1 Samuel 14:6
New International Version
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether 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!”

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.”

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.”

King James Bible
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.

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 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!”

NASB 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.”

NASB 1977
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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Holman 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.”

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.

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."

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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jonathan said to his armorbearer, "Let's go to the military post of these uncircumcised people. Maybe the LORD will act on our behalf. The LORD can win a victory with a few men as well as with many."

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."

International Standard Version
Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. Perhaps the LORD will work for us, since nothing prevents the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few."

Majority 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.?

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
Then Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let?s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can prevent the LORD from saving by many or by a 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! Let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that Yahweh will work for us, for there is no restraint on Yahweh to save by many or by few.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jonathan says to the young man carrying his weapons, “Come, and we pass over to the station of these uncircumcised; it may be YHWH works for us, for there is no restraint to YHWH to save by many or by few.”

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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will say to the boy lifting up his arms, Come, and we will pass over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: perhaps Jehovah will do for us: for no restraining to Jehovah to save by a multitude or by few.
Catholic Translations
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Jonathan said to the youth who bore his armor: “Come, let us go across to the garrison of these uncircumcised. And perhaps the Lord may act on our behalf. For it is not difficult for the Lord to save, either by many, or by few.”

New American Bible
Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: “Come, let us go over to that outpost of the uncircumcised. Perhaps the LORD will help us, because it is no more difficult for the LORD to grant victory by means of a few than it is by means of many.”

New Revised 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 act for us; for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan said to the boy bearing his weapons: “Come, we will go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. Perhaps LORD JEHOVAH will help us, because there is no constraint on LORD JEHOVAH to save with much or with little”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines
5One cliff stood to the north toward Michmash, and the other to the south toward Geba. 6Jonathan 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.” 7His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”…

Cross References
Judges 7:7
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”

2 Chronicles 14:11
Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”

2 Kings 19:35
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Joshua 23:10
One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Samuel 23:12
But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Psalm 44:6-7
For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame.

Psalm 60:12
With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

uncircumcised

1 Samuel 17:26,36
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? …

Genesis 17:7-11
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee…

Judges 15:18
And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

it may be

2 Samuel 16:12
It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

2 Kings 19:4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

Amos 5:15
Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Judges 7:4-7
And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go…

2 Chronicles 14:11
And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

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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














Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor
This phrase introduces us to Jonathan, the son of King Saul, who is speaking to his armor-bearer. In ancient Israel, an armor-bearer was a trusted companion and assistant in battle, often carrying additional weapons and providing support. Jonathan's initiative and leadership are evident here, as he takes the bold step of engaging the enemy. His relationship with his armor-bearer reflects a bond of trust and shared purpose, which is crucial in the context of warfare.

Come, let us cross over
Jonathan's invitation to "cross over" signifies a decisive action, moving from a place of safety to one of potential danger. This phrase captures the essence of faith and courage, as Jonathan is willing to step into the unknown, trusting in God's providence. The act of crossing over can also symbolize a spiritual journey, where believers are called to leave their comfort zones and rely on God's guidance.

to the outpost of these uncircumcised men
The term "uncircumcised" is used here to describe the Philistines, who were the enemies of Israel. In the Hebrew context, circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, marking them as set apart. By referring to the Philistines as "uncircumcised," Jonathan emphasizes their status as outsiders to God's covenant and highlights the spiritual battle between God's people and those who oppose Him.

Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf
Jonathan's use of "perhaps" indicates a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. He does not presume to know God's will but expresses hope and trust that God might intervene. This reflects a deep faith that God is capable of acting in any situation, even when the outcome is uncertain. It serves as a reminder that believers are called to act in faith, leaving the results to God.

for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving
This powerful declaration of faith underscores the omnipotence of God. Jonathan recognizes that God's ability to save is not limited by human circumstances or numbers. The Hebrew root for "hinder" conveys the idea of restraint or limitation, which Jonathan boldly asserts does not apply to God. This truth is a source of encouragement for believers, affirming that God's power transcends all obstacles.

whether by many or by few
Jonathan's statement here highlights the principle that God's deliverance is not dependent on human strength or resources. Throughout Scripture, God often uses the weak and the few to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in weakness. This phrase serves as a reminder that God's ways are not our ways, and His plans often defy human logic, calling us to trust in His wisdom and power.

(6) And Jonathan said.--This companion in arms answered to the esquire of the knight of the middle ages. Gideon, Joab, David, and others of the famous Israelite warriors, were constantly accompanied in a similar manner by an armour-bearer.

Come, and let us go over.--Although in this history of the great deed of Jonathan there is no mention of the "Spirit of the Lord" having come upon him, as in the case of Gideon (Judges 6:34), Othniel (Judges 3:10), Samson, and others--who, in order to enable them to accomplish a particular act, were temporarily endowed with superhuman strength and courage and wisdom--there is no shadow of doubt but that in this case the "Spirit of the Lord" descended on the heroic son of Saul. All the circumstances connected with this event, which had so marked an influence on the fortunes of Israel, are evidently supernatural. The brave though desperate thought which suggested the attack, the courage and strength needful to carry it out, the strange panic which seized the Philistine garrison, the utter dismay which spread over the whole of the Philistine forces, and which caused them to fly in utter confusion before the small bands of Israelites, all belong to the same class of incidents so common in the earlier Hebrew story, when it is clear that the Glorious Arm of the Eternal helped them in a way it helped no other peoples.

The term "uncircumcised" is commonly applied to the Philistines, and to other of the enemies of Israel. It is used as a special term of reproach. The enmity between Philistia and Israel lasted over a long period, and was very bitter.

It may be that the Lord will work for us.--These words explain the apparent recklessness of Jonathan's attempt. It was Another who would fight the armed garrison on those tall peaks opposite, and bring him safely back to his people again.

For there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.--"O Divine power of faith, which makes a man more than men. The question is not what Jonathan can do, but what God can do, whose power is not in the means, but in Himself. There is no restraint in the Lord to save by many or by few. O admirable faith in Jonathan, whom neither the steepness of the rocks nor multitude of enemies can dissuade from such an assault."--Bishop Hall.

Verse 6. - Uncircumcised. An epithet of dislike almost confined to the Philistines. But underneath the whole speech of Jonathan lies the conviction of the covenant relation of Israel to Jehovah, of which circumcision was the outward sign. Notice also Jonathan's humble reliance upon God. It may be that Jehovah will work for us, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the young man
הַנַּ֣עַר ׀ (han·na·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

bearing
נֹשֵׂ֣א (nō·śê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

his armor,
כֵלָ֗יו (ḵê·lāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

“Come,
לְכָה֙ (lə·ḵāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

let us cross over
וְנַעְבְּרָ֗ה (wə·na‘·bə·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the outpost
מַצַּב֙ (maṣ·ṣaḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4673: A fixed spot, an office, a military post

of these
הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

uncircumcised men.
הָעֲרֵלִ֣ים (hā·‘ă·rê·lîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6189: Having foreskin (uncircumcised)

Perhaps
אוּלַ֛י (’ū·lay)
Adverb
Strong's 194: Perhaps

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will work
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

on our behalf.
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Nothing
אֵ֤ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

can hinder
מַעְצ֔וֹר (ma‘·ṣō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4622: Objectively, a hindrance

the LORD
לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

from saving,
לְהוֹשִׁ֥יעַ (lə·hō·wō·šî·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

whether by many
בְּרַ֖ב (bə·raḇ)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

or
א֥וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

by few.?
בִמְעָֽט׃ (ḇim·‘āṭ)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man who (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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