1 Samuel 14:45 Meaning and Explanation
“And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people intervene, refusing to let Jonathan die since he won Israel's great victory with God's help.
What Does 1 Samuel 14:45 Mean?
The army rises up in Jonathan's defense. Shall the man who brought about this great salvation be put to death? Never, they say, swearing that not a hair of his head will fall, for he acted with God that day. Their stand prevails, and they rescue Jonathan from death.
The people see what Saul has missed: Jonathan worked with God, and his life is precious. Here mercy and truth triumph over a rash oath. Their cry, 'he hath wrought with God,' honors the Lord's evident favor on Jonathan. God's clear blessing on a person is weightier than any human vow that would condemn them.
1 Samuel 14:45 in the Original Language
teshuah (תְּשׁוּעָה), 'salvation' -- a great deliverance or victory, here rescue from the enemy granted by God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 14:45
What does 1 Samuel 14:45 mean?
The people intervene, refusing to let Jonathan die since he won Israel's great victory with God's help.