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1 Samuel 14:29

1 Samuel 14:29 in Multiple Translations

“My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

Then Jonathan said, My father has made trouble come on the land: now see how bright my eyes have become because I have taken a little of this honey.

“My father has caused a whole lot of trouble for everyone,” Jonathan replied. “See how well I am because I've eaten a little of this honey.

Then said Ionathan, My father hath troubled the land: see nowe howe mine eyes are made cleare, because I haue tasted a litle of this honie:

And Jonathan saith, 'My father hath troubled the land; see, I pray you, that mine eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.

Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

And Jonathan said: My father hath troubled the land: you have seen yourselves that my eyes are enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey:

Jonathan exclaimed, “My father has caused trouble for all of us! See how refreshed/strong I am after eating a little honey!

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:29

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 14:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יֽוֹנָתָ֔ן עָכַ֥ר אָבִ֖/י אֶת הָ/אָ֑רֶץ רְאוּ נָא֙ כִּֽי אֹ֣רוּ עֵינַ֔/י כִּ֣י טָעַ֔מְתִּי מְעַ֖ט דְּבַ֥שׁ הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יֽוֹנָתָ֔ן Yôwnâthân H3129 Jonathan N-proper
עָכַ֥ר ʻâkar H5916 to trouble V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אָבִ֖/י ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
רְאוּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָא֙ nâʼ H4994 please Part
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
אֹ֣רוּ ʼôwr H215 to light V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינַ֔/י ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
טָעַ֔מְתִּי ṭâʻam H2938 to perceive V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מְעַ֖ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms
דְּבַ֥שׁ dᵉbash H1706 honey N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:29

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יֽוֹנָתָ֔ן Yôwnâthân H3129 "Jonathan" N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
עָכַ֥ר ʻâkar H5916 "to trouble" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb, like stirring up water. It is used to describe causing problems or affliction, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to trouble, stir up, disturb, make (someone) taboo 1a) (Qal) to disturb, trouble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be disturbed, be stirred up 1b2) disturbance, calamity (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: trouble, stir. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Kings 18:18; Psalms 39:3.
אָבִ֖/י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
רְאוּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
נָא֙ nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֹ֣רוּ ʼôwr H215 "to light" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
עֵינַ֔/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
טָעַ֔מְתִּי ṭâʻam H2938 "to perceive" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to taste or perceive something, and is often used figuratively. In the Old Testament, it describes experiencing or understanding something. The KJV translates it as 'taste' or 'perceive'.
Definition: 1) to taste, perceive, eat 1a) (Qal) to taste Aramaic equivalent: te.am (טְעֵם "to feed" H2939)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] but, perceive, taste. See also: 1 Samuel 14:24; Job 12:11; Psalms 34:9.
מְעַ֖ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
דְּבַ֥שׁ dᵉbash H1706 "honey" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 18:18 “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.
2 Joshua 7:25 “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies.

1 Samuel 14:29 Summary

In 1 Samuel 14:29, Jonathan says that his father, Saul, has brought trouble to the land because of the oath he made, which weakened the army. Jonathan had unknowingly broken the oath by eating some honey, and he realized that it had given him strength and energy. This verse shows that sometimes, our actions can have unintended consequences, and that we should seek to understand the reasoning behind the commands we are given, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23. It also reminds us to trust in God's provision and goodness, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, as seen in Psalm 23:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Jonathan's response to the soldier's statement about the oath?

Jonathan replied that his father had brought trouble to the land, and he noted how his eyes had brightened after tasting a little honey, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:29. This shows that Jonathan was unaware of the oath and had acted in ignorance.

Why did Jonathan say that his father had brought trouble to the land?

Jonathan said this because he realized that the oath had weakened the army, as they were faint from hunger, and he believed that eating would have given them the strength they needed to defeat their enemies, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:30-31. This is similar to how God provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, as mentioned in Exodus 16:4.

What can we learn from Jonathan's actions in this verse?

We can learn that sometimes, our actions, even if well-intentioned, can have unintended consequences, and that it's essential to consider the effects of our decisions on others, as seen in Proverbs 21:5. Jonathan's actions also show that he was a man of faith, trusting in God's provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to authority?

This verse highlights the importance of considering the consequences of our actions, even if we are obeying authority, and seeking wisdom and discernment in our decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. It also shows that blind obedience can sometimes lead to harm, and that we should seek to understand the reasoning behind the commands we are given, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be blindly following rules or traditions, and how can I seek wisdom and discernment in those areas?
  2. How can I, like Jonathan, trust in God's provision and goodness, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
  3. What are some ways that I can prioritize seeking God's guidance and wisdom in my decisions, as seen in James 1:5-6?
  4. How can I balance obedience to authority with the need to consider the consequences of my actions, and seek to understand the reasoning behind the commands I am given, as seen in Acts 5:29?
  5. What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:29

Then said Jonathan, my father hath troubled the land,.... The people of the land, as the Targum, the soldiers in his army; afflicted and distressed them, and made them uneasy in their minds, like

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:29

Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:29

The land, i.e. the people of the land, the whole army, whom by this rash oath he hath greatly injured. The zeal of defending himself makes him run into the other extreme of accusing his father, and that before the people, whom by this means he might have stirred up to a sedition.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:29

1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.Ver. 29. My father hath troubled the land.] Iuveniliter hoc dixit Ionathas, saith one. If Saul had done unadvisedly, yet Jonathan should not have reprehended his father’ s act so publicly, for fear of a rebellion. See, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened.] So Hunniades was much refreshed, when, after a fight with the Turks, he supped with a shepherd, who brought him faint and almost famished to his poor cottage, and set before him bread and water, with a few onions. A. Lapide. Turk. Hist., p. 310.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:29

(29) My father hath troubled the land.—In other words, “My father’s ill-considered vow has done-grave harm to us in Israel. Had he not weakened the people, by hindering them from taking the needful refreshment, our victory would have been far more complete. Utter exhaustion has prevented us from following up our victory.”

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:29

29. hath troubled] The word applied to Achan in Joshua 7:25.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:29

Hath troubled - The same word as was applied to Achan Joshua 7:25, and gave its name to the valley of Achor. This additional reference to Joshua is remarkable (compare 1 Samuel 14:24).

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:29

29. My father hath troubled the land — Jonathan is quick to see the rashness and folly of his father’s oath, and to point out its injury to the Hebrews’ cause.

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