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The NET Bible®

1 Samuel 14:6

Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few."

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Armor-Bearer;   Faith;   God Continued...;   Jonathan;   Power;   Thompson Chain Reference - Ancient Heroes;   Battle of Life;   Co-Operation;   Courage;   Courage-Fear;   Example;   Faith;   Faith-Unbelief;   Heroes, Ancient;   Inspiration of Example;   Jonathan;   Uncircumcised, the;   Unity-Strife;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Circumcision;   Jews, the;   Philistines, the;   Power of God, the;   Servants;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Philistines;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Circumcision;   Courage;   Jonathan;   Philistia, philistines;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - War, Holy War;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Prayer;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Circumcision;   Garrison;   Philistines;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Asa;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Jonathan;   Samuel, Books of;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Gibeah;   Israel;   Jonathan;   Michmash;   Philistines;   Samuel, Books of;   Urim and Thummim;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Garrison;   Geba ;   Jonathan ;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Jonathan;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Jon'athan,;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Armies;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Hebrew Monarchy, the;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Army;   Samuel, Books of;   Young Men;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Circumcision;   Jonathan, Jehonathan;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
Hebrew Names Version
Yonatan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to 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.
King James Version
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, 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.
Lexham English Bible
So Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come, let us go over to the garrisons of these uncircumcised; perhaps Yahweh will act for us, for there is no hindrance for Yahweh to save by many or by few."
English Standard Version
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."
New Century Version
Jonathan said to his officer who carried his armor, "Come. Let's go to the camp of those men who are not circumcised. Maybe the Lord will help us. The Lord can give us victory if we have many people, or just a few."
Amplified Bible
Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, "Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For there is nothing to prevent the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
New American Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come, and let's cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men; perhaps the LORD will work for us, because the LORD is not limited to saving by many or by few!"
Geneva Bible (1587)
And Ionathan saide to the yong man that bare his armour, Come, and let vs goe ouer vnto the garison of these vncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will worke with vs: for it is not hard to the Lord to saue with many, or with fewe.
Legacy Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps Yahweh will work for us, for Yahweh is not restrained to save by many or by few."
Contemporary English Version
Jonathan and the soldier who carried his weapons talked as they went toward the Philistine camp. "It's just the two of us against all those godless men," Jonathan said. "But the Lord can help a few soldiers win a battle just as easily as he can help a whole army. Maybe the Lord will help us win this battle."
Complete Jewish Bible
Y'honatan said to his armor-bearer, "Come on, let's go across to the garrison of these uncircumcised people. Maybe Adonai will do something for us, since Adonai can rescue with a few people as easily as with many."
Darby Translation
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: perhaps Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
Easy-to-Read Version
Jonathan said to his young helper who carried his weapons, "Come on, let's go to the camp of those foreigners. Maybe the Lord will use us to defeat them. Nothing can stop the Lord —it doesn't matter if we have many soldiers or just a few soldiers."
George Lamsa Translation
And Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will help us; for nothing will prevent the LORD from saving by many or by few.
Good News Translation
Jonathan said to the young man, "Let's cross over to the camp of those heathen Philistines. Maybe the Lord will help us; if he does, nothing can keep him from giving us the victory, no matter how few of us there are."
Literal Translation
And Jonathan said to the young man bearing his weapons, Come, we shall cross over to the fort of these uncircumcised ones. It may be Jehovah will work for us, for there is no hindrance to Jehovah, to save by many or by few.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
And Ionathas sayde vnto his wapen bearer: Come, let vs go ouer to ye watch of these vncircumcised, peraduenture the LORDE shall worke with vs, For it is no harde matter for the LORDE to helpe by many or by fewe.
American Standard Version
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 Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
Bible in Basic English
And Jonathan said to his young servant who had his arms, Come, let us go over to the armies of these men who have no circumcision: it may be that the Lord will give us help, for there is no limit to his power; the Lord is able to give salvation by a great army or by a small band.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And Ionathan sayd to the young man that bare his harnesse: Come, and let vs go ouer vnto the garison of these vncircumcised, it may be that the Lorde will worke with vs: for it is no hardnesse with the Lord to saue either in manie or in fewe.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour: '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.'
King James Version (1611)
And Ionathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let vs goe ouer vnto the garison of these vncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will worke for vs: for there is no restraint to the Lord, to saue by many, or by few.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, let us go over to Messab of these uncircumcised, if peradventure the Lord may do something for us; for the Lord is not straitened to save by many or by few.
English Revised Version
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, 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.
Berean Standard Bible
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, "Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Forsothe Jonathas seide to his yong squyer, Come thou, passe we to the stacioun of these vncircumcisid men, if in hap the Lord do for vs; for it is not hard to the Lord to saue, ethir in manye ethir in fewe.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jonathan saith unto the young man bearing his weapons, `Come, and we pass over unto the station of these uncircumcised; it may be Jehovah doth work for us, for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.'
Update Bible Version
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.
Webster's Bible Translation
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to 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.
World English Bible
Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.
New King James Version
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."
New Living Translation
"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!"
New Life Bible
Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his battle-clothes, "Come, let us go over to the place where the soldiers are who have not gone through the religious act of the Jews. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for there is nothing to keep the Lord from saving by many or by few."
New Revised Standard
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 act for us; for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few."
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
So Jonathan said unto the young man bearing his armour - Come! and let us cross over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised, peradventure, Yahweh may work by us, - for there is no restraint with Yahweh, to save by many, or by few.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour: Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised, it may be the Lord will do for us: because it is easy for the Lord to save either by many, or by few.
Revised Standard Version
And 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 can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few."
THE MESSAGE
Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on now, let's go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe God will work for us. There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it."
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few."

Contextual Overview

1 Then one day Jonathan son of Saul said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the Philistine garrison that is opposite us." But he did not let his father know. 2 Now Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree in Migron, on the outskirts of Gibeah. The army that was with him numbered about six hundred men. 3 Now Ahijah was carrying an ephod. He was the son of Ahitub, who was the brother of Ichabod and a son of Phineas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh. The army was unaware that Jonathan had left. 4 Now there was a steep cliff on each side of the pass through which Jonathan intended to go to reach the Philistine garrison. One cliff was named Bozez, the other Seneh. 5 The cliff to the north was closer to Micmash, the one to the south closer to Geba. 6 Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few." 7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do everything that is on your mind. Do as you're inclined. I'm with you all the way!" 8 Jonathan replied, "All right! We'll go over to these men and fight them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay put until we approach you,' we will stay right there and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up against us,' we will go up. For in that case the Lord has given them into our hand—it will be a sign to us."

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

Come: This action of Jonathan's was totally contrary to the laws of war; no military operation should be undertaken without the knowledge and command of the general. But it is highly probable, that this gallant man was led to undertake the hazardous enterprise by an immediate divine impulse; and by the same influence was kept from informing the soldiers, and even from consulting his father, who might have opposed his design.

uncircumcised: 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:36, Genesis 17:7-11, Judges 15:18, 2 Samuel 1:20, Jeremiah 9:23, Jeremiah 9:26, Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:12, Philippians 3:3

it may be: 2 Samuel 16:12, 2 Kings 19:4, Amos 5:15, Zephaniah 2:3

for there is no restraint: Where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely upon it with the utmost confidence. Deuteronomy 32:30, Judges 7:4-7, 2 Chronicles 14:11, Psalms 115:1-3, Zechariah 4:6, Matthew 19:26, Romans 8:31

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:14 - Is Genesis 34:14 - uncircumcised Leviticus 26:8 - General Numbers 31:4 - a thousand Joshua 5:9 - I rolled away Joshua 14:12 - if so be Joshua 23:10 - One man Judges 1:4 - Lord Judges 7:2 - too many Judges 7:7 - General Judges 14:3 - uncircumcised Judges 15:15 - slew 1 Samuel 7:13 - against 1 Samuel 17:32 - thy 1 Samuel 17:47 - the battle 1 Samuel 26:6 - Who will go 1 Samuel 31:4 - uncircumcised 2 Samuel 1:22 - the bow 2 Samuel 8:6 - garrisons 2 Samuel 10:12 - Be of good 2 Samuel 23:10 - the Lord 2 Samuel 23:14 - garrison 1 Kings 20:11 - Let not him 1 Kings 20:15 - two hundred 1 Chronicles 10:2 - Jonathan 1 Chronicles 10:4 - uncircumcised 1 Chronicles 19:13 - of good 2 Chronicles 20:12 - we have 2 Chronicles 25:8 - God hath power Psalms 44:7 - But Isaiah 37:4 - It may Jeremiah 21:2 - according Acts 10:7 - two

Cross-References

Genesis 14:20
Worthy of praise is the Most High God, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
Genesis 16:7
The Lord 's angel found Hagar near a spring of water in the desert—the spring that is along the road to Shur.
Genesis 21:21
He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother found a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
Genesis 36:8
So Esau (also known as Edom) lived in the hill country of Seir.
Numbers 10:12
So the Israelites set out on their journeys from the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud settled in the wilderness of Paran.
Numbers 12:16
After that the people moved from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran.
Numbers 13:3
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the Lord . All of them were leaders of the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 2:12
Previously the Horites lived in Seir but the descendants of Esau dispossessed and destroyed them and settled in their place, just as Israel did to the land it came to possess, the land the Lord gave them.)
Habakkuk 3:3
God comes from Teman, the sovereign one from Mount Paran. Selah. His splendor covers the skies, his glory fills the earth.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour,.... A second time, as Abarbinel thinks; the young man giving no answer to him the first time, perhaps through fear, he repeats it, and enlarges upon it for his encouragement:

come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised; as these Philistines were, whereas several of the other nations, though Heathen, were circumcised; as the Edomites, Arabians, and others; and this Jonathan observes to the young man, in hope that they being such the Lord would deliver them into their hand:

it may be that the Lord will work for us; a sign, as the Targum, a miracle, as indeed he did; and of which Jonathan was persuaded in his own mind, though he did not choose to express himself in a confident way; not knowing in what manner, and whether at this time the Lord would appear, and work salvation and deliverance; and yet had a strong impulse upon his mind it would be wrought, and therefore was encouraged to try this expedient:

for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few; he is not limited to numbers, and can easily work salvation by a few as by many. It is no difficult thing to him to save by few, nor can anything hinder him, let the difficulties be what they will, when he has determined to deliver his people.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

It is remarkable that the epithet “uncircumcised,” used as a term of reproach, is confined almost exclusively to the Philistines. (Compare 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:36; Judges 14:3; Judges 15:18, etc.) This is probably an indication of the long oppression of the Israelites by the Philistines and of their frequent wars.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 1 Samuel 14:6. Let us go over — Moved, doubtless, by a Divine impulse.

There is no restraint to the Lord — This is a fine sentiment; and where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely on it with the utmost confidence.


 
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