1 Samuel 14:2
1 Samuel 14:2 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men,
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate-tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
And Saul was still waiting in the farthest part of Geba, under the fruit-tree in Migron: there were about six hundred men with him;
Saul was staying near Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. He had about six hundred men with him,
And Saul taried in the border of Gibeah vnder a pomegranate tree, which was in Migron, and the people that were with him, were about sixe hundreth men.
And Saul is abiding at the extremity of Gibeah, under the pomegranate which [is] in Migron, and the people who [are] with him, about six hundred men,
Saul stayed in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron; and the people who were with him were about six hundred men,
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gabaa under the pomegranate tree, which was in Magron: and the people with him were about six hundred men.
On that day, Saul and the 600 soldiers who were with him were sitting around a pomegranate tree at a place where the people threshed grain, near Gibeah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 14:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁא֗וּל
יוֹשֵׁב֙
בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה
הַ/גִּבְעָ֔ה
תַּ֥חַת
הָ/רִמּ֖וֹן
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בְּ/מִגְר֑וֹן
וְ/הָ/עָם֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עִמּ֔/וֹ
כְּ/שֵׁ֥שׁ
מֵא֖וֹת
אִֽישׁ
וְ/שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Conj | N-proper
יוֹשֵׁב֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
הַ/גִּבְעָ֔ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
Gibeah
Art | N-proper
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הָ/רִמּ֖וֹן
rimmôwn
H7416
pomegranate
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/מִגְר֑וֹן
Migrôwn
H4051
Migron
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
כְּ/שֵׁ֥שׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Prep | Adj
מֵא֖וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:2
וְ/שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Conj | N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
יוֹשֵׁב֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הַ/גִּבְעָ֔ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
"Gibeah"
Art | N-proper
Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.
Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הָ/רִמּ֖וֹן
rimmôwn
H7416
"pomegranate"
Art | N-ms
A pomegranate, a fruit or tree, was also used as an ornament in the temple.
Definition: 1) pomegranate 1a) as tree 1b) as fruit 1c) as pomegranate shaped ornaments in temple
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: pomegranate. See also: Exodus 28:33; 2 Kings 25:17; Jeremiah 52:22.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/מִגְר֑וֹן
Migrôwn
H4051
"Migron"
Prep | N-proper
Migron refers to a place in Palestine, meaning precipice, near Gibeah and Michmash. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name describes a steep or rocky area.
Definition: § Migron = "precipice" a place near Gibeah north of Michmash
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Migron. See also: 1 Samuel 14:2; Isaiah 10:28.
וְ/הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
כְּ/שֵׁ֥שׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
מֵא֖וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:2
Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines
1One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father.
2Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men,
3including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. 4Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 13:15–16 | Then Samuel set out from Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin. And Saul numbered the troops who were with him, about six hundred men. Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. |
| 2 | Isaiah 10:28–29 | Assyria has entered Aiath and passed through Migron, storing their supplies at Michmash. They have crossed at the ford: “We will spend the night at Geba.” Ramah trembles; Gibeah of Saul flees. |
1 Samuel 14:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Saul, the king of Israel, was staying under a pomegranate tree with about six hundred men. This was a time of war with the Philistines, and Saul's decision to stay in one place may indicate a lack of faith or initiative, similar to when God instructed him to attack the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:3. In contrast, Jonathan, Saul's son, would soon take bold action, trusting God for victory, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6-15. This verse reminds us that God is looking for people who will trust Him, even when things seem impossible, just like Jonathan did (as seen in 2 Timothy 1:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the pomegranate tree in this verse?
The pomegranate tree under which Saul was staying in Migron is likely a notable landmark, similar to how we might refer to a famous building or monument today, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:8 where pomegranates are listed as one of the fruits of the Promised Land.
Why is the number of troops with Saul important?
The fact that Saul had about six hundred men with him indicates that he had a sizable army at his disposal, which contrasts with the faith of Jonathan who would soon go into battle with just his armor-bearer, as described in 1 Samuel 14:6.
What can we learn from Saul's location in this verse?
Saul's decision to stay under the pomegranate tree in Migron, rather than taking bold action against the Philistines, may indicate a lack of faith or initiative, as seen in other instances such as 1 Samuel 15:3 where Saul is instructed to attack the Amalekites but fails to do so.
How does this verse set the stage for the rest of the chapter?
This verse provides the backdrop for Jonathan's brave actions in the following verses, highlighting the contrast between Saul's inaction and Jonathan's faith, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6-15 where Jonathan and his armor-bearer trust God for victory over the Philistines.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have stayed in a place of comfort, rather than stepping out in faith like Jonathan?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting God, even when the odds seem insurmountable, as seen in this verse and the following story of Jonathan?
- What are some 'pomegranate trees' in my life where I tend to stay, rather than moving forward in faith?
- In what ways can I demonstrate bold faith, like Jonathan, in my daily life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:2
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah,.... Not daring to go out against the Philistines, but remained in the furthest part of Gibeah, at the greatest distance from the camp of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:2
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
In the uttermost part of Gibeah; in the outworks of the city, where he had intrenched himself to observe the motion of the Philistines. In Migron, or towards (as the Hebrew beth is oft used) Migron, which was another place, but near Gibeah. See .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
1 Samuel 14:2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in Migron: and the people that [were] with him [were] about six hundred men;Ver. 2. And Saul tarried.] In his fastness; observing the enemies’ motions, but unable to encounter them. Under a pomegranate tree.] Or, Under Rimmon, a place so called from the store of pomegranates there growing: as Granata, a chief city in Spain, is to this day, a malogranatorum copia vel figura.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
(2) Under a pomegranate tree.—The love of Saul for trees, which was so common among the children of Israel, has been noticed. (See again 1 Samuel 22, 1 Samuel 14:6. The king is spoken of as under the tamarisk of Ramali; Deborah is specially mentioned as judging Israel under the palm-tree in Beth-el.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
Verse 2. Under a pomegranate tree] Under Rimmon, which not only signifies a pomegranate tree, but also a strong rock, in which six hundred Benjamites took shelter, Judges 20:45. Probably it was in this very rock that Saul and his six hundred men now lay hidden.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:2
2. the uttermost part of Gibeah] Here at any rate Gibeah seems to denote a district. See note on 1 Samuel 10:5. Saul was stationed probably at the northern extremity of it, under “the pomegranate tree which is in Migron.” So we find him afterwards “under the tamarisk in Gibeah” (1 Samuel 22:6). Migron cannot be the place mentioned in Isaiah 10:28, which was north of Michmash. The name means precipice, and probably occurred frequently in this rocky region.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:2
Under a pomegranate - Compare 1 Samuel 22:6; Judges 4:5. Saul was at the northern extremity of Gibeah, about an hour’s march from Geba, where Jonathan was.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:2
2. The uttermost part of Gibeah — The outskirts of the city, or, as Keil supposes; the extreme northern end. Migron — This place must have been in the immediate vicinity of Gibeah, but its exact position is unknown.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) Blessings to a Bold Faith by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having bold trust in God and being willing to work hard for His purposes. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor beare |