1 Samuel 14:6

Translations

Modern

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.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

And Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come and let us pass over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. Perhaps YHWH will work for us, for nothing can restrain YHWH from saving by many or by few.”

Latin

Dixit autem Jonathas ad adolescentem armigerum suum: Veni, transeamus ad stationem incircumcisorum horum, si forte faciat Dominus pro nobis: quia non est Domino difficile salvare, vel in multis, vel in paucis.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.”

Notes

1 Samuel 14:6

uncircumcised men: A word used to show strong dislike or disrespect for Israel’s enemies (see also 1 Samuel 17:36; 31:4).
Perhaps: Jonathan had no promise of survival, but he believed God could give them victory against the odds. Victory depended on God; Jonathan offered himself as a tool for God to use.
whether by many or by few: Jonathan understood what Gideon had learned long ago (see Judges 7:2–8).

1 Samuel 14:1–15

Jonathan again fought in his father's battles (see also 1 Samuel 13:2–4; 31).

1 Samuel 14:1–52

Saul's actions in this chapter further support his removal as king (1 Samuel 13:8–14; see also 15). Saul was estranged from both Samuel and his brave son Jonathan. 1 Samuel 14 foreshadows Jonathan's important role in the shift from Saul's rule to David's.

Theme notes and profiles

Jonathan Samuel Saul The Philistines

Events

Reign of Saul

Related verses

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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.
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?
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.”
Judges 7:4–7
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. 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.”
Psalm 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.
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.”
2 Samuel 16:12
Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”
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.”
Amos 5:15
Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
Ephesians 2:11–12
Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—

People

Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David

Glossary

Ahijah Bethel (Place), Bethelite Circumcision Jonathan Michmash Philistia, Philistines Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Armor-Bearer of Jonathan Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Faith: Exemplified Faith: Jonathan, in Stricking Down the Philistines God: Power of God: Providence of Jonathan: Son of Saul: Victory of, Over the Philistines at Michmash Power of God: Can Save by Many or by Few Servants: Good: Jonathan's Armour Bearer The Jews: Often Distinguished in War The Philistines: Jonathan and his Armour-Bearer Smote a Garrison of, at The The Power of God: Can Save by Many or by Few

1 Samuel 14:6

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Original?

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Related verses?

People

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

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Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics