1 Samuel 14:4

1 Samuel 14:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now 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.

King James Version KJV

¶ And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

American Standard Version ASV

And between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky crag on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now between the narrow roads over the mountains by which Jonathan was making his way to the Philistines' forces, there was a sharp overhanging rock on one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: one was named Bozez and the other Seneh.

Free Bible Version FBV

Cliffs stood on both sides of the pass that Jonathan planned to cross to reach the Philistine garrison, one called Bozez and the other Seneh.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe in the way whereby Ionathan sought to go ouer to the Philistims garison, there was a sharpe rocke on the one side, and a sharpe rocke on the other side: the name of the one was called Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And between the passages where Jonathan sought to pass over unto the station of the Philistines [is] the edge of a rock on the one side, and the edge of a rock on the other side, and the name of the one is Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

World English Bible WEB

Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side; and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And between the passages by which Jonathan sought to go over to the garrison of the Philistines, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now there were between the ascents, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the garrison of the Philistines, rocks standing up on both sides, and steep cliffs like teeth on the one side, and on the other, the name of the one was Boses, and the name of the other was Sene:

Translation for Translators T4T

Jonathan planned that he and the young man would go through a narrow ◄pass/place between two cliffs► to get to where the Philistia army was. The cliff on one side of the pass was named Bozez, and the other cliff was named Seneh.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:4

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 14:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/בֵ֣ין הַֽ/מַּעְבְּר֗וֹת אֲשֶׁ֨ר בִּקֵּ֤שׁ יֽוֹנָתָן֙ לַֽ/עֲבֹר֙ עַל מַצַּ֣ב פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים שֵׁן הַ/סֶּ֤לַע מֵ/הָ/עֵ֨בֶר֙ מִ/זֶּ֔ה וְ/שֵׁן הַ/סֶּ֥לַע מֵ/הָ/עֵ֖בֶר מִ/זֶּ֑ה וְ/שֵׁ֤ם הָֽ/אֶחָד֙ בּוֹצֵ֔ץ וְ/שֵׁ֥ם הָ/אֶחָ֖ד סֶֽנֶּה

וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep

הַֽ/מַּעְבְּר֗וֹת maʻăbâr H4569 ford Art | N-fp

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בִּקֵּ֤שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יֽוֹנָתָן֙ Yôwnâthân H3129 Jonathan N-proper

לַֽ/עֲבֹר֙ ʻâbar H5674 to pass Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מַצַּ֣ב matstsâb H4673 station N-ms

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa

שֵׁן shên H8127 tooth N-cs

הַ/סֶּ֤לַע çelaʻ H5553 crag Art | N-ms

מֵ/הָ/עֵ֨בֶר֙ ʻêber H5676 side Prep | Art | N-ms

מִ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

וְ/שֵׁן shên H8127 tooth Conj | N-cs

הַ/סֶּ֥לַע çelaʻ H5553 crag Art | N-ms

מֵ/הָ/עֵ֖בֶר ʻêber H5676 side Prep | Art | N-ms

מִ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

וְ/שֵׁ֤ם shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms

הָֽ/אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 one Art | Adj

בּוֹצֵ֔ץ Bôwtsêts H949 Bozez N-proper

וְ/שֵׁ֥ם shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms

הָ/אֶחָ֖ד ʼechâd H259 one Art | Adj

סֶֽנֶּה Çeneh H5573 Seneh N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:4

וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.

הַֽ/מַּעְבְּר֗וֹת maʻăbâr H4569 "ford" Art | N-fp

This word refers to a crossing place, like a ford in a river or a pass in a mountain. It can also mean a transit or passage, and is used figuratively to describe overwhelming events. The KJV translates it as ford or pass.

Definition: 1) ford, pass, passing 1a) ford 1b) pass 1c) passing, sweep

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ford, place where...pass, passage. See also: Genesis 32:23; 1 Samuel 13:23; Isaiah 10:29.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר 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.

בִּקֵּ֤שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

יֽוֹנָתָן֙ 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.

לַֽ/עֲבֹר֙ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מַצַּ֣ב matstsâb H4673 "station" N-ms

A fixed spot or office, like a military post, where someone stands or serves, as seen in the Bible with garrisons and outposts.

Definition: 1) station, garrison, standing-place 1a) standing-place (of feet) 1b) station, office, position 1c) garrison, post, outpost

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: garrison, station, place where...stood. See also: Joshua 4:3; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 22:19.

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa

A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.

Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

שֵׁן shên H8127 "tooth" N-cs

The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.

Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.

הַ/סֶּ֤לַע çelaʻ H5553 "crag" Art | N-ms

This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.

Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.

מֵ/הָ/עֵ֨בֶר֙ ʻêber H5676 "side" Prep | Art | N-ms

This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.

Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.

מִ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | 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.

וְ/שֵׁן shên H8127 "tooth" Conj | N-cs

The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.

Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.

הַ/סֶּ֥לַע çelaʻ H5553 "crag" Art | N-ms

This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.

Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.

מֵ/הָ/עֵ֖בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" Prep | Art | N-ms

This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.

Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.

מִ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

וְ/שֵׁ֤ם shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

הָֽ/אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 "one" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

בּוֹצֵ֔ץ Bôwtsêts H949 "Bozez" N-proper

Bozez was a rock near Michmash where Jonathan fought the Philistines. Its name means glistening white, describing the rock's appearance. It's mentioned in 1 Samuel 14.

Definition: § Bozez = "surpassing white: glistening" a rock formation near Michmash by which Jonathan approached the Philistine troop

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Bozez. See also: 1 Samuel 14:4.

וְ/שֵׁ֥ם shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

הָ/אֶחָ֖ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Art | Adj

סֶֽנֶּה Çeneh H5573 "Seneh" N-proper

Seneh refers to a rocky height with crags near Michmash, north of Jerusalem, where Jonathan attacked the Philistines. It means thorny, describing the location's terrain. This event is recorded in the Bible.

Definition: § Seneh = "thorny" a rocky height with crags which stood in the passage of Michmash 6.5 miles (10.4 km) north of Jerusalem; Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost on this height

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Seneh. See also: 1 Samuel 14:4.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 14:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:4
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:4
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:4

Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines

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.

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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 13:23	And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash.

1 Samuel 14:4 Summary

This verse describes the challenging terrain that Jonathan and his armor-bearer had to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. The cliffs Bozez and Seneh represented natural obstacles, but Jonathan trusted God to help him overcome them, just as we can trust God to help us with our own challenges (Psalm 37:3-7, Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting God and taking steps of faith, we can see His power and provision in our lives, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. As we navigate our own spiritual journey, we can remember that God is always with us, guiding and empowering us to overcome any obstacle, as promised in Isaiah 43:2 and Hebrews 13:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the cliffs Bozez and Seneh in 1 Samuel 14:4?

The cliffs Bozez and Seneh represent the natural obstacles that Jonathan and his armor-bearer had to overcome to reach the Philistine outpost, much like the spiritual battles we face in our own lives, as described in Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Why did the Bible include the names of the cliffs in this verse?

The inclusion of the names Bozez and Seneh adds historical and geographical context to the story, emphasizing the accuracy of the biblical account, similar to the attention to detail found in other biblical narratives, such as Numbers 13:24 and Deuteronomy 1:24.

How does this verse relate to Jonathan's faith and trust in God?

This verse sets the stage for Jonathan's courageous decision to trust God and attack the Philistine outpost, demonstrating his faith in God's power and provision, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from the geography of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross?

The pass, with its cliffs on both sides, represents a narrow and potentially treacherous path, reminding us that our spiritual journey may involve challenges and uncertainties, but with God's guidance, we can navigate them, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 43:2.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'cliffs' in my life that seem insurmountable, and how can I trust God to help me overcome them?
In what ways can I, like Jonathan, demonstrate courage and faith in the face of uncertainty and adversity?
How can I apply the principle of trusting God, regardless of the circumstances, to my own life and decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
What are some areas where I need to trust God to work on my behalf, and how can I take steps of faith, like Jonathan, to see His power and provision in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:4

And between the passages by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison,.... One of which is called the passage of Michmash, 1 Samuel 13:23 and was that by which they went from

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:4

And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4

The passages; so these might be two known and common passages, both which Jonathan must cross, or pass over, to go to the Philistines, between which the following rocks lay. But the words may be rendered thus, In the middle (for so the Hebrew particle ben signifies, as ; and beth, in, is understood by a very frequent ellipsis) of the passage; the plural number being put for the singular, as is frequent. A sharp rock on the one side, and on the other side; which is not so to be understood, as if in this passage one rock was on the right hand, and the other on the left; for so he should have gone between both; and there was no need of climbing up to them, which is mentioned below, . But the meaning is, that the tooth (or prominency) of the one rock (as it is in the Hebrew) was on the one side, i.e. northward, looking towards Michmash, (the garrison of the Philistines,) and the tooth of the other rock was on the other side, i.e. southward, looking towards Gibeah, (where Saul’ s camp lay,) as the next verse informs us; and Jonathan was forced to climb over these two rocks, because the other and common ways from one town to the other might now be obstructed, or were not so fit for his present design.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4

1 Samuel 14:4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, [there was] a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one [was] Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.Ver. 4. There was a sharp rock.] Heb., The tooth of a rock: these were two promontories which hung over and ran out, after the manner of dogs’ teeth, or boars’ tusks, and so rendered the passage to the enemy’ s camp hard, and as might be thought impossible. But what may not be done by daring? Alexander the Great got a strong fort, set on a high steep rock from his enemies, - who asked him in derision, Whether he could fly? - by the help of three hundred gallant soldier, and then used these words, En, ostendi me posse volare, Lo, I have showed you that I can fly: but Jonathan, with one only, made a harder and higher attempt, and achieved a far greater victory by the force of his faith, whereunto nothing is impossible. See Hebrews 11:33-34. Vat. Curtius.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4

(4) Bozez . . . Seneh.—These names are of extreme antiquity. Their signification is disputed. Possibly Bozez signifies “shining,” and Seneh “the accacia.” These rocks have been identified by modern travellers.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4

Verse 4. The name of the one was Bozez] Slippery; and the name of the other Seneh, treading down. - Targum.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:4

4. And between the passages, &c.] The scene of Jonathan’s adventure is accurately described. The “passages” appear to be ravines running down into the main valley, by which it was possible to get down and cross over. “In the valley, [the Wady es-Suweinit] just at the left of where we crossed, are two hills of a conical or rather a spherical form, having steep rocky sides, with small wadys running up behind each so as almost to isolate them. One is on the side toward Jeba and the other towards Mukhmas. These would seem to be the two rocks mentioned in connexion with Jonathan’s adventure.” Robinson, Bibl. Res. I. 441. a sharp rock] Lit. “a tooth of the rock.” Cp. note on 1 Samuel 7:12. the name of the one was Bozez] “The northern cliff was named Bozez or “shining,” and the true explanation of this name only presents itself on the spot. The great valley runs nearly due east, and thus the southern cliff is almost entirely in shade during the day. The contrast is surprising and picturesque between the dark cool colour of the south side and the ruddy or tawny tints of the northern cliff crowned with the gleaming white of the upper chalky strata. The picture is unchanged since the days when Jonathan looked over to the white camping-ground of the Philistines, and Bozez must then have shone as brightly as it does now, in the full light of an eastern sun.” Conder’s Tent Work, II. 113. the name of the other Seneh] “The southern cliff was called Seneh or ‘the Acacia,’ and the same name still applies to the modern valley, due to the acacia trees which dot its course.” Wady es-Suweinit = “Valley of the little thorn tree” or “acacia.” Id.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:4

(The southern cliff was called “Seneh,” or “the acacia,” and the same name still applies to the modern valley, dotted by acacias.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:4

4. Bozez and… Seneh — These rocks were in the valley that lay between Geba and Michmash. The statements of this verse and the next are well explained by Robinson, (Bib. Res., vol. i, p.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:4

	Sermon	Description
	Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul.

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