1 Samuel 14:9

1 Samuel 14:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them.

King James Version KJV

If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

American Standard Version ASV

If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If they say to us, Keep quiet where you are till we come to you; then we will keep our places and not go up to them.

Free Bible Version FBV

If they tell us, ‘Wait there until we come down to you,’ we will wait where we are and we won't go up to them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If they say on this wise to vs, Tarie vntill we come to you, then we will stand still in our place, and not goe vp to them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

if thus they say unto us, 'Stand still till we have come unto you,' then we have stood in our place, and do not go up unto them;

World English Bible WEB

If they say this to us, ‘Wait until we come to you!’ then we will stand still in our place and will not go up to them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If they say thus to us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up to them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If they shall speak thus to us: Stay till we come to you: let us stand still in our place, and not go up to them.

Translation for Translators T4T

If they then say to us, ‘You two stay there until we come down to you,’ we will stay there and not go up to them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:9

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 14:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אִם כֹּ֤ה יֹֽאמְרוּ֙ אֵלֵ֔י/נוּ דֹּ֕מּוּ עַד הַגִּיעֵ֖/נוּ אֲלֵי/כֶ֑ם וְ/עָמַ֣דְנוּ תַחְתֵּ֔י/נוּ וְ/לֹ֥א נַעֲלֶ֖ה אֲלֵי/הֶֽם

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

כֹּ֤ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

יֹֽאמְרוּ֙ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֵלֵ֔י/נוּ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

דֹּ֕מּוּ dâmam H1826 to silence V-Qal-Impv-2mp

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

הַגִּיעֵ֖/נוּ nâgaʻ H5060 to touch V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

אֲלֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/עָמַ֣דְנוּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-1cp

תַחְתֵּ֔י/נוּ tachath H8478 underneath Prep | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

נַעֲלֶ֖ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

אֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:9

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

כֹּ֤ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

יֹֽאמְרוּ֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

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.

אֵלֵ֔י/נוּ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

דֹּ֕מּוּ dâmam H1826 "to silence" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.

Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

הַגִּיעֵ֖/נוּ nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.

Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.

אֲלֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

וְ/עָמַ֣דְנוּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-1cp

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

תַחְתֵּ֔י/נוּ tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נַעֲלֶ֖ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

אֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 14:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:9
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:9
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:9
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:9

Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines

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.

9If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them.

10But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” 11So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 6:36–40	Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.” And that night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground.
2	Genesis 24:13–14	Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

1 Samuel 14:9 Summary

This verse is about Jonathan and his armor-bearer waiting to see how the Philistines will respond to their presence, and using that response as a sign to guide their next steps, as they trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, similar to the way we are encouraged to trust in God's plan in Jeremiah 29:11. They are seeking to understand God's will and are willing to wait and observe before acting, which is a key principle in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 37:7. By waiting and seeking a sign, Jonathan and his armor-bearer are demonstrating faith and trust in God's plan, and we can learn from their example by seeking God's guidance in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Philistines' response in 1 Samuel 14:9?

The Philistines' response is crucial because it determines the course of action for Jonathan and his armor-bearer, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:10, and it is a way for them to discern God's will, similar to the way Gideon sought a sign from God in Judges 6:36-40.

Why did Jonathan and his armor-bearer need a sign to know what to do?

Jonathan and his armor-bearer needed a sign to confirm that God was with them and to guide their decision, as they were vastly outnumbered and outmatched by the Philistine army, and they wanted to ensure they were acting in accordance with God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Is this verse promoting a 'fleece' approach to decision-making, where we just wait for a sign before acting?

While Jonathan and his armor-bearer are seeking a sign, this verse should not be taken as a prescriptive model for decision-making, but rather as a descriptive account of their situation, and a reminder to seek God's guidance in our decisions, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.

How does this verse relate to trusting in God's sovereignty?

This verse shows that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are trusting in God's sovereignty, but also taking action and seeking guidance, which is in line with the teaching of Romans 8:28, that God works all things together for good, and Proverbs 16:9, which says that a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wait for His sign before acting?
How can I, like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, demonstrate courage and faith in the face of uncertainty and overwhelming odds?
What are some ways that I can discern God's will for my life, and how can I trust in His sovereignty?
In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking a sign from God, as seen in this verse, to my everyday decisions and challenges?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:9

If they say thus unto us,.... By this and what follows he gives his man a sign by which both might know how they should conduct themselves in this expedition, and what would be the issue, whether

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:9

If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. If they say ...

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:9

1 Samuel 14:9 If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.Ver. 9. If they say thus unto us.] This sign was Nec superstitiosum nec Dei tentativum, sed religiosum aeque ac animosum: it was given him in answer to his earnest prayer, saith Josephus, as was also that of Abraham’ s servant. So was not that of the Pazones in Herodotus, who warring upon the Perinthians, had this answer from the oracle, If the Perinthians call you by your name, and challenge you, then set upon them: as if otherwise, not: They did accordingly, and had the better. Satan is God’ s ape, as they say. Herod., lib. v. initio.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:9

Verse 9. If they say thus unto us] Jonathan had no doubt asked this as a sign from God; exactly as Eliezer the servant of Abraham did, Genesis 24:12.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:9

9. Then we will stand still — For if they come to us they will discover our hostile intentions.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:9

	Sermon	Description
	Knowing God's Will by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who became paralyzed and was abandoned by his wife. Despite his anger and despair, the man turned to God and prayed fo
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 7:14 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck emphasizes the destructive power of sin and its impact on relationships and society. He highlights the historical lesson that a nation must be spiritua
	Gideon #2: The Preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges in the Bible. The main theme is the preeminence of Christ and the invitation for believers to co
	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
	The Eternal Spirit Walking in the Spirit by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance from God. He encourages listeners to start by humbling themselves before God and asking Him what H
	Revival - Part 7 by Doc Greenway	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the depth of Jesus' sacrifice, from his trials to his resurrection. T
	Discerning the Voice of the Lord by Conrad Murrell	Conrad Murrell emphasizes the importance of discerning God's voice from the enemy's deceitful whispers, highlighting the need to develop spiritual senses through experience and lea