Keraia
2 Samuel 1

2 Samuel 1:26

David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan · 2 Samuel 1:17–27
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Translations

Modern
I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
Traditional
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
Literal
I Am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me; your love was wonderful to me, surpassing the love of women.
Latin
Doleo super te, frater mi Jonatha, decore nimis, et amabilis super amorem mulierum. Sicut mater unicum amat filium suum, ita ego te diligebam.

Original

Hebrew
English
I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.

Notes

2 Samuel 1:26

surpassing the love of women: Jonathan’s loyalty and friendship with David involved great personal risk and sacrifice. This kind of commitment was stronger than any other relationship David described in his life, including the love he received from his wives. The phrase does not suggest a sexual relationship. Instead, it emphasizes deep loyalty and covenant friendship. The book of First Samuel highlights Jonathan’s love for David three times in 1 Samuel (1 Samuel 18:1, 3; 20:17).

2 Samuel 1:1–27

The forty years of Saul’s reign ended in tragedy. The Philistines struck a devastating blow against his people. They killed Saul’s sons and later mutilated Saul’s body after he took his own life (1 Samuel 31). After these tragic events, the story begins to focus on David and his rise as a leader.

People

Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David

Glossary

Baanah Book of Jashar Brother David Mourning Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Brother: Signifies: A Companion David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul Elegy: David's, on Saul and Jonathan Friendship: David and Jonathan Jonathan and David Jonathan: Son of Saul: Mourned by David Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Saul and his Sons Poetry: Elegy: Upon the Death of Saul Song: War Woman: Loving and Affectionate Women are Affectionate