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1 Samuel 14:27
New International Version
But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

New Living Translation
But Jonathan had not heard his father’s command, and he dipped the end of his stick into a piece of honeycomb and ate the honey. After he had eaten it, he felt refreshed.

English Standard Version
But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright.

Berean Standard Bible
Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

King James Bible
But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

New King James Version
But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath; therefore he stretched out the end of the rod that was in his hand and dipped it in a honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his countenance brightened.

New American Standard Bible
However, Jonathan had not heard it when his father put the people under oath; so he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

NASB 1995
But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under oath; therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

NASB 1977
But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under oath; therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under a sworn oath; therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

Amplified Bible
But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under the oath. So he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into a honeycomb, and then he put his hand to his mouth, and his energy was restored.

Christian Standard Bible
However, Jonathan had not heard his father make the troops swear the oath. He reached out with the end of the staff he was carrying and dipped it into the honeycomb. When he ate the honey, he had renewed energy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, Jonathan had not heard his father make the troops swear the oath. He reached out with the end of the staff he was carrying and dipped it into the honeycomb. When he ate the honey, he had renewed energy.

American Standard Version
But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

Contemporary English Version
Jonathan did not know about Saul's warning to the soldiers. So he dipped the end of his walking stick in the honey and ate some with his fingers. He felt stronger and more alert.

English Revised Version
But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jonathan hadn't heard that his father forced the troops to take an oath. So he stretched out the tip of the staff he had in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he put it to his mouth, his eyes lit up.

Good News Translation
But Jonathan had not heard his father threaten the people with a curse; so he reached out with the stick he was carrying, dipped it in a honeycomb, and ate some honey. At once he felt much better.

International Standard Version
But Jonathan had not heard that his father had required the army to swear an oath, so he stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. He brought it back to his mouth and his eyes brightened.

Majority Standard Bible
Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

NET Bible
But Jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take. He extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he ate it, his eyes gleamed.

New Heart English Bible
But Jonathan did not hear when his father commanded the people with the oath, so he put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in a honey-comb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

World English Bible
But Jonathan didn’t hear when his father commanded the people with the oath. Therefore he put out the end of the rod that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jonathan has not heard of his father’s adjuring the people, and puts forth the end of the rod, which [is] in his hand, and dips it in the honeycomb, and brings back his hand to his mouth—and his eyes see!

Young's Literal Translation
And Jonathan hath not heard of his father's adjuring the people, and putteth forth the end of the rod, which is in his hand, and dippeth it in the honeycomb, and bringeth back his hand unto his mouth -- and his eyes see!

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan heard not in his father's causing the people to swear: and he will stretch forth the extremity of the rod which is in his hand, and he will dip it in the droppings of the honey, and he will turn back his hand to his mouth, and his eyes will see.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Jonathan had not heard when his father adjured the people: and he put forth the end of the rod, which he had in his hand, and dipt it in a honeycomb: and he carried his hand to his mouth, and his eyes were enlightened.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people to an oath. And so he extended the top of the staff that he was holding in his hand, and he dipped it in a honeycomb. And he turned his hand to his mouth, and his eyes were brightened.

New American Bible
Jonathan, who had not heard that his father had put the people under oath, thrust out the end of the staff he was holding and dipped it into the honeycomb. Then he raised it to his mouth and his eyes brightened.

New Revised Standard Version
But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the troops with the oath; so he extended the staff that was in his hand, and dipped the tip of it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jonathan had not heard when his father adjured the people; so he put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and dipped it in a honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yonathan had not heard when his father made the people swear, and he reached with the top of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the comb of the honey, and he put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes shone
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath; and he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jonathan had not heard when his father adjured the people; and he reached forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, an dipped it into the honeycomb, and returned his hand to his mouth, and his eyes recovered their sight.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan Eats the Honey
26And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. 28Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.”…

Cross References
Judges 14:8-9
When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey. / So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass.

1 Samuel 14:29-30
“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. / How much better it would have been if the troops had eaten freely today from the plunder they took from their enemies! Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been much greater?”

Proverbs 24:13
Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.

Psalm 19:10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Psalm 119:103
How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!

Exodus 3:8
I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

Numbers 13:27
And they gave this account to Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit!

Deuteronomy 8:8
a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey;

Matthew 3:4
John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

Matthew 12:1-2
At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. / When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

Luke 24:42-43
So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, / and He took it and ate it in front of them.

John 6:49-51
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. / This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. / I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”

Revelation 10:9-10
And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” / So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter.

Genesis 43:11
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

2 Samuel 17:29
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”


Treasury of Scripture

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: why he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

his eyes

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.

1 Samuel 30:12
And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

Proverbs 25:26
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

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Adjuring Bound Bright Brightened Charge Charged Commanded Dipped End Enlightened Eyes Hand Hear Heard Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Jonathan Mouth Oath Raised Reached Rod Staff Stretching Tip Wherefore
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Adjuring Bound Bright Brightened Charge Charged Commanded Dipped End Enlightened Eyes Hand Hear Heard Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Jonathan Mouth Oath Raised Reached Rod Staff Stretching Tip Wherefore
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














But Jonathan had not heard
The phrase highlights Jonathan's unawareness of Saul's command. In Hebrew, the word for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. Jonathan's ignorance of the oath underscores the importance of communication and the potential consequences of acting without full knowledge. It also sets the stage for the unfolding events, showing that Jonathan's actions were not rebellious but innocent.

that his father had bound the people with the oath
The term "bound" in Hebrew is "אָשַׁר" (ashar), meaning to bind or to impose a restriction. Saul's oath was a rash decision, reflecting his impulsive leadership style. This oath, meant to motivate the troops, instead became a burden. Theologically, it serves as a caution against making hasty vows, reminding believers of the importance of seeking God's wisdom before making commitments.

So he reached out with the end of the staff that was in his hand
The staff, or "מַטֶּה" (matteh) in Hebrew, symbolizes authority and guidance. Jonathan's use of the staff to reach the honeycomb is a practical action, yet it also metaphorically represents his leadership qualities—decisive and resourceful. In a broader sense, it reminds Christians of the importance of using one's God-given authority and resources wisely.

and dipped it into the honeycomb
Honey in the Bible often symbolizes abundance and God's provision. The act of dipping into the honeycomb signifies partaking in God's blessings. Historically, honey was a valuable commodity, representing sustenance and energy. Jonathan's action, though simple, is a reminder of the sweetness of God's word and the nourishment it provides to the soul.

When he ate the honey, his eyes brightened
The phrase "his eyes brightened" is a vivid depiction of physical and spiritual rejuvenation. In Hebrew, "אוֹר" (or) means to be light or to shine. This moment illustrates the immediate physical benefits of nourishment, but also serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. Just as honey revitalized Jonathan, so does the word of God refresh and enlighten believers, providing clarity and strength for the journey ahead.

(27) He put forth the end of the rod.--Most likely, with the point of his staff took up a piece of the honeycomb. Jonathan in that hurried battle and pursuit had heard nothing of his father's rash oath, and was, no doubt, owing to his exertions in the earlier part of that eventful day, worn out with fatigue and hunger.

And his eyes were enlightened.--This simply means that the natural dimness caused by extreme exhaustion passed away when his long fast was broken; literally, his eyes became bright. Hence the Talmud comments: "Whoever suffers from the effects of intense hunger, let him eat honey and other sweet things, for such eatables are efficacious in restoring the light of one's eyes . . . Thus we read of Jonathan, "See, I pray you, how my eyes have been enlightened because I tasted a little of this honey" (1Samuel 14:27).--Treatise Yoma, fol. 83, Colossians 2.

Verse 27. - Jonathan, who had not been present when his father charged the people with the oath, - literally, "made the people swear," - dipped the end of his staff hastily, so as not to hinder the pursuit, in an honeycomb - Hebrew, "into the honey wood," i.e. into the hollow branch or trunk out of which the honey was flowing (but see Song of Solomon 5:1). His eyes were enlightened. I.e. made bright and clear, the dimness caused by excessive weariness having passed away. But this is a correction made by the Jews (kri), and the written text (c'tib) has "his eyes saw," which is more forcible and poetic. When the A.V. was made the kri was supposed to be authoritative, but most modern commentators have come to the opposite conclusion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Jonathan, however,
וְיוֹנָתָ֣ן (wə·yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

had not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

heard that
שָׁמַ֗ע (šā·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

his father
אָבִיו֮ (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

{had charged} the people
הָעָם֒ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

with the oath.
בְּהַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ (bə·haš·bî·a‘)
Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

So he reached out
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

the end
קְצֵ֤ה (qə·ṣêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the staff
הַמַּטֶּה֙ (ham·maṭ·ṭeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

in his hand,
בְּיָד֔וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

dipped
וַיִּטְבֹּ֥ל (way·yiṭ·bōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2881: To dip, to immerse

it into the honeycomb,
בְּיַעְרַ֣ת (bə·ya‘·raṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3295: A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb

and put
וַיָּ֤שֶׁב (way·yā·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

his hand
יָדוֹ֙ (yā·ḏōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

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

his mouth;
פִּ֔יו (pîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and his eyes
עֵינָֽיו׃ (‘ê·nāw)
Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

brightened.
וַתָּאֹ֖רְנָה (wat·tā·’ō·rə·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 7200: To see


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan didn't hear when his father (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 14:26
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