1 Samuel 14:21
New International Version
Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

New Living Translation
Even the Hebrews who had previously gone over to the Philistine army revolted and joined in with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of the Israelites.

English Standard Version
Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Berean Standard Bible
And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps to join the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

King James Bible
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

New King James Version
Moreover the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before that time, who went up with them into the camp from the surrounding country, they also joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

New American Standard Bible
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also returned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

NASB 1995
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

NASB 1977
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Amplified Bible
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Christian Standard Bible
There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

American Standard Version
Now the Hebrews that were with the Philistines as beforetime, and that went up with them into the camp, from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

Contemporary English Version
There were also some hired soldiers in the Philistine camp, who now switched to Israel's side and fought for Saul and Jonathan.

English Revised Version
Now the Hebrews that were with the Philistines as beforetime, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about; even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before this and had been stationed in the camp now joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Good News Translation
Some Hebrews, who had been on the Philistine side and had gone with them to the camp, changed sides again and joined Saul and Jonathan.

International Standard Version
The Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines, who had gone up with them from the surrounding areas to the camp, even they joined Israel and those who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Majority Standard Bible
And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps to join the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

NET Bible
The Hebrews who had earlier gone over to the Philistine side joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

New Heart English Bible
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously when they went up with them to the camp, they too turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, who went up with them into the camp from the country around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

World English Bible
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before and who went up with them into the camp from all around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Hebrews [who] have been with the Philistines before the day prior, who had gone up with them into the camp, have turned around, even they, to be with Israel who [are] with Saul and Jonathan,

Young's Literal Translation
And the Hebrews who have been for the Philistines as heretofore, who had gone up with them into the camp, have turned round, even they, to be with Israel who are with Saul and Jonathan,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Hebrews being to the rovers about yesterday the third day, who went up with them into the camp round about, and also they to be with Israel which were with Saul and, Jonathan.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover the Hebrews that had been with the Philistines yesterday and the day before, and went up with them into the camp, returned to be with the Israelites, who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines yesterday and the day before, and who had ascended with them into the camp, turned back so that they might be with those of Israel who were with Saul and Jonathan.

New American Bible
The Hebrews who had previously sided with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp turned to join the Israelites under Saul and Jonathan.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the Hebrews who previously had been with the Philistines and had gone up with them into the camp turned and joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before that time, who had gone up with them to the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites and with Saul and Jonathan.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The Hebrews and Philistines, as in former times, also came up with them to the encampment, and they came around also to be with the sons of Israel and with Shaul and Yonathan
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the Hebrews that were with the Philistines as beforetime, and that went up with them into the camp round about; even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the servants who had been before with the Philistines, who had gone up to the army, turned themselves also to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines
20Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. 21 And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps of the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle.…

Cross References
Judges 7:22
And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

Exodus 12:38
And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.

2 Kings 7:6-7
For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.

2 Chronicles 20:23
The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

Joshua 2:11
When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

2 Samuel 15:18-19
and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath. / Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

2 Kings 25:24
And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”

1 Chronicles 12:19-21
Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away, saying, “It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.”) / When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. / They helped David against the raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders in the army.

Isaiah 19:2
“So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

Jeremiah 37:13-14
But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!” / “That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials.

Matthew 8:11
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Acts 2:5-11
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ...

Romans 11:17
Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,

Ephesians 2:12-13
remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 29:4
And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?

Judges 7:23
And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.

Jump to Previous
Beforetime Camp Country Hebrews Heretofore Israel Israelites Joined Jonathan Moreover Philistines Previously Round Saul Tents Time Turned Turning
Jump to Next
Beforetime Camp Country Hebrews Heretofore Israel Israelites Joined Jonathan Moreover Philistines Previously Round Saul Tents Time Turned Turning
1 Samuel 14
1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves
17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them
21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.
24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory
31. He restrains the people from eating blood
35. He builds an altar
37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people
47. Saul's victories, strength, and family














And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps
This phrase refers to Israelites who had defected to the Philistines, likely due to fear or coercion. The Philistines were a dominant force in the region, and some Hebrews may have sought safety or advantage by aligning with them. This reflects the turbulent period of the Judges and early monarchy when Israel was often oppressed by neighboring peoples (Judges 13:1). The term "Hebrews" is used here to emphasize their ethnic identity, distinct from the Philistines.

to join the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during this time, often engaging in battles with them. Historically, the Philistines were part of the Sea Peoples who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. Their military prowess, including the use of iron weapons, made them formidable opponents. The defection of some Israelites to the Philistines highlights the dire situation Israel faced and the internal divisions within the nation.

now went over to the Israelites
This shift indicates a change in allegiance, likely prompted by the events of the battle where Jonathan and his armor-bearer initiated a successful attack against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:6-14). The turning of the tide in battle would have encouraged those who had defected to return to their own people. This act of returning can be seen as a form of repentance or realignment with God's chosen people.

who were with Saul and Jonathan
Saul, the first king of Israel, was leading the Israelite forces, though his leadership was often marked by fear and indecision. Jonathan, his son, demonstrated faith and courage, as seen earlier in the chapter. The mention of both Saul and Jonathan highlights the contrast between Saul's faltering leadership and Jonathan's bold faith. This narrative foreshadows the eventual rise of David, another man of faith, who would succeed Saul as king. The unity of the Israelites under Saul and Jonathan at this moment signifies a temporary consolidation of the nation against their common enemy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hebrews
Refers to the Israelites who had previously aligned themselves with the Philistines, possibly out of fear or coercion.

2. Philistines
A significant enemy of Israel during this period, known for their military strength and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, leading the Israelites in battle against the Philistines.

4. Jonathan
Son of Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God, playing a crucial role in the battle against the Philistines.

5. The Camp
The location where the Philistines were encamped, and where the Hebrews who had defected were present before rejoining the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Returning to God’s People
Just as the Hebrews returned to their fellow Israelites, believers are called to return to fellowship with God’s people, especially after periods of spiritual wandering or compromise.

Courage in Faith
Jonathan’s actions demonstrate that faith in God can lead to victory against overwhelming odds. Believers are encouraged to act courageously, trusting in God’s power rather than their own strength.

God’s Sovereignty in Deliverance
The passage illustrates God’s ability to turn situations around for His people. Trust in God’s sovereignty should be a cornerstone of our faith, especially in challenging times.

The Power of Unity
The returning Hebrews joining Saul and Jonathan highlights the strength found in unity among God’s people. Believers should strive for unity in the body of Christ to face spiritual battles effectively.

Repentance and Restoration
The act of the Hebrews returning signifies repentance and restoration. It serves as a reminder that God is always ready to restore those who turn back to Him.(21) Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines.--These Israelites were, most likely, prisoners who had been compelled to fight against their countrymen, or were levies raised in those parts of the land more immediately under Philistine influence. These, we read, took the first opportunity to go over to Saul. Other Israelites--probably the men of whole villages, who had been compelled, as the result of the late Philistine successes, to desert their homesteads, and seek a precarious living in the hills--joined in the pursuit of the now flying Philistine armies. This is the meaning of the words of the 22nd verse, which speaks of "the men of Israel which had hid themselves in Mount Ephraim."

Verses 21, 22. - Round about, even. All the versions by a very slight alteration change this into turned, which the A.V. is forced to supply. With this necessary correction the translation is easy: "And the Hebrews who were previously with the Philistines, and had gone up with them into the camp, turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan." It appears, therefore, that certain districts of the Israelite territory were so completely in the power of the Philistines that they could compel the men to go with them, not perhaps as soldiers, as is our custom in India, but as drivers and servants. These now turned upon their masters, and were reinforced by the Israelites who had taken refuge in Mount Ephraim. It is noteworthy that these subject "Hebrews" retain the name of contempt given them by their masters.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And the Hebrews
וְהָעִבְרִ֗ים (wə·hā·‘iḇ·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 5680: Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite

who had
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

previously
כְּאֶתְמ֣וֹל (kə·’eṯ·mō·wl)
Preposition-k | Adverb
Strong's 865: Heretofore, definitely yesterday

gone up
עָל֥וּ (‘ā·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

into the surrounding camps
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה (bam·ma·ḥă·neh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

of the Philistines
לַפְּלִשְׁתִּים֙ (lap·pə·liš·tîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

now went over to
לִֽהְיוֹת֙ (lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the Israelites
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

were with
עִמָּ֛ם (‘im·mām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and Jonathan.
וְיוֹנָתָֽן׃ (wə·yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:21 Now the Hebrews who were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 14:20
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