1 Samuel 14 6

1 Samuel 14:6 kjv

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 the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

1 Samuel 14:6 nkjv

Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few."

1 Samuel 14:6 niv

Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."

1 Samuel 14:6 esv

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few."

1 Samuel 14:6 nlt

"Let's go across to the outpost of those pagans," Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the LORD will help us, for nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 6 Meaning

Jonathan's statement to his armor-bearer expresses profound faith in God's limitless power to grant victory. Despite the overwhelming Philistine military superiority and Israel's numerical disadvantage, he declares that God's ability to deliver His people is not bound by human strength, numbers, or conventional warfare. It is a bold affirmation of divine omnipotence and a call to courageous action, trusting that the Lord Himself will intervene and accomplish salvation.

1 Samuel 14 6 Context

Chapter 14 opens with Israel severely oppressed by the Philistines, who possess superior weaponry and control key strategic points. Saul, Israel's king, commands a small, poorly equipped, and dispirited army. Fear and inactivity prevail in the Israelite camp. Against this backdrop of despair, Jonathan, without his father Saul's knowledge or permission, initiates a daring plan with only his armor-bearer. Their proposed target is a Philistine garrison, a formidable military outpost. This verse encapsulates Jonathan's personal conviction and audacious faith, directly contrasting the pervasive fear and military disadvantage. His actions are not rash presumption but a courageous step of faith rooted in God's unlimited power.

1 Samuel 14 6 Word Analysis

• Then Jonathan said: Jonathan, Hebrew Yonatan (YHWH has given), is King Saul's son. He exhibits independent spiritual discernment and proactive faith, unlike his father in this period. This signifies an initiative taken outside the usual command structure, driven by spiritual conviction.
• to the young man who was carrying his armor: The armor-bearer was a trusted and loyal assistant, ready to support and fight alongside his master. His agreement in 14:7 is crucial, demonstrating shared faith and willingness to act.
• 'Come, let's cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised;':
  • cross over: A bold physical movement, indicating active intent to engage the enemy.
  • garrison (Hebrew: netsib): A Philistine military post, stronghold, or detachment stationed to maintain control. It implies an entrenched and intimidating enemy presence.
  • uncircumcised (Hebrew: areliym): A derogatory term used by Israelites for non-covenant peoples, especially Philistines. It underscores their pagan status and exclusion from God's covenant, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of the conflict beyond just military might. This was a common Israelite polemic, highlighting God's covenant with them against the perceived "profaneness" of their enemies.
• perhaps the Lord will work for us.':
  • perhaps (Hebrew: 'ulay): Not expressing doubt in God's power, but rather humility and recognition that the outcome rests solely with God's sovereign will and initiative. It's a hopeful anticipation of divine action.
  • the Lord (Hebrew: YHWH, Yahweh): Refers to the covenant God of Israel, the one true God, contrasting with the Philistine deities (e.g., Dagon). Jonathan's faith is rooted in the character and power of YHWH.
  • will work for us (Hebrew: ya'aseh lanu): Implies God's active intervention and accomplishment of deliverance on Israel's behalf. It anticipates divine military success.
• For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.':
  • For nothing restrains (Hebrew: 'ein ma'atzor l'YHWH): Literally "no barrier to YHWH." This is a powerful declaration of God's absolute freedom, omnipotence, and lack of limitation. It challenges all human perceptions of impossibility or constraint. This statement asserts God's transcending power over all human logic or military calculus.
  • the Lord from saving (Hebrew: l'hoshiya): Delivering, bringing victory, granting salvation. It speaks to God's inherent nature as a rescuer and liberator.
  • by many or by few: Directly addresses the human concern for numbers and resources. Jonathan states explicitly that God's power is independent of the numerical strength of the combatants. This profound theological truth runs through much of Israel's history of deliverance (e.g., Gideon's victory). It stands against the ancient world's typical reliance on larger armies.

1 Samuel 14 6 Bonus Section

• Jonathan's courageous faith provides a stark contrast to his father King Saul’s increasing timidity and eventual reliance on rituals and rash decisions over genuine faith.
• This verse serves as an archetype for believing God for the impossible, showcasing that the Lord often chooses to work through the "few" or "weak" to clearly display His own glory and power, preventing any human boasting (cf. Jdg 7).
• The phrase "nothing restrains the Lord" asserts God's independence and ultimate authority over all creation and circumstances, implying a spiritual battle where victory depends on divine intervention, not human strategy alone.

1 Samuel 14 6 Commentary

1 Samuel 14:6 stands as a monumental declaration of faith against seemingly insurmountable odds. Jonathan’s statement is a profound theological truth encapsulated in practical action. While King Saul hesitated in fear, Jonathan understood that the numerical and material strength of the Philistines was irrelevant to the sovereign power of Yahweh. His "perhaps" is not indicative of uncertainty in God's ability but reflects human humility before divine sovereignty – God works as He wills, not because we demand it, but because He is able. This verse underscores that God's power to save is absolute and unconstrained by human limitations, a timeless principle that empowers believers to act boldly when relying on Him rather than on circumstances or visible resources. It calls for active trust, not passive hope, reminding believers that spiritual victories are ultimately won by divine might, often demonstrated most powerfully through those who seem weakest or most disadvantaged.