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1 Samuel 18

1 Samuel 18:1

Jonathan Befriends David · 1 Samuel 18:1–4
Read 1 Samuel 18

Translations

Modern
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
Traditional
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Literal
And it came to pass, when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Latin
Et factum est cum complesset loqui ad Saul, anima Jonathæ conglutinata est animæ David, et dilexit eum Jonathas quasi animam suam.

Original

Hebrew
English
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.

Notes

1 Samuel 18:1

  • David and Jonathan shared many similarities, both were:

    • young and capable,

    • military heroes,

    • had strong faith in God, and

    • had claims to Israel's throne (each had a reason he could become king).

    Jonathan's true character showed when he recognized and supported God's choice of David as the next king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 18:3–4; 20:12–17).

  • Jonathan loved him as himself: See 1 Samuel 20:17; 2 Samuel 1:26. Others in this chapter are also said to love David:

    Some modern interpreters suggest a romantic relationship between David and Jonathan. However, the biblical text describes their relationship as a deep and loyal friendship.

Theme notes and profiles

David Jonathan Saul

Events

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Jonathan Samuel, Books of First and Second Soul

Topics

Constancy: Jonathan David: King of Israel: Popularity and Discreetness of David: King of Israel: The Love of Jonathan For Friendship: David and Jonathan Jonathan and David Jonathan: Son of Saul: Love of, for David Saul: King of Israel: His Jealousy of David Soul Ties