1 Samuel 14:42
1 Samuel 14:42 in Multiple Translations
Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.
And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
And Saul said, Give your decision between my son Jonathan and me. And Jonathan was taken.
Then Saul said, “Cast lots between me and my son Jonathan.” Jonathan was selected.
And Saul saide, Cast lot betweene me and Ionathan my sonne. And Ionathan was taken.
And Saul saith, 'Cast between me and Jonathan my son;' and Jonathan is captured.
Saul said, “Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son.” Jonathan was selected.
And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
And Saul said: Cast lots between me, and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
Then Saul said to the priest, “Throw the stones again to indicate which of us two is guilty.” So he did, and the stones indicated that Jonathan was the guilty one.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:42
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 14:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
שָׁא֔וּל
הַפִּ֕ילוּ
בֵּינִ֕/י
וּ/בֵ֖ין
יוֹנָתָ֣ן
בְּנִ֑/י
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד
יוֹנָתָֽן
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
הַפִּ֕ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
בֵּינִ֕/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
יוֹנָתָ֣ן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
Jonathan
N-proper
בְּנִ֑/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹנָתָֽן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
Jonathan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:42
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
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.
הַפִּ֕ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בֵּינִ֕/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
יוֹנָתָ֣ן
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.
בְּנִ֑/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
יוֹנָתָֽן
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 14:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:42
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
Context — The People Save Jonathan
40Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied.
41So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge.
42Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.
43“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” 44And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”1 Samuel 14:42 Summary
In this verse, Saul asks to cast the lot between himself and his son Jonathan to determine who is responsible for a sin that was committed. This shows that Saul was seeking guidance from the Lord, as we are taught to do in Proverbs 3:5-6. Jonathan was selected by the lot, which meant he would have to face the consequences of his actions, but he trusted in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:33-36. This teaches us the importance of seeking guidance from the Lord and being willing to accept responsibility for our actions, as we see in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul ask to cast the lot between himself and his son Jonathan?
Saul asked to cast the lot between himself and his son Jonathan to determine who was responsible for the sin that had been committed, as indicated in 1 Samuel 14:41 where he had asked the Lord to respond with Urim or Thummim to identify the guilty party.
What is the significance of casting the lot in this context?
Casting the lot was a way of seeking guidance from the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, where it says that the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
How did Jonathan feel about being selected by the lot?
Although we don't have Jonathan's direct response in 1 Samuel 14:42, his reaction in 1 Samuel 14:43 suggests that he was willing to accept the consequences of his actions, even if it meant death, demonstrating his trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse?
Saul's actions demonstrate the importance of seeking guidance from the Lord and being willing to accept responsibility for one's actions, as taught in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Psalm 51:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek guidance from the Lord, and how can I trust in His sovereignty?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility, like Jonathan, and be willing to accept the consequences of my actions?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of seeking guidance from the Lord in my daily decisions, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:41-42?
- How can I balance the need for guidance with the need for personal responsibility, as seen in Saul's actions in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:42
And Saul said, cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son,..... Which showed his regard strict justice, and that he had no consciousness of guilt in himself, and should not spare his own son if found
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:42
And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
God so ordered the lot; not that he approved Saul’ s execration, , or his oath that the transgressor should die, , nor that he would expose Jonathan to death; (for he designed so to rule the hearts of the people, and of Saul also, that Jonathan should not die;) but because he would have the whole matter brought to light; partly, that Saul’ s folly might be chastised, when he saw what danger it had brought upon his eldest and excellent son; partly, that Jonathan’ s innocency might he cleared; and partly, to stablish the authority of kings and rulers, and the obedience which subjects owe to all their lawful commands.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
1 Samuel 14:42 And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.Ver. 42. And Jonathan was taken.] Not in answer to Saul’ s prayers, which God valued not. But, (1.) To show that he is the disposer of lots; (2.) To humble Jonathan, who was in danger of being puffed up too much with the joy of his victory; (3.) To discover Saul’ s hypocrisy. Peter Martyr.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
Verse 42. And Jonathan was taken.] The object of the inquiry most evidently was, "Who has gone contrary to the king's adjuration today?" The answer to that must be JONATHAN. But was this a proof of the Divine displeasure against the man? By no means: the holy oracle told the truth, but neither that oracle nor the God who gave it fixed any blame upon Jonathan, and his own conscience acquits him. He seeks not pardon from God, because he is conscious he had not transgressed. But why did not God answer the priest that day? Because he did not think it proper to send the people by night in pursuit of the vanquished Philistines. Saul's motive was perfectly vindictive: Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them unto the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them; that is, Let us burn, waste, destroy, and slay all before us! Was it right to indulge a disposition of this kind, which would have led to the destruction of many innocent country people, and of many Israelites who resided among the Philistines? Besides, was there not a most manifest reason in the people why God could not be among them?
Multitudes of them were defiled in a very solemn manner; they had eaten the flesh with the blood; and however sacrifices might be offered to atone for this transgression of the law, they must continue unclean till the evening. Here were reasons enough why God would not go on with the people for that night.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:42
42. And Saul said, &c.] Again the Sept. text is fuller. “And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son: whomsoever the Lord taketh by lot, let him die. And the people said unto Saul, This thing shall not be. And Saul prevailed over the people, and they cast lots between him and Jonathan his son, and Jonathan was taken.” The omission in the Heb. text may be accounted for by homoeoteleuton (1 Samuel 10:1. note), the words for my son and his son being almost identical.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:42
42. Jonathan was taken — But Jonathan had not knowingly transgressed, and by the victory God had set his approving seal to the young hero’s Gideon-like faith, and Saul’s oath was rash, unwise, and