1 Samuel 14:29
New International Version
Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey.

New Living Translation
“My father has made trouble for us all!” Jonathan exclaimed. “A command like that only hurts us. See how refreshed I am now that I have eaten this little bit of honey.

English Standard Version
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.

Berean Standard Bible
“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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Look now, how my countenance has brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

New American Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now that my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

NASB 1995
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

NASB 1977
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

Amplified Bible
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land [with his foolish curse]. See how my energy is restored because I tasted a little of this honey.

Christian Standard Bible
Jonathan replied, “My father has brought trouble to the land. Just look at how I have renewed energy because I tasted a little of this honey.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jonathan replied, “My father has brought trouble to the land. Just look at how I have renewed energy because I tasted a little honey.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Jonathan said, "My father has caused you a lot of trouble. Look at me! I ate only a little of this honey, but already I feel strong and alert.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jonathan answered, "My father has brought trouble to the country. See how my eyes lit up when I tasted a little of this honey?

Good News Translation
Jonathan answered, "What a terrible thing my father has done to our people! See how much better I feel because I ate some honey!

International Standard Version
Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

Majority Standard Bible
“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.

NET Bible
Then Jonathan said, "My father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed when I tasted just a little of this honey.

New Heart English Bible
Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jonathan says, “My father has troubled the land; now see that my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will say, My father troubled the land: see, now, that mine eyes saw, because I tasted a little of this honey.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jonathan said: “My father has troubled the land. You have seen for yourselves that my eyes were brightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

New American Bible
Jonathan replied: “My father brings trouble to the land. Look how bright my eyes are because I had this little taste of honey.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land; see how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Jonathan said, My father has troubled the land; see, how my eyes have been brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan said: “My father troubles the land. See that my eyes brighten, for I tasted a little of this honey!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Jonathan: 'My father hath troubled the land; see, I pray you, how mine eyes are brightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and Jonathan knew it, and said, My father has destroyed the land: see how my eyes have received sight now that I have tasted a little of this honey.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan Eats the Honey
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.” 29“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. 30How 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?”…

Cross References
Judges 8:4-5
Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. / So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

1 Samuel 14:24
Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.

1 Samuel 14:43-45
“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” / And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!” / But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

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 Samuel 23:15-17
David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” / So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, / saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

Proverbs 25:16
If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Matthew 12:1-3
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.” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?

Matthew 15:32
Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.”

Mark 2:25-26
Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.”

Mark 8:2-3
“I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. / If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a great distance.”

Luke 6:3-4
Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”

Luke 9:13
But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.”

John 4:6-8
Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. / When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)


Treasury of Scripture

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

My father

1 Kings 18:18
And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

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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














My father
This phrase refers to King Saul, the first king of Israel, who was Jonathan's father. In the Hebrew context, the term "father" (אָב, 'av) not only denotes a biological relationship but also signifies authority and leadership. Saul's role as a father and king is central to understanding the dynamics of his decisions and their impact on the nation of Israel. His leadership, at times, was marked by impulsive decisions, as seen in this narrative.

has brought trouble
The Hebrew word for "trouble" (עָכַר, 'akar) implies causing distress or calamity. Historically, this reflects the consequences of Saul's rash oath, which forbade the army from eating until evening. This decision, intended to motivate the troops, instead led to their exhaustion and weakened their effectiveness in battle. The use of "trouble" here underscores the negative impact of Saul's leadership on his people.

to the land
The "land" (אֶרֶץ, 'erets) in this context refers to the territory of Israel. Biblically, the land is not just a physical space but a divine inheritance promised to the descendants of Abraham. Saul's actions, therefore, have spiritual and national implications, affecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.

See how my eyes have brightened
The phrase "eyes have brightened" (אוֹר, 'or) is a Hebrew idiom indicating renewed strength or vitality. In ancient times, the eyes were often seen as windows to one's health and spirit. Jonathan's physical rejuvenation after tasting honey symbolizes the life-giving sustenance that God provides, contrasting with the burdensome restrictions imposed by Saul.

because I tasted
The act of tasting (טָעַם, ta'am) in Hebrew culture often signifies discernment and experience. Jonathan's simple act of tasting honey highlights the importance of wisdom and the ability to discern what is beneficial. It serves as a metaphor for the need to seek God's provision and guidance rather than relying solely on human decrees.

a little of this honey
Honey (דְּבַשׁ, devash) in the ancient Near East was a symbol of abundance and blessing. It was a natural source of energy and sweetness, often associated with the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey." Jonathan's consumption of honey not only restores his strength but also serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision for His people, contrasting with Saul's restrictive command.

(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."

Verse 29. - My father hath troubled the land. I.e. hath brought disaster upon it (see Genesis 34:30; Joshua 7:25). This disaster was the incompleteness of the victory, owing to the people being too exhausted to continue the pursuit.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“My father
אָבִ֖י (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

has brought trouble
עָכַ֥ר (‘ā·ḵar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5916: To roil water, to disturb, affict

to the land,”
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

Jonathan
יֽוֹנָתָ֔ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

replied.
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Just look
רְאוּ־ (rə·’ū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

at how
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

my eyes
עֵינַ֔י (‘ê·nay)
Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

have brightened
אֹ֣רוּ (’ō·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 215: To be or become light

because
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I tasted
טָעַ֔מְתִּי (ṭā·‘am·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2938: To taste, to perceive

a little
מְעַ֖ט (mə·‘aṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

of this
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

honey.
דְּבַ֥שׁ (də·ḇaš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706: Honey, syrup


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan My father has troubled (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 14:28
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