1 Samuel 14:7 kjv
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
1 Samuel 14:7 nkjv
So his armorbearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart."
1 Samuel 14:7 niv
"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
1 Samuel 14:7 esv
And his armor-bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul."
1 Samuel 14:7 nlt
"Do what you think is best," the armor bearer replied. "I'm with you completely, whatever you decide."
1 Samuel 14 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 31:6 | "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God goes with you..." | God's presence strengthens |
| Josh 1:9 | "Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God is with you..." | Divine companionship in brave acts |
| 1 Sam 17:32 | "Let no man's heart fail him because of him; your servant will go..." | Courage in face of danger |
| Ps 27:1 | "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" | Fearlessness in God's presence |
| Ps 46:1 | "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." | God as source of strength and aid |
| Prov 3:5-6 | "Trust in the LORD with all your heart... he will make your paths straight." | Trusting God's leading, not self |
| Prov 17:17 | "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." | Loyalty and steadfast companionship |
| Eccl 4:9-12 | "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." | The strength and support of partnership |
| Isa 41:10 | "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God..." | God's assurance of help and presence |
| Isa 55:11 | "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth..." | God's sovereign and effective will |
| Zech 4:6 | "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD..." | God works through humble means |
| Phil 1:27 | "...striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." | Standing together for a shared spiritual cause |
| Phil 2:2-4 | "...being in full accord and of one mind... looking out for the interests of others." | Unity of mind and selfless support |
| Heb 11:6 | "And without faith it is impossible to please him..." | Faith as prerequisite for divine favor |
| Heb 13:5-6 | "...for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" | God's promise of perpetual presence |
| Matt 28:20 | "...behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." | Christ's perpetual presence and support |
| Ruth 1:16-17 | "...Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge..." | Profound loyalty and commitment |
| Judg 7:2-7 | God delivers through few soldiers; Gideon's example of reliance on God. | God uses small numbers to win |
| 2 Tim 4:11 | "Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me..." | Value of loyal companionship |
| John 15:13 | "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." | Ultimate devotion and self-sacrifice |
| Eph 2:10 | "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." | God's purpose in action through believers |
| Jas 2:17-18 | "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." | Faith manifested through action |
1 Samuel 14 verses
1 Samuel 14 7 Meaning
1 Samuel 14:7 recounts the crucial moment when Jonathan's armor-bearer responds to Jonathan's bold proposal to attack a Philistine garrison. It expresses the armor-bearer's profound loyalty, unwavering commitment, and complete alignment with Jonathan's daring plan, signifying total support and readiness to face any outcome together, believing it aligns with divine will.
1 Samuel 14 7 Context
This verse is a pivotal response within the narrative of 1 Samuel 14. Prior to this, Israel is under severe Philistine oppression, stripped of weapons by their enemies (1 Sam 13:19-22). King Saul's army is diminished and dispirited. Jonathan, Saul's son, takes audacious initiative (1 Sam 14:1) by proposing a surprise attack on a Philistine outpost. His faith-filled reasoning in 1 Sam 14:6—"Perhaps the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few"—lays the foundation. The armor-bearer's response in verse 7 is therefore crucial; it is an immediate, affirmative echo of Jonathan's faith and courage, solidifying the two men as a united force. It assures Jonathan of absolute personal loyalty, validating his plan and allowing him to proceed with confidence. Without this explicit consent and commitment, Jonathan's mission might have faltered, highlighting the importance of supportive companionship in daring acts of faith.
1 Samuel 14 7 Word analysis
Then his armor-bearer: The "armor-bearer" (Hebrew: nōśēʾ ḵēlāyw) was not merely a servant but a highly trusted assistant, a close companion, and often a confidant in battle. This role demanded deep loyalty and proximity, making his immediate and unconditional support particularly significant. His very presence highlights the trust placed in him.
said to him: Indicates direct, immediate, and personal communication, signifying an instant response to Jonathan's proposal.
Do all that is in your heart:
- The Hebrew for "heart" (lēḇ/lēḇāḇ) encompasses intellect, will, and courage, not just emotion. It signifies Jonathan's considered intention and conviction, likely understood as prompted by divine leading.
- This phrase is an absolute affirmation, empowering Jonathan with complete freedom to act on his conviction, removing any potential hesitation he might have had regarding his armor-bearer's commitment. It speaks of full endorsement.
Turn, behold, I am with you:
- "Turn" (tēharēg or tēn in different forms) here means "proceed," "go forward," or "act." It's an active command to Jonathan to put his plan into motion.
- "Behold, I am with you" (Hebrew: hinnēh ’ānōḵî ‘imməḵā) is a classic biblical declaration of presence and solidarity, often spoken by God to His servants (e.g., God to Jacob in Gen 28:15; God to Moses in Exod 3:12; God to Joshua in Josh 1:9). Here, spoken by a human, it carries immense weight of unwavering commitment.
according to your wish / my heart is with your heart:
- Some translations use "whatever your heart desires" or "wherever your heart leads," capturing the essence of the Hebrew "my heart with your heart" or "to your heart."
- This phrase emphasizes a complete unity of purpose and spirit. It goes beyond mere obedience, expressing deep personal alignment, shared conviction, and a readiness to endure anything together, even death. It’s a testament to profound loyalty and understanding.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
"Then his armor-bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your heart'": This opening demonstrates immediate, unreserved support. The armor-bearer recognizes the audacious nature of Jonathan's plan but also discerns its potential divine origin or alignment, giving full liberty to Jonathan's faith-inspired intent. This reciprocal trust is vital for Jonathan's leadership.
"Turn, behold, I am with you according to your wish": This group of phrases conveys the actionable commitment. "Turn" is an impetus to immediate action. "I am with you" offers strong, reassuring solidarity, meaning "I am by your side, physically present, supporting you fully." The phrase "according to your wish" or "my heart is with your heart" expresses total internal and external alignment, indicating shared conviction and courage, reinforcing Jonathan's spiritual and practical leadership.
1 Samuel 14 7 Bonus section
- Contrast with Saul: This verse highlights a striking contrast with King Saul's character in this chapter, who appears hesitant, reliant on conventional military strength, and less attuned to divine initiative compared to Jonathan's spiritual discernment and decisive action.
- Significance of the "few": The dynamic between Jonathan and his armor-bearer exemplifies the biblical principle that God can accomplish His will through a small, dedicated few (as seen with Gideon's army in Judges 7) rather than by reliance on numerical superiority or human might alone.
- Partnership in Faith: This exchange serves as a timeless example of healthy partnership where one person's bold vision is met with another's unreserved commitment. This synergy allows divine purpose to unfold, showing that courage can be contagious and faith strengthened by loyal companions.
- Hidden Faith: The armor-bearer's faith might initially appear secondary to Jonathan's, yet his bold declaration "My heart is with your heart" reveals a depth of trust in Jonathan’s God-inspired vision, indicating that courage is not only found in the initiator but also in the unwavering supporter.
1 Samuel 14 7 Commentary
1 Samuel 14:7 is a profound affirmation of loyalty and shared faith. The armor-bearer's response is not one of questioning or fear, but of wholehearted embrace of Jonathan's dangerous, faith-driven initiative. This unwavering support empowers Jonathan, transforming a solo thought into a courageous two-person mission. It illustrates the critical role of companionship in fulfilling God-given tasks, especially those requiring great faith and risk. This moment of unity underpins the remarkable victory that follows, demonstrating that God often works through bold faith accompanied by faithful support, whether from many or just a few. It showcases loyal submission to a courageous leader and a shared reliance on God's power, where "many" or "few" do not limit divine deliverance.