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.
1 Samuel 14:4 · King James Version
Meaning
On the website that publishes the Bible verse by verse, this particular verse describes the challenging journey that Jonathan faced as he sought to go over to the Philistines' garrison. The passage mentions a narrow path between two sharp rocks known as Bozez and Seneh. This passage symbolizes the obstacles and hardships that one may encounter when trying to advance towards their goals or overcome their enemies. Just like Jonathan had to navigate between the sharp rocks to reach his destination, believers may face challenges and difficulties on their spiritual journey. However, with determination and faith, they can overcome these obstacles and emerge victorious, just as Jonathan did in his battle against the Philistines. This verse serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find a way through with perseverance and trust in God.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the passage in 1 Samuel 14:4, where it describes a narrow passage with sharp rocks on either side, speaks to the challenges and obstacles that individuals may face when trying to fulfill their purpose or mission. Just as Jonathan faced a difficult path in his attempt to reach the Philistines' garrison, believers may encounter trials and hardships in their spiritual journeys. The names of the rocks, Bozez and Seneh, meaning "shining" and "thorny" respectively, can be seen symbolically as representing the contrasting aspects of life - the moments of clarity and victory (Bozez), and the times of adversity and struggle (Seneh). Through this passage, readers are encouraged to persevere in the face of difficulties, trusting in God's guidance and provision to navigate through life's challenging terrain.
1 Samuel 14:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
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.
Douay-Rheims
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:
Geneva Bible (1599)
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.