1 Samuel 14:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jonathan {H3129} heard {H8085} not when his father {H1} charged {H7650} the people {H5971} with the oath {H7650}: wherefore he put forth {H7971} the end {H7097} of the rod {H4294} that was in his hand {H3027}, and dipped {H2881} it in an honeycomb {H3295}{H1706}, and put {H7725} his hand {H3027} to his mouth {H6310}; and his eyes {H5869} were enlightened {H215}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Y'honatan hadn't heard his father charging the people with the oath, so he put out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it in the honeycomb and raised it to his mouth; whereupon his eyes lit up.

Berean Standard Bible

Jonathan, 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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:27 narrates a crucial moment in the battle against the Philistines where Jonathan, King Saul's son, unknowingly violates his father's rash oath. While pursuing the enemy, Jonathan, separated from the main army and unaware of Saul's decree forbidding food until evening, discovers and consumes wild honeycomb. This act instantly revitalizes him, providing a stark physical and spiritual contrast to the exhaustion plaguing the rest of the Israelite army and setting the stage for a dramatic and nearly tragic confrontation with his father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Bold Faith and Saul's Rash Vow"), a chapter that starkly contrasts the leadership styles of King Saul and his son Jonathan. The chapter begins with Jonathan's audacious, faith-driven initiative to attack a Philistine outpost, which, empowered by divine intervention, leads to a miraculous rout of the enemy (e.g., [1 Samuel 14:6-15](/1_samuel/14-6-15 "1 Samuel 14:6-15 - Jonathan's Faith-Filled Attack and God's Deliverance")). As the Israelite army pursues the fleeing Philistines, King Saul, driven by misguided zeal and perhaps a desire for personal glory, imposes a severe, divinely unauthorized oath upon the people, forbidding them to eat any food until evening, "that I may be avenged on mine enemies" ([1 Samuel 14:24](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Ill-Conceived Oath")). This oath, made without consulting the Lord or considering its practical implications, inadvertently weakens his own troops, leading to widespread exhaustion and faintness, thereby creating the critical backdrop for Jonathan's unwitting transgression in verse 27.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Oaths held immense weight and significance in ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as binding agreements or declarations often invoked with divine sanction. Kings, as leaders, frequently made such pronouncements to inspire their armies, demonstrate piety, or secure loyalty. However, rash or ill-conceived oaths, especially those not rooted in divine command or practical wisdom, could have severe and unintended consequences, as vividly illustrated by Saul's predicament. The Philistines, a technologically superior (possessing iron weaponry, as noted in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19-22 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Monopoly on Iron")) and persistent enemy, represented a formidable threat to Israel's nascent kingdom. The ongoing conflict depicted here is part of Israel's struggle for national identity and survival against this powerful adversary, with the Israelite army often operating under challenging logistical and strategic constraints.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Leadership, Vows, and Divine Providence") powerfully develops several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **peril of rash vows and legalistic leadership**, contrasting Saul's impulsive, self-serving oath with the vital needs and welfare of his people. Saul's decree, intended to secure victory, ironically debilitates his troops and jeopardizes the very triumph he sought. Secondly, the narrative highlights **Jonathan's courageous faith and pragmatic wisdom**, which stand in stark opposition to his father's increasingly erratic and self-absorbed behavior. Jonathan's focus remains on effective action and the well-being of the army, not on rigid adherence to an unhelpful decree. Thirdly, the chapter explores the theme of **divine provision amidst human folly**, as the unexpected discovery of the honeycomb provides immediate and essential sustenance, representing God's care even when human leadership falters. Finally, the chapter subtly but powerfully develops the theme of **contrasting leadership**, foreshadowing Saul's eventual decline and the need for a different kind of king for Israel—one who prioritizes God's will and the welfare of the people over personal decrees and rigid legalism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** The Hebrew word אָב (_ʼâb_), meaning "father," is used here to refer to King Saul. This term emphasizes the familial relationship between Saul and Jonathan, making the subsequent conflict over the oath even more poignant. Saul's authority as a father figure and king is central to the binding nature of the oath and the severity of Jonathan's unwitting transgression.
* **Dipped (Hebrew, _ṭâbal'_):** The verb טָבַל (_ṭâbal_), meaning "to dip, to immerse," describes Jonathan's action of inserting the rod into the honeycomb. This precise action highlights the direct and immediate engagement with the source of sustenance. It implies a quick, practical method of consumption, driven by necessity and the readily available nature of the honey.
* **Honeycomb (Hebrew, _yaʻărâh dᵉbash'_):** The phrase יַעֲרָה דְּבַשׁ (_yaʻărâh dᵉbash_), literally "forest honey" or "honeycomb," refers to the wild honey found in the wilderness. The word דְּבַשׁ (_dᵉbash_) specifically means "honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup; honey(-comb)." This natural, unprocessed food source is presented as a gift of the land, readily accessible and profoundly restorative, contrasting with the artificial restriction imposed by Saul.
* **Enlightened (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** The Hebrew verb אוֹר (_ʼôwr_), meaning "to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically); [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine," is used here to describe the immediate physical effect on Jonathan. It signifies a restoration of vitality, clarity of vision, and a brightening of the countenance. Jonathan's eyes, previously dim or heavy from exhaustion, became clear and sharp, indicating a complete physical revival. This is not merely about improved eyesight but a holistic invigoration, a return to full strength and alertness, contrasting sharply with the faintness of the rest of the army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath:"** This crucial opening clause establishes Jonathan's lack of culpability. He was not present when King Saul imposed the binding oath, likely because he was actively engaged in the vanguard of the battle or pursuing the Philistines. His subsequent actions are therefore not an act of deliberate defiance or rebellion against his father's authority, but rather an innocent transgression born of ignorance, which is vital for understanding the escalating tension and near-tragedy that follows.
* **"wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb,"** This describes Jonathan's resourceful and practical response to his physical need. He utilizes a common tool, his staff or rod, to access the wild honey found in the wilderness. The imagery conveys an immediate, unthinking action to alleviate hunger and exhaustion, highlighting the spontaneous discovery of a natural source of sustenance in a moment of dire physical need.
* **"and put his hand to his mouth;"** This simple, direct action signifies the consumption of the honey. It is an unceremonious act of eating, driven by immediate hunger and the availability of the food. The brevity of the description emphasizes the direct intake of the life-giving substance, underscoring its immediate impact without unnecessary embellishment.
* **"and his eyes were enlightened."** This is the immediate and profound physiological effect of consuming the honey. As elaborated in the key word analysis, "enlightened" signifies a rapid and complete physical revitalization. Jonathan's fatigue dissipates instantly, his strength returns, and his senses, particularly his vision, sharpen. This dramatic physical transformation serves as a powerful testament to the restorative power of the honey and stands in stark contrast to the debilitating hunger and faintness afflicting the rest of the Israelite army, highlighting the detrimental impact of Saul's ill-conceived oath.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Samuel 14:27](/1_samuel/14-27 "1 Samuel 14:27 - Jonathan's Unknowing Transgression") employs several potent literary devices that deepen its theological and narrative impact. **Irony** is profoundly central, as Saul's oath, intended to secure a complete and decisive victory by ensuring unwavering focus, paradoxically weakens his army and nearly leads to the death of his most effective warrior, Jonathan. The very means meant to ensure success becomes a source of hindrance and internal conflict. **Contrast** is also a dominant feature, particularly between the physical states of Jonathan and the rest of the Israelite army. Jonathan's immediate invigoration upon eating the honey stands in stark opposition to the "faint" and "weary" condition of the Israelite soldiers (cf. [1 Samuel 14:28-31](/1_samuel/14-28-31 "1 Samuel 14:28-31 - The Army's Exhaustion and Saul's Dilemma")), powerfully highlighting the detrimental impact of Saul's rash decree. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the honeycomb itself is significant; found in the wilderness, it represents unexpected divine provision and the life-giving nature of sustenance, contrasting sharply with the barrenness and debilitation imposed by Saul's legalism. The rod, a simple tool, also serves as a **symbol** of Jonathan's practical wisdom and resourcefulness, in contrast to Saul's abstract and impractical decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 14:27 offers profound theological insights into the nature of leadership, divine provision, and human obedience. Saul's oath, though perhaps born of zeal or a desire to control, ultimately reflects a legalistic approach that prioritizes human decree over the practical well-being of God's people and even God's own will. Jonathan's unwitting transgression, followed by immediate physical rejuvenation, highlights that true spiritual and physical strength comes not from rigid adherence to uninspired laws, but from God's gracious provision and a pragmatic understanding of human need. The honey in the wilderness is a testament to God's readiness to provide sustenance, even when human leadership falters or imposes unnecessary burdens. This incident underscores the principle that God often works through natural means and unexpected circumstances to sustain His servants and advance His purposes, even in the face of human error or misguided piety, revealing His sovereignty over human plans.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Be Careful with Vows")
* [Proverbs 25:16](/proverbs/25-16 "Proverbs 25:16 - Honey: Moderation is Key")
* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Jonathan and the honeycomb serves as a powerful and timeless reminder for leaders and individuals alike. For those in positions of authority, it is a sober warning against imposing burdens born of personal zeal, pride, or a misguided sense of piety, rather than divine wisdom or practical necessity. True leadership seeks the flourishing of those led, discerning what truly builds up and what merely hinders. Saul's oath, though seemingly pious and aimed at victory, drained his army's strength and nearly cost him his son, demonstrating that legalism can be counterproductive to God's purposes. For individuals, Jonathan's experience underscores the vital importance of physical and mental well-being in serving God effectively. His immediate revitalization from the honey highlights that God often provides for our needs in simple, unexpected ways, and that neglecting basic sustenance—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—can impede our ability to fulfill our callings. We are reminded to seek wisdom and discernment, ensuring our actions truly align with God's heart for grace and life, rather than becoming entangled in self-imposed, burdensome rules or succumbing to exhaustion that hinders our effectiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might a leader's well-intentioned but rash decisions inadvertently harm those they lead, and what steps can be taken to prevent this?**
* **In what ways might we, like Saul, impose unnecessary burdens on ourselves or others in the name of piety, discipline, or even efficiency, that ultimately hinder true spiritual flourishing?**
* **What does Jonathan's immediate physical refreshment teach us about the relationship between our physical well-being and our spiritual effectiveness and readiness for service?**
* **How can we better discern between God's clear commands and humanly devised rules or traditions that may hinder rather than help us in our walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**Was Jonathan guilty of sin for eating the honey?**

Answer: From a strict legalistic perspective, under the letter of Saul's oath, Jonathan did transgress. However, the narrative strongly implies his innocence and lack of moral culpability. He was genuinely unaware of the oath, actively engaged in the heat of battle, and his consumption of the honey was out of necessity, leading to immediate physical and mental restoration. The text highlights Saul's rashness and the folly of his oath, not Jonathan's rebellion. The army's near-revolt when Saul attempted to execute Jonathan (see [1 Samuel 14:45](/1_samuel/14-45 "1 Samuel 14:45 - The People Rescue Jonathan")) further indicates that the people did not view Jonathan as culpable, recognizing the injustice and impracticality of Saul's decree. This incident serves to expose the dangers of legalism over grace and wisdom.

**What is the significance of "his eyes were enlightened"?**

Answer: This phrase, "his eyes were enlightened," is a vivid Hebrew idiom signifying a profound and immediate physical and mental revitalization. It means that Jonathan's vision, which was likely dim or blurred from extreme exhaustion and hunger, became clear and sharp. More broadly, it indicates a complete restoration of his strength, alertness, and vitality. He was no longer faint or weary but fully invigorated, ready to continue the pursuit of the Philistines. This immediate and dramatic effect underscores the critical need for sustenance and the life-giving nature of the honey, contrasting sharply with the debilitating hunger and faintness afflicting the rest of the army. It highlights the direct, tangible benefit of God's provision in a time of dire need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 14:27, with Jonathan's unwitting transgression of a burdensome law and his miraculous refreshment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jonathan, though innocent of malicious intent, falls under the condemnation of Saul's law, foreshadowing how all humanity, despite their best efforts or even "unawareness" of the full extent of the Law's demands, stands condemned by its perfect and unyielding standard ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short")). Just as Jonathan was physically restored by the natural provision of honey in the wilderness, humanity finds true spiritual and eternal refreshment not through rigid adherence to burdensome laws or self-imposed asceticism, but through the divine provision of Jesus Christ. He is the true "honey in the wilderness," the "bread of life" who came down from heaven ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" that quenches all spiritual thirst ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")). Through Him alone can our spiritual eyes be enlightened ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - The Eyes of Your Understanding Enlightened")) and our weary souls find rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Saul's legalistic zeal, which nearly led to the death of his innocent son, stands in stark contrast to God the Father's perfect love, who willingly gave His innocent Son, Jesus, to die for our transgressions, not to condemn us but to bring us abundant life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). In Christ, the curse of the law is broken, and we are freely given the spiritual sustenance that truly invigorates, redeems, and saves.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

1 Samuel 14:43

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that [was] in mine hand, [and], lo, I must die.

Proverbs 25:26

¶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.