1 Samuel 14:6
1 Samuel 14:6 in Multiple Translations
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
And Jonathan said to his young servant who had his arms, Come, let us go over to the armies of these men who have no circumcision: it may be that the Lord will give us help, for there is no limit to his power; the Lord is able to give salvation by a great army or by a small band.
Jonathan said to the young armor-bearer, “Come on, let's cross over to the garrison of these heathen men. Maybe the Lord will help us out. It's not a problem for the Lord to win, whether by many or by few.”
And Ionathan saide to the yong man that bare his armour, Come, and let vs goe ouer vnto the garison of these vncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will worke with vs: for it is not hard to the Lord to saue with many, or with fewe.
And Jonathan saith unto the young man bearing his weapons, 'Come, and we pass over unto the station of these uncircumcised; it may be Jehovah doth work for us, for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.'
Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come! Let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for there is no restraint on the LORD to save by many or by few.”
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour: Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised, it may be the Lord will do for us, because it is easy for the Lord to save either by many, or by few.
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his weapons, “Come with me. We will go to where those ◄pagans/people who do not believe in Yahweh► [MTY] have set up their tents. Perhaps Yahweh will help us. It does not matter whether we are only two men or many people; nothing can hinder Yahweh from enabling us to defeat them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:6
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 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן
אֶל
הַ/נַּ֣עַר
נֹשֵׂ֣א
כֵלָ֗י/ו
לְכָ/ה֙
וְ/נַעְבְּרָ֗ה
אֶל
מַצַּב֙
הָ/עֲרֵלִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
אוּלַ֛י
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
יְהוָ֖ה
לָ֑/נוּ
כִּ֣י
אֵ֤ין
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
מַעְצ֔וֹר
לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
בְּ/רַ֖ב
א֥וֹ
בִ/מְעָֽט
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/נַּ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
נֹשֵׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
כֵלָ֗י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
לְכָ/ה֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/נַעְבְּרָ֗ה
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מַצַּב֙
matstsâb
H4673
station
N-ms
הָ/עֲרֵלִ֣ים
ʻârêl
H6189
uncircumcised
Art | Adj
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
אוּלַ֛י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לָ֑/נוּ
Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מַעְצ֔וֹר
maʻtsôwr
H4622
restraint
N-ms
לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בְּ/רַ֖ב
rab
H7227
many
Prep | Adj
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בִ/מְעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:6
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
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.
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § 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) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
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/נַּ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
נֹשֵׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
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.
כֵלָ֗י/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.
לְכָ/ה֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
וְ/נַעְבְּרָ֗ה
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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.
מַצַּב֙
matstsâb
H4673
"station"
N-ms
A fixed spot or office, like a military post, where someone stands or serves, as seen in the Bible with garrisons and outposts.
Definition: 1) station, garrison, standing-place 1a) standing-place (of feet) 1b) station, office, position 1c) garrison, post, outpost
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: garrison, station, place where...stood. See also: Joshua 4:3; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 22:19.
הָ/עֲרֵלִ֣ים
ʻârêl
H6189
"uncircumcised"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is uncircumcised, meaning they still have their foreskin. It is used to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews, as seen in Acts 7.
Definition: uncircumcised, having foreskin
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: uncircumcised (person). See also: Genesis 17:14; Jeremiah 6:10; Isaiah 52:1.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אוּלַ֛י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לָ֑/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י
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.
אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
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.
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מַעְצ֔וֹר
maʻtsôwr
H4622
"restraint"
N-ms
Matsor means restraint or hindrance, something that holds something back or restricts it.
Definition: restraint, hindrance
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: restraint. See also: 1 Samuel 14:6.
לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
בְּ/רַ֖ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בִ/מְעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:6
Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines
4Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh.
5One cliff stood to the north toward Michmash, and the other to the south toward Geba.
6Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
7His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 8“Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 19:26 | Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” |
| 2 | Romans 8:31 | What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? |
| 3 | Zechariah 4:6 | So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:30 | How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? |
| 5 | Psalms 115:1–3 | Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 14:11 | Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 16:12 | Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 9:26 | Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” |
| 9 | Judges 7:4–7 | Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” So Gideon brought the people down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.” And the number of those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men; all the others knelt to drink. Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.” |
| 10 | 2 Kings 19:4 | Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.” |
1 Samuel 14:6 Summary
[This verse shows Jonathan's faith and trust in God's power to save, even when the odds seem against him. He believes that God can work on their behalf, no matter how many or how few people are with him, as he says in this verse. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 23:4, where David says God is with him even in the darkest valley. Jonathan's trust in God is an example to us of how we can have confidence in God's power and sovereignty in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jonathan mean by 'these uncircumcised men'?
Jonathan is referring to the Philistines, who were not part of God's covenant people and did not practice circumcision, which was a sign of God's covenant with the Israelites, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14.
How can Jonathan be so confident that God will save them?
Jonathan's confidence comes from his trust in God's power and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 115:3, which says God does whatever He pleases, and from his understanding that God can save by many or by few, as he states in this verse.
Is Jonathan's plan to attack the Philistines a reckless or foolish decision?
While it may seem that way to human eyes, Jonathan's decision is based on his faith in God's ability to save, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14, where God saves the Israelites from the Egyptians, and in his desire to see God work on their behalf.
What role does Jonathan's armor-bearer play in this scene?
Jonathan's armor-bearer serves as a companion and supporter, and his response in 1 Samuel 14:7 shows that he is willing to follow Jonathan's lead, demonstrating loyalty and trust in Jonathan's decision, much like the relationship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to work on my behalf, just like Jonathan?
- How can I, like Jonathan, demonstrate faith and confidence in God's power and sovereignty in the face of challenging circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can, like Jonathan, take steps of faith and see God work in my life, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- In what ways can I, like Jonathan's armor-bearer, support and encourage others in their walks of faith, and be a loyal companion to them?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour,.... A second time, as Abarbinel thinks; the young man giving no answer to him the first time, perhaps through fear, he repeats it, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
These uncircumcised; so he calls them, partly in contempt, and principally to strengthen his faith by this consideration, that his enemies were enemies to God, and without any hope in God, or help from him; whereas he was circumcised, and therefore in covenant with God, who was both able and engaged to assist his people. It may be; he speaks doubtfully; for though he found and felt himself stirred up by God to this exploit, and was assured that God would deliver his people, yet he was not certain that he would do it at this time, and in this way. The Lord will work, to wit, great and wonderful things. There is no restraint to the Lord; there is no person nor thing which can hinder God from thus doing.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.Ver. 6. Unto the garrison of these uncircumcised.] Strangers to the covenant, and therefore we shall the sooner prevail against them. By the consideration of the sacraments we should strengthen our faith against all adverse power; this being one special use of them. It may be that the Lord will work for us.] A promise God had made, that Saul should save them out of the hand of the Philistines; but whether at this time, and by this means, he submitteth to God’ s holy will, saying, "It may be that the Lord," &c., which is not spoken by way of doubting, saith Pellican, but of praying and exciting himself and his armour bearer to trust in God all-sufficient. for there is no restraint to the Lord.] He is magnus in magnis, nec parvus in minimis, and hath promised to help his people "with a little help," that through weaker means they may see his greater strength. Magis orantis quam trepidantis affectu. August.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
(6) And Jonathan said.—This companion in arms answered to the esquire of the knight of the middle ages. Gideon, Joab, David, and others of the famous Israelite warriors, were constantly accompanied in a similar manner by an armour-bearer. Come, and let us go over.—Although in this history of the great deed of Jonathan there is no mention of the “Spirit of the Lord” having come upon him, as in the case of Gideon (Judges 6:34), Othniel (Judges 3:10), Samson, and others—who, in order to enable them to accomplish a particular act, were temporarily endowed with superhuman strength and courage and wisdom—there is no shadow of doubt but that in this case the “Spirit of the Lord” descended on the heroic son of Saul. All the circumstances connected with this event, which had so marked an influence on the fortunes of Israel, are evidently supernatural. The brave though desperate thought which suggested the attack, the courage and strength needful to carry it out, the strange panic which seized the Philistine garrison, the utter dismay which spread over the whole of the Philistine forces, and which caused them to fly in utter confusion before the small bands of Israelites, all belong to the same class of incidents so common in the earlier Hebrew story, when it is clear that the Glorious Arm of the Eternal helped them in a way it helped no other peoples. The term “uncircumcised” is commonly applied to the Philistines, and to other of the enemies of Israel. It is used as a special term of reproach. The enmity between Philistia and Israel lasted over a long period, and was very bitter. It may be that the Lord will work for us.—These words explain the apparent recklessness of Jonathan’s attempt. It was Another who would fight the armed garrison on those tall peaks opposite, and bring him safely back to his people again.
For there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.—“O Divine power of faith, which makes a man more than men. The question is not what Jonathan can do, but what God can do, whose power is not in the means, but in Himself. There is no restraint in the Lord to save by many or by few. O admirable faith in Jonathan, whom neither the steepness of the rocks nor multitude of enemies can dissuade from such an assault.”—Bishop Hall.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
Verse 6. Let us go over] Moved, doubtless, by a Divine impulse. There is no restraint to the Lord] This is a fine sentiment; and where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely on it with the utmost confidence.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:6
6. these uncircumcised] A frequent epithet of abhorrence for the Philistines. Here it has a special significance, for it indicates that Jonathan’s hope of success was based on the reflection that the Philistines stood in no covenant-relation to Jehovah, as Israel did. there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few] See ch. 1 Samuel 17:46-47; Judges 7:4; Judges 7:7; 2 Chronicles 14:11, and the noble words of Judas Maccabaeus before the battle of Beth-horon (1Ma 3:16-21): “With the God of heaven it is all one to deliver with a great multitude or with a small company; for the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.” These were among the heroes who “through faith waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:34).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:6
It is remarkable that the epithet “uncircumcised,” used as a term of reproach, is confined almost exclusively to the Philistines.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:6
6. No restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few — Jonathan was confident in the arm of Jehovah.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 11-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer facing the Philistine army. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Jonathan and his compan |
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Victory or Survival - Part 3 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and putting our faith into action. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer to illustrate this p |
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(1 Samuel) Blessings to a Bold Faith by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having bold trust in God and being willing to work hard for His purposes. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor beare |
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Stepping Into Alignment With God's Will by Michael Howard | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and purpose. They share their experience of building a school that was specifically instru |
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(1 Corinthians) the Gifts of the Spirit by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the gift of faith as mentioned in the Bible. He gives examples of individuals who demonstrated this gift, such as Peter and Jonathan. Peter ha |
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The Battle Is Not Yours - Nothing Restrains the Lord by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes that the battle we face is not ours but belongs to the Lord, reminding us that nothing can restrain God. He encourages believers to recognize that no hindr |