1 Samuel 14 14

1 Samuel 14:14 kjv

And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.

1 Samuel 14:14 nkjv

That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armorbearer made was about twenty men within about half an acre of land.

1 Samuel 14:14 niv

In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

1 Samuel 14:14 esv

And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land.

1 Samuel 14:14 nlt

They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 14 Meaning

This verse provides a concise and striking report of the initial act of courage by Jonathan and his armor-bearer. It describes the precise immediate outcome of their stealthy infiltration and attack on the Philistine outpost. The "first slaughter" signifies a decisive and fatal engagement where approximately twenty Philistine soldiers were killed within a very small, confined area of land. This narrow combat zone suggests close-quarters fighting, potentially leveraging the difficult terrain, and underscores the extraordinary skill and divine enablement behind their success against superior numbers. This audacious strike served as the catalyst for the larger Israelite victory that followed.

1 Samuel 14 14 Context

Chapter 14 opens with Jonathan's bold, faith-filled initiative to attack the Philistine garrison at Michmash without his father Saul's knowledge. This act stems from his observation of Israel's dire straits—heavily outnumbered, poorly armed (only Saul and Jonathan possessed swords), and demoralized under Philistine oppression. Saul, on the other hand, is seen waiting indecisively, relying on divination. Jonathan, driven by an unwavering belief that "nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few" (1 Sam 14:6), views the overwhelming Philistine presence as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power. His daring move with only his armor-bearer directly counters Saul's cautious inaction and Israel's prevailing fear, ultimately triggering the much-needed victory and deliverance from Philistine domination. The confined, rugged terrain of the Michmash pass where this "first slaughter" occurred further exacerbated the Philistines' numerical disadvantage, contributing to their subsequent panic. This account highlights a crucial spiritual polemic: true victory comes not from human military might or strategic numbers, but from divine intervention brought about by unwavering faith in YHWH, in contrast to the Philistines' reliance on their false gods like Dagon or Israel's occasional misplaced trust in human institutions.

1 Samuel 14 14 Word analysis

• And that first slaughter: The Hebrew word is makkāh (מַכָּה), meaning "blow," "strike," "defeat," or "slaughter." It conveys a decisive and violent act. This phrase indicates that this initial engagement was critical, setting the tone for the entire battle that unfolded. It was the spark that ignited the Philistine panic.
• which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made: Jonathan (יְהוֹנָתָן, Yehônātān) means "YHWH has given." His name implicitly aligns with his actions, as he is an instrument of God's saving power. His "armor-bearer" (נֹשֵׂא כְלִי, nōśēʾ kəlî) was more than just a servant; he was a close confidante and trusted warrior who shared the leader's risk and commitment. This partnership highlights the collective faith and action of two individuals against a much larger force, emphasizing that great deeds for God do not always require a multitude.
• was about twenty men: The specific number "twenty" (כְּעֶשְׂרִים, kəʿeśrîm, with the prefix kə- meaning "about" or "approximately") highlights the effectiveness of their limited strike force. It's a remarkably high kill count for just two men in a confined space, further underscoring the intensity of the fight and the miraculous nature of their achievement, implying divine aid.
• within about half an acre of land: The phrase in Hebrew is kəḥaṣî maʿănāh (כַּחֲצִי מַעֲנָה), literally "like half a furrow" or "as it were half a measure of a yoke (of oxen)." A maʿănāh was a unit of land, generally the amount of land a pair of oxen could plow in a day, estimated to be around half to one acre. Therefore, "half an acre" implies a very small, confined area. This detail is crucial, suggesting steep, narrow terrain or a very localized skirmish. This limited space neutralized the Philistines' numerical superiority, making hand-to-hand combat particularly deadly and favoring the swiftness and determination of Jonathan and his armor-bearer. It reinforces the image of a concentrated, brutal fight in close quarters.
• Jonathan and his armor-bearer: This pairing is significant. It illustrates that God often works through small, unexpected units to achieve His purposes. Jonathan's leadership in faith found a willing and loyal partner, showcasing unity in divine mission.

1 Samuel 14 14 Bonus section

• The terrain at Michmash, characterized by narrow passes and steep ravines, would have naturally bottlenecked the larger Philistine army, turning their numerical advantage into a tactical liability during the hand-to-hand combat described here. This geographic detail magnifies the impact of Jonathan's initial breach.
• This verse describes a spiritual "ignition point." The small "slaughter" by two men was supernaturally magnified into a widespread panic and ultimately, self-inflicted chaos among the Philistines, indicating God actively fighting on behalf of His people.
• Jonathan's action highlights a key aspect of leadership often absent in his father Saul—proactive, faith-driven initiative over reactive, fear-bound indecision. His courage inspires later segments of Israel to join the battle once they perceive God's movement.

1 Samuel 14 14 Commentary

This verse is the pivotal turning point in the Battle of Michmash, detailing the precise, impactful initial strike by Jonathan and his armor-bearer. It is a testament to the power of courageous faith exercised by even a small number of individuals. Against an overwhelming, well-armed enemy, two men, empowered by God, inflicted significant casualties within an extremely confined area. This concentrated attack not only reduced the enemy force but, more importantly, instilled widespread panic and confusion among the Philistine ranks, setting the stage for a dramatic divine deliverance for Israel. It underscores the biblical principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and that His people are to act boldly on faith, not to be deterred by daunting odds. The focus is not on the human agents' strength, but on the God who works through them to fulfill His saving purpose.