1 Samuel 14:8 kjv
Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.
1 Samuel 14:8 nkjv
Then Jonathan said, "Very well, let us cross over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them.
1 Samuel 14:8 niv
Jonathan said, "Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us.
1 Samuel 14:8 esv
Then Jonathan said, "Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them.
1 Samuel 14:8 nlt
"All right, then," Jonathan told him. "We will cross over and let them see us.
1 Samuel 14 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Judg 7:2-7 | The Lord said to Gideon, "The people... are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands... I will give the Midianites into your hand by the 300 men..." | God saves with few, not many |
| 1 Sam 14:6 | Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, "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.” | God's power not limited by numbers |
| 1 Sam 17:45-47 | David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword... but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear...” | Faith in God, not human weapons |
| Jos 1:9 | "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." | Divine command for courage and faith |
| Deut 20:1-4 | When you go out to battle... do not be fainthearted... For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” | God fights for His people |
| Ps 20:7 | "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” | Trusting God over human strength |
| Ps 27:1 | "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” | Fearless trust in God's protection |
| Ps 118:6 | "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” | Confidence in God's presence and protection |
| Prov 3:5-6 | "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” | Trust God for guidance and success |
| Isa 41:10 | "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” | God's promise of help and strength |
| 2 Chr 14:11 | Asa cried to the Lord his God, "O Lord, there is none like You to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude.” | Relying on God despite overwhelming odds |
| 2 Chr 20:15 | "Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.” | God's ownership of the battle |
| Num 13:31-33 | (About the fearful spies) "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we... All the people whom we saw in it are of great height... and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers...” | Contrast to fear and human assessment |
| Rom 8:31 | "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” | God's ultimate championship |
| Lk 1:37 | "For nothing will be impossible with God.” | God's unlimited power |
| Matt 17:20 | "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” | Power of genuine faith |
| Heb 11:32-34 | "...who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” | Examples of faith's overcoming power |
| Eph 6:10-13 | "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... stand firm...” | Standing firm in spiritual confrontation |
| Acts 4:29-31 | (Disciples praying for boldness) "...grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, while You stretch out Your hand to heal...” | Boldness empowered by God for action |
| Phil 4:13 | "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” | Divine enablement for any task |
| 1 Pet 5:8-9 | "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith...” | Actively resisting spiritual enemy by faith |
| Jam 2:22 | "You see that faith was active along with his works, and by works faith was brought to completion.” | Faith demonstrated through action |
1 Samuel 14 verses
1 Samuel 14 8 Meaning
This verse captures Jonathan’s bold declaration to his armor-bearer, articulating their decisive and audacious plan. He states they will actively move towards the Philistine outpost and intentionally expose themselves to the enemy, signaling a deliberate act of challenge and engagement rather than stealth or evasion. It sets the stage for a faith-driven action that contrasts sharply with the prevailing fear and inaction.
1 Samuel 14 8 Context
1 Samuel 14 is set amidst intense Philistine oppression over Israel. Saul, Israel’s first king, had failed to fully unite or equip his people against the technologically superior Philistines, who even controlled the smiths, leaving Israel mostly disarmed. At this point, Saul and his limited, fearful army were positioned at Gebah, while a Philistine garrison held a strong pass at Michmash. An atmosphere of dread and paralysis gripped the Israelite camp, with many men hiding or deserting. In this desperate situation, Jonathan, King Saul’s son, along with only his armor-bearer, resolves to take direct, unsolicited action against the Philistine outpost. His prior dialogue in 1 Samuel 14:6 indicates a deep faith that God could grant victory regardless of numerical strength, a stark contrast to his father's hesitancy and the army's demoralization.
1 Samuel 14 8 Word analysis
- Then (וַיֹּאמֶר - va-yomer): A consecutive perfect verb, often translated as "and he said" or "then he said." It connects this statement to the previous thoughts and actions, signaling Jonathan's decisive shift from contemplation to declaration and action.
- Jonathan (יוֹנָתָן - Yonatan): Meaning "The Lord has given." This name prophetically underscores that Jonathan’s courage and initiative are gifts from God and will be used by God for His people's salvation. He consistently exhibits faithfulness and courage in contrast to his father Saul.
- said (וַיֹּאמֶר - va-yomer): Part of the previous entry, signifying a formal utterance or command.
- Behold, (הִנֵּה - hinneh): An emphatic interjection meaning "look!", "indeed!", or "pay attention!" It serves to draw the armor-bearer's attention to the significance and immediacy of the plan being proposed. It highlights the directness and certitude of Jonathan’s resolve.
- we (נַעֲבֹרָה - na'avorah): The first person common plural suffix on the verb implies "let us go" or "we shall go," confirming that this is a joint action, emphasizing Jonathan’s initiative but also the armor-bearer’s indispensable role and loyalty in this dangerous undertaking.
- will cross over (נַעֲבֹרָה - na'avorah): From the root עָבַר ('abar), meaning "to pass over, to cross over, to transgress." Here, it specifically denotes movement across a barrier or boundary to the enemy’s side. The implied purpose is one of deliberate engagement, not mere transit.
- to these men, (אֶל-הָאֲנָשִׁים - el ha-anashim): "to the men." Refers specifically to the Philistine garrison (mentioned in verse 14:1), indicating a precise and focused target. Jonathan's intent is directed toward this specific, formidable enemy outpost.
- and we will show ourselves (וְנִגְלִינוּ - ve-niglînu): From the root גָלָה (galah), "to uncover, reveal, expose." In the Niphal stem (here 'niglīnu'), it means "to be uncovered, revealed, to appear." This is a crucial military move – a deliberate self-exposure to provoke a response. It’s an act of brazenness and confidence, signaling an open challenge.
- to them. (אֲלֵיהֶם - aleihem): "to/at them." Reaffirms that the exposure is directly intended for the Philistines, inviting their recognition and engagement.
- "Behold, we will cross over to these men": This phrase highlights Jonathan's decisive, pro-active movement toward the enemy. The "Behold" underscores the daring nature of the action, a bold challenge rather than a cautious maneuver. It signifies his complete departure from the defensive posture of Saul’s army.
- "and we will show ourselves to them": This specific intention demonstrates an almost defiant act. It's not a sneaky infiltration, but an open invitation for confrontation. Jonathan seeks a clear sign from God (implied in subsequent verses) by presenting a choice to the Philistines. This action stems from his faith that God can work through overt, even provocative, means.
1 Samuel 14 8 Bonus section
Jonathan’s action is not only bold but also strategic in a spiritual sense. By "showing themselves," they are essentially inviting a reaction from the Philistines that would serve as a 'sign' from the Lord, as indicated in 1 Sam 14:9-10. This reveals a humble reliance on divine guidance for the battle's progression. It sets up a spiritual test: if the Philistines invite them up, it's a sign from the Lord of victory. This act showcases a blend of military initiative and spiritual discernment, unique to Jonathan. It underscores a central theme of Scripture: God often uses willing, audacious acts of faith by a few to accomplish great victories, confounding the strength of the many and demonstrating His sovereignty. Jonathan’s example stands as a testament against fear and complacency in the face of overwhelming odds, calling believers to actively trust and engage even when human reason counsels retreat.
1 Samuel 14 8 Commentary
Verse 8 marks the critical turning point in Jonathan’s audacious plan. Having previously articulated his conviction that God can save with many or few (1 Sam 14:6), Jonathan now proposes the precise method for initiating confrontation. His declaration "Behold, we will cross over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them" is steeped in courageous faith. This wasn't a standard military tactic but a deliberate, risky exposure designed to prompt a divine sign and engage an enemy whose superior numbers and weaponry had paralyzed Israel. Jonathan’s intent to "show ourselves" underscores a bold defiance against fear and Philistine dominance, placing himself and his armor-bearer directly in the path of danger, trusting that God would respond to their initiative. It portrays a servant of God whose trust is in divine power rather than human strategy or strength, and who acts on that trust.