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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!" But not one of the troops said a word.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/09_1Sa_14_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 14:39 - The People Save Jonathan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die! But not one of the troops said a word." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/14-39.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/14-39.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 39</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm" title="1 Samuel 14:38">◄</a> 1 Samuel 14:39 <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm" title="1 Samuel 14:40">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As surely as the LORD who rescues Israel lives, even if the guilt lies with my son Jonathan, he must die.&#8221 But not one of them said a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I vow by the name of the LORD who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my own son Jonathan!” But no one would tell him what the trouble was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For as the LORD lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For, <i>as</i> the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But <i>there was</i> not a man among all the people <i>that</i> answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For <i>as</i> the LORD lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not a man among all the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For as the LORD lives, who saves Israel, even if it is in my son Jonathan, he shall assuredly die!” But not one of all the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.&#8221 But not one of all the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not one of all the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not one of all the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For as the LORD lives, who saves Israel, for <i>even</i> if <i>the guilt</i> is in my son Jonathan, he shall most certainly die.” But not one of all the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As surely as the LORD lives who saves Israel, even if it is because of my son Jonathan, he must die! ” Not one of the troops answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As surely as the LORD lives who saves Israel, even if it is because of my son Jonathan, he must die!&#8221 Not one of the troops answered him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For, as Jehovah liveth, who saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I swear by the living LORD that whoever sinned must die, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan." No one said a word. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I solemnly swear, as the LORD and Savior of Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan [who did it], he must die." But not one of the soldiers replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I promise by the living LORD, who gives Israel victory, that the guilty one will be put to death, even if he is my son Jonathan." But no one said anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, as the LORD who delivers Israel lives, even if the sin is with my son Jonathan, he will surely die!" Not a single one of the soldiers answered him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!? But not one of the troops said a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For as surely as the LORD, the deliverer of Israel, lives, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan, he will certainly die!" But no one from the army said anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For, as the LORD lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But there was not a man among all the people who answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For as the LORD liveth, who saveth Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for YHWH lives, who is saving Israel: surely if it is in my son Jonathan, surely he certainly dies”; and none is answering him out of all the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for, Jehovah liveth, who is saving Israel: surely if it be in Jonathan my son, surely he doth certainly die;' and none is answering him out of all the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For Jehovah lives, having saved Israel, for if it is in Jonathan my son, for dying he shall die. And none from all the people answered him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As the Lord liveth who is the saviour of Israel, if it was done by Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. In this none of the people gainsaid him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />As the Lord lives, who is the Saviour of Israel, even if it were done by my son Jonathan, without retraction he shall die.” In this, no one among all the people contradicted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As the LORD lives who has given victory to Israel, even if my son Jonathan has committed it, he shall surely die!” But none of the people answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For as the LORD lives who saves Israel, even if it is in my son Jonathan, he shall surely die!” But there was no one among all the people who answered him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For, as the LORD lives, who saved Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was no one of all the people that answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because LORD JEHOVAH lives who has saved Israel, that if it is in Jonathan my son, certainly he shall die!” And there was no one who answered him of all the people<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For, as the LORD liveth, who saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.' But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For as the Lord lives who has saved Israel, if answer should be against my son Jonathan, he shall surely die. And there was no one that answered out of all the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3819" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">The People Save Jonathan</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">38</span>Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. <span class="reftext">39</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">As surely as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: ham·mō·wō·šî·a‘ (Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">who saves</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yeš·nōw (Adv:: 3ms) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">it is</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">my son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3129.htm" title="3129: bə·yō·w·nā·ṯān (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Jonathan. A form of Yhownathan; Jonathan, the name of ten Israelites.">Jonathan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mō·wṯ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">he must die!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill."></a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">But not one</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ō·nê·hū (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 3ms) -- To answer, respond.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">a word.</a> </span><span class="reftext">40</span>Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/7-15.htm">Joshua 7:15</a></span><br />The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">1 Samuel 12:14-15</a></span><br />If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. / But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24-26</a></span><br />Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. / Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.” / “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">2 Samuel 12:5-7</a></span><br />David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” / Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23-24</a></span><br />Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. / And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">1 Kings 20:42</a></span><br />And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/1-16.htm">2 Kings 1:16</a></span><br />And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-3.htm">2 Kings 23:3</a></span><br />So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5</a></span><br />A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10-11</a></span><br />Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. / Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Ezekiel 18:4</a></span><br />Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a></span><br />Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For, as the LORD lives, which saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24,44</a></b></br> And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed <i>be</i> the man that eateth <i>any</i> food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted <i>any</i> food… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">1 Samuel 19:6</a></b></br> And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, <i>As</i> the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a></b></br> For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Delivers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-29.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/ruth/3-4.htm">Lies</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-10.htm">Rescues</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Saves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Saveth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-24.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Death</a> <a href="/job/16-11.htm">Delivers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-19.htm">Lies</a> <a href="/psalms/18-48.htm">Rescues</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">Saves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">Saveth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-23.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-1.htm">Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">A divine terror makes them beat themselves</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-31.htm">He restrains the people from eating blood</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">He builds an altar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">Saul's victories, strength, and family</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives</b><br>This phrase underscores the solemnity and seriousness of Saul's oath. The invocation of the LORD who saves Israel highlights God's role as the deliverer of His people, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is seen as the ultimate protector and savior. The phrase also echoes the language of oaths and vows found in other parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-13.htm">Deuteronomy 6:13</a>, where swearing by God's name is a sign of allegiance and truthfulness.<p><b>even if it is my son Jonathan</b><br>Saul's declaration here demonstrates his commitment to the oath he has made, even to the point of sacrificing his own son. This reflects the seriousness with which oaths were taken in ancient Israelite culture. Jonathan, Saul's son, is a key figure in the narrative, known for his bravery and loyalty, particularly in his friendship with David. This statement foreshadows the tension between Saul's authority and Jonathan's actions, which are often portrayed as more aligned with God's will.<p><b>he must die!</b><br>The pronouncement of death as a consequence for breaking the oath highlights the gravity of Saul's vow. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, breaking an oath was considered a serious offense, often warranting severe punishment. This reflects the legal and moral standards of the time, where oaths were binding and sacred. The severity of Saul's statement also sets the stage for the unfolding drama between Saul, Jonathan, and the people, illustrating the conflict between human authority and divine will.<p><b>But not one of the troops said a word.</b><br>The silence of the troops indicates their fear or respect for Saul's authority, as well as their possible disagreement with his rash vow. This silence can be seen as a form of passive resistance, suggesting that the people recognized the injustice or impracticality of Saul's decree. It also highlights the tension between Saul's leadership and the will of the people, a recurring theme in his reign. This moment foreshadows the eventual decline of Saul's authority and the rise of David, who is often portrayed as a leader more in tune with God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who is leading the Israelites in battle against the Philistines. In this verse, he makes a rash vow, demonstrating his impulsive nature and lack of discernment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>Saul's son, who unknowingly violates his father's oath by eating honey. Jonathan is a brave and faithful warrior, whose actions earlier in the chapter lead to a significant victory for Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_troops.htm">The Troops</a></b><br>The soldiers of Israel who are caught in the middle of Saul's rash vow and Jonathan's unintentional transgression. Their silence in this verse indicates their fear or respect for Saul, despite recognizing the potential injustice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who is invoked by Saul in his oath. This highlights the seriousness of Saul's vow and the religious context in which these events occur.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philistines.htm">The Philistines</a></b><br>The enemies of Israel, against whom the Israelites are fighting. The conflict with the Philistines is a recurring theme in the books of Samuel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_rash_vows.htm">The Danger of Rash Vows</a></b><br>Saul's impulsive oath serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of speaking without careful consideration. Believers are encouraged to weigh their words and commitments carefully, especially when invoking God's name.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>Saul's leadership is marked by impulsivity and a lack of discernment. This passage challenges leaders to seek wisdom and guidance from God, ensuring their decisions align with His will and benefit those they lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_discernment.htm">The Value of Discernment</a></b><br>The silence of the troops suggests a recognition of the potential injustice in Saul's vow. Believers are called to develop discernment, understanding when to speak up against wrongs and when to remain silent.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god_over_human_authority.htm">Faithfulness to God Over Human Authority</a></b><br>Jonathan's actions, though unintentional, highlight the tension between obeying human authority and remaining faithful to God. Christians are reminded to prioritize God's commands over human decrees when conflicts arise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_change_his_mind_or_not.htm">Does God change his mind? I Samuel 15:10-11, 15:35, and Genesis 6:6-7 suggest yes, while I Samuel 15:29 suggests no. How do these contradictions reconcile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jonathan_defeat_20_philistines.htm">How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promise_restoration_if_judgment_remains.htm">Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(39) <span class= "bld">Though it be in Jonathan my son.</span>--"Were Jonathan himself the transgressor, he [Saul] would not spare his life; and so, feeling inwardly bound by his oath, presses for decision by means of the sacred lot, amid the ominous silence of the horror-stricken people."--<span class= "ital">Ewald.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 39.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He shall surely die.</span> With despotic violence, without waiting to learn what the offence was, and judging simply by consequences, because he was delayed in following up the pursuit, he takes a solemn oath that the offending person shall be put to death. Thus twice in the same day he was guilty of the sin of rash swearing. The people condemn him by their silence. They had obeyed him with ready devotion; but now they listen in terror to the rash and violent words which condemn to death the young hero by whom God had that day wrought deliverance for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As surely as the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lives</span><br /><span class="heb">חַי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who delivers</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמּוֹשִׁ֙יעַ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mō·wō·šî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶשְׁנ֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yeš·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> </span><span class="str2">Being, substance, existence, is</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיוֹנָתָ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he must die!”</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But not one</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the troops</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹנֵ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·nê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a word.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 14:39 For as Yahweh lives who saves Israel (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>