1 Samuel 14 11

1 Samuel 14:11 kjv

And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

1 Samuel 14:11 nkjv

So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, "Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden."

1 Samuel 14:11 niv

So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. "Look!" said the Philistines. "The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in."

1 Samuel 14:11 esv

So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, "Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves."

1 Samuel 14:11 nlt

When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, "Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!"

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 11 Meaning

1 Samuel 14:11 describes the moment Jonathan and his armor-bearer reveal themselves to the Philistine outpost. The Philistines react with a disdainful remark, recognizing them as "Hebrews" emerging from their hiding places. This brief interaction sets the stage for God's impending display of power through Jonathan's faith, despite Israel's initial position of weakness and oppression.

1 Samuel 14 11 Context

1 Samuel 14 unfolds with a daring initiative by Jonathan, the son of King Saul, amidst a dire situation for Israel. The Philistines, technologically superior with iron weaponry and militarily dominant, oppressed the Israelites, even preventing them from having blacksmiths to sharpen their tools or weapons (1 Sam 13:19-22). Saul had gathered an army, but morale was low, and many hid in caves out of fear. Jonathan, without his father's knowledge, resolves to attack a Philistine garrison with only his armor-bearer, driven by faith that God can deliver victory through few or many. Verse 11 details the first step in this audacious plan: their self-disclosure to the enemy, and the Philistine's initial, condescending response, highlighting the cultural and power disparity.

1 Samuel 14 11 Word analysis

• So both of them: Refers to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. Their shared initiative and trust in God represent a distinct departure from King Saul's inaction and the general fear among the Israelite army. It emphasizes unity in daring faith.
• showed themselves: Hebrew: יַגִּלוּ (yaggilu) from the root גָּלָה (galah), "to uncover, reveal." This is in the Hiphil stem, meaning to "cause to be seen" or "make manifest." It implies an intentional and deliberate act of self-exposure, not accidental discovery. They chose to come out into the open, a courageous act considering the numerical disadvantage.
• to the Philistines' garrison: Hebrew: אֶל־מַצַּב פְּלִשְׁתִּים (ʾel matstsav Pĕlištîm).
  • מַצַּב (matstsav): "garrison, standing post, military station." This term denotes a permanent military presence, a symbol of Philistine occupation and control over Israelite territory. Its mention highlights the tangible stronghold Jonathan targeted.
• And the Philistines said: Their reaction is significant, revealing their perception of Israelite strength and their arrogance.
• 'Look, Hebrews are coming out': Hebrew: הִנֵּה עִבְרִים יֹצְאִים (hinnēh ‘Ivriym yoṣə’iym).
  • הִנֵּה (hinnēh): "behold, look!" An exclamation signaling immediate attention.
  • עִבְרִים (‘Ivriym): "Hebrews." This term, often used by non-Israelites (e.g., Exod 1:15, Gen 40:15) or when Israel is outside its land, often carries a nuance of foreignness, servitude, or an ethnicity distinct from 'Israel' (which refers to their covenant relationship with God and nationhood). The Philistines using 'Hebrews' could be dismissive or contemptuous, seeing them as runaway slaves or hidden folk rather than a formal military force, underestimating their resolve. This also implies a polemic, as the Philistines do not recognize the Lord's chosen nation, but rather a vagabond people.
  • יֹצְאִים (yoṣə’iym): "coming out, going forth." Denotes movement from within to without.
• 'out of the holes: Hebrew: מֵהַחֹרִים (mēhachoriym), "from the holes/pits."
  • חֹרִים (choriym): "holes, pits, caves, crevices." This refers to natural hiding places often used by the oppressed (1 Sam 13:6, Isa 2:19), indicative of the Israelite people's fear and the extent of Philistine oppression that forced them to seek refuge in such places. It emphasizes the Philistine's contemptuous view of them as people driven to hide like animals.
• where they had hidden themselves!': This phrase reinforces the previous statement, reiterating the Philistine perception of the Israelites as cowardly and weak, having been forced into hiding. It is an utterance of surprise tinged with derision.

1 Samuel 14 11 Bonus section

• The Philistines' choice to call them "Hebrews" rather than "Israelites" might reflect a tribal or ethnic identification used by outsiders, or it might subtly refer to the transient, often oppressed status associated with the early "Hebrews" in patriarchal narratives (e.g., Joseph as a "Hebrew"). This usage frames them as rootless wanderers, rather than a divinely appointed nation, diminishing their status.
• Jonathan's act of showing himself can be seen as a fulfillment of his preceding prayer-test (1 Sam 14:10). The Philistines' very words ("come up to us") become the divine confirmation Jonathan sought.
• This verse captures the stark contrast between human perception (Philistine arrogance and contempt) and divine reality (God empowering His chosen ones). The "holes" symbolize the depth of Israel's plight and God's intervention in seemingly hopeless situations.

1 Samuel 14 11 Commentary

1 Samuel 14:11 marks a pivotal turn from Israelite weakness and hiding to an act of audacious faith. Jonathan and his armor-bearer emerge not from military strength but from humble faith, willing to expose themselves to a superior enemy. The Philistine's sneering remark, calling them "Hebrews" from their "holes," highlights their disdain and gross underestimation of God's power working through individuals. Their language underscores the prevailing narrative of Philistine dominance and Israelite subservience, portraying the Israelites as fearful, unorganized runaways. However, this contempt ironically sets the stage for God to manifest His power precisely through those who were perceived as weak and hidden. It’s a moment that powerfully illustrates God's willingness to use the seemingly insignificant and disrespected to accomplish great victories, showcasing His might and shaming the arrogance of those who oppose Him.