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שְּׁבֻעָֽה
shᵉbûwʻâh
H7621
"oath"
Art | N-fs
This word means an oath or curse, like a promise or vow. In the Bible, it appears in Numbers 5:21 and Deuteronomy 29:12, referring to God's oath. The KJV translates it as 'oath' or 'curse'.
Definition: 1) oath, curse 1a) oath 1a1) attesting of innocence 1a2) curse 1b) oath (of Jehovah)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: curse, oath, [idiom] sworn. See also: Genesis 24:8; 2 Samuel 21:7; Psalms 105:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:26
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
Context — Jonathan Eats the Honey
24Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.
25Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground.
26And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath.
27Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. 28Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 9:2 | It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow. |
1 Samuel 14:26 Summary
In 1 Samuel 14:26, the men of Israel saw the flowing honey but did not eat it because they were afraid of breaking the oath that Saul had made them take. This shows that they were trying to obey their leader, even when it was hard. We can learn from their example by obeying God's commands, even when it's difficult, as seen in John 14:15. Just like the men of Israel had to wait for the right time to eat, we often have to wait for God's timing and trust in His provision, as seen in Psalm 27:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of Israel not eat the honey in 1 Samuel 14:26?
The men of Israel did not eat the honey because they feared the oath that Saul had placed them under, as stated in 1 Samuel 14:24, which said that anyone who ate food before evening would be cursed.
What does this verse reveal about the character of the men of Israel?
This verse shows that the men of Israel were obedient to their leader, Saul, and feared disobeying him, even when faced with something as tempting as honey, similar to how the Israelites were obedient to God's commands in Deuteronomy 8:3.
How does this event relate to the broader story of 1 Samuel?
This event is part of the story of Saul's reign as king of Israel and highlights his leadership and the consequences of his decisions, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 where Saul's disobedience is criticized by Samuel.
What spiritual lesson can be learned from the men's fear of the oath?
The men's fear of the oath teaches us about the importance of obedience to authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, and the potential consequences of disobedience, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been tempted to disobey authority, and how did I respond?
- How can I balance my desire for instant gratification with the need to obey God's commands, as seen in Psalm 119:60?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's provision and timing, rather than taking matters into my own hands, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
- How can I apply the lesson of obedience from this verse to my relationships with others, such as my family, friends, or coworkers?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:26
And when the people came into the wood, behold, the honey dropped,.... Either from trees, which produced it; so Diodorus Siculus (t) speaks of trees in some countries which produce honey; or from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:26
And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
The honey dropped. It hath been observed by many travellers and writers, that bees do ofttimes settle themselves, and make their hives and honey, in the trunks of trees, or clefts of rocks, or holes of the earth; and this in divers countries, but eminently in this of Canaan; as may be gathered from ; whence it was called a land flowing with milk and honey.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
1 Samuel 14:26 And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.Ver. 26. Behold, the honey dropped.] Hence Canaan is so oft called "a land flowing with milk and honey." But no man put his hand to his mouth.] It argued there was much power in that oath, when no man dared to touch one drop of this honey: so, to resist a strong temptation, argueth strong grace. Pliny mentioneth a certain country where the honey is poisonous, because sucked out of poisonous herbs. Such is the pleasure of sin; sweet, but deadly.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
(26) Behold, the honey dropped.—Literally,. Behold, a stream of honey.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
Verse 26. The honey dropped] It seems to have dropped from the trees on the ground. Honey dews, as they are called, are not uncommon in most countries; and this appears to have been something of this kind. I have seen honey in considerable quantity on the trees and long grass in the fields, and have often eaten of it.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:26
26. behold, the honey dropped] Lit. behold a stream of honey. Palestine is literally “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). Wild bees settle in vast numbers in the clefts of the limestone rocks and in the trees. Compare the statement of a traveller in India, where “the forests literally flow with honey, Large combs may be seen hanging in the trees as you pass along, full of honey.” Cp. Matthew 3:4. See Tristram’s Land of Israel, p. 83. Kitto’s Bible Illustrations, p. 190.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:26
The honey dropped - Rather, “Behold a stream of honey.” The same thing may be seen in Spain, where in woody and rocky ground copious streams of honey are often found.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:26
26. The honey dropped — Kitto quotes Mr. Roberts as saying: “Bees in the East are not, as in England, kept in hives; they are all in a wild state.