Jonathan in the Bible — Covenant Friendship With David
Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel. When he met David, 'the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.' He made a covenant of friendship with David, gave him his own armor and robe, and repeatedly protected David from his father Saul's murderous jealousy. He died alongside his father in battle. David's lament: 'I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me.' Below are 6 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.
What does the Bible say about jonathan?
Who is Jonathan in the Bible? King Saul's son and heir — who gave up his right to the throne out of love for David. Jonathan and David's friendship is the Bible's greatest model of covenant loyalty between friends.
6 Bible Verses About Jonathan (KJV)
“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.”
1 Samuel 18:1 KJV Read 1 Samuel chapter 18 →
“Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.”
1 Samuel 18:3 KJV Read 1 Samuel chapter 18 →
“And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”
1 Samuel 20:17 KJV Read 1 Samuel chapter 20 →
“And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. ”
1 Samuel 20:42 KJV Read 1 Samuel chapter 20 →
“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.”
2 Samuel 1:26 KJV Read 2 Samuel chapter 1 →
“And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.”
Proverbs 17:17 KJV Read Proverbs chapter 17 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Jonathan in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about jonathan?
- Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel. When he met David, 'the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.' He made a covenant of friendship with David, gave him his own armor and robe, and repeatedly protected David from his father Saul's murderous jealousy. He died alongside his father in battle. David's lament: 'I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me.' Key KJV passages: 1 Samuel 18:1, 1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:17, 1 Samuel 20:42, 2 Samuel 1:26.
- What are the best Bible verses about jonathan?
- The most important KJV passages on jonathan include: 1 Samuel 18:1, 1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:17, 1 Samuel 20:42, 2 Samuel 1:26. Read all 6 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about jonathan?
- The Bible addresses jonathan throughout both Testaments. Key references include 1 Samuel 18:1, 1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:17, 1 Samuel 20:42, 2 Samuel 1:26, Proverbs 17:17. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
- What does the Old Testament say about jonathan?
- Old Testament scriptures on jonathan: 1 Samuel 18:1, 1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:17, 1 Samuel 20:42. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
- How do I study Bible verses about jonathan?
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 6 passages on jonathan at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.
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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.