1 Samuel 18 1

1 Samuel 18:1 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 nkjv

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

1 Samuel 18:1 niv

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 18:1 esv

As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

1 Samuel 18:1 nlt

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.

1 Samuel 18 verses

1 Samuel 18 1 Meaning

1 Samuel 18:1 describes the immediate and profound bond that formed between Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David, following David's victory over Goliath and his conversation with Saul. It states that Jonathan's innermost being became inextricably linked with David's, resulting in an extraordinary love from Jonathan towards David, as deep as for his own life. This verse highlights the pure and spontaneous nature of Jonathan's affection and marks the beginning of one of the Bible's most renowned friendships.

1 Samuel 18 1 Context

Chapter 18 of 1 Samuel immediately follows David's momentous victory over Goliath in chapter 17. David, previously an unknown shepherd boy, has just publicly demonstrated immense faith and courage, and by defeating the Philistine champion, he has brought salvation to Israel. King Saul, deeply impressed by David's bravery and wondering about his lineage, engages him in a conversation that presumably led to the decision to keep David in the court. The sudden rise of David is a critical moment in Israel's history, as he is God's anointed successor to Saul. Verse 1 of chapter 18 acts as a crucial hinge, shifting from the narrative of David's victory to the complexities of his integration into Saul's court and, more broadly, his public life. It introduces the unparalleled friendship with Jonathan, which will be a central theme of loyalty and divine purpose amidst the burgeoning envy and animosity of Saul. The swiftness of Jonathan's connection stands in stark contrast to Saul's later actions driven by jealousy. Historically and culturally, deep covenantal friendships, often cemented with oaths and reciprocal loyalty, were significant social bonds.

1 Samuel 18 1 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: וַיְהִ֕י (vayhi) - This common Hebrew narrative connective marks the transition of events, signaling something new and significant is about to happen, often with a sense of divine orchestration or historical import.
• when he had made an end of speaking: Refers to David's conversation with Saul, particularly Saul's interrogation about David's family and background (1 Sam 17:58). This highlights that the profound connection formed between David and Jonathan was not merely superficial or based on David's fame from the Goliath victory, but happened after this direct interaction, implying a spiritual recognition or immediate resonance.
• unto Saul: The specific audience of David's replies and presentation of himself. This underscores that Jonathan's connection to David happened within the court setting, a direct observation.
• that the soul of Jonathan: וְנֶ֨פֶשׁ יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן (w'nephesh Yehonatan) - Nephesh (soul, life, inner self, spirit, breath) here signifies the deepest core of Jonathan's being – his emotions, intellect, will, and affections. It is not a casual liking but an attraction at the most profound level of his identity.
• was knit: נִקְשְׁרָה֙ (niqshĕrāh) - A key Hebrew verb derived from qashar meaning "to bind," "to tie together," or "to join." In this passive form (Niphal), it suggests an inherent, almost involuntary, and powerful act of being united. It evokes the image of two strands tightly intertwining, forming a bond that is difficult to break. It goes beyond mere affection; it speaks to an intrinsic spiritual and emotional bond. Scholars note this implies a sense of mutual identification.
• with the soul of David: The reciprocity of the "knitting" suggests that David's inner being also resonated with Jonathan's. Though not explicitly stated in this verse, their subsequent relationship affirms a mutual, deep connection.
• and Jonathan loved him: וַיֶּאֱהָבֵ֣הוּ (vay'e'ehavhu) - Uses the verb ahev for "love." This is a profound, intentional, and enduring affection, not just a passing feeling. It denotes a strong attachment and commitment. This verb is also used for divine love and covenantal love, suggesting the depth of Jonathan's emotion.
• as his own soul: כְּנַפְשׁ֔וֹ (kenafsho) - This is a powerful measure of the extent of Jonathan's love. It parallels the Old Testament commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev 19:18). This degree of love implies profound concern, selflessness, and readiness to sacrifice, reflecting true biblical friendship. It contrasts sharply with Saul's ego-driven actions.

1 Samuel 18 1 Bonus section

• The profound love and loyalty of Jonathan, the legitimate heir to Saul's throne, towards David, the chosen successor, serve as a stark and immediate contrast to King Saul's growing jealousy and hatred. Jonathan's character beautifully illustrates true spiritual discernment and humility, as he recognizes God's hand upon David without resentment.
• Scholars often point out that the immediate bond between Jonathan and David may have been an intuitive recognition of David's divine anointing and spirit, possibly sensing a kindred spirit, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord that had departed from Saul.
• This relationship exemplifies the "soul friend" archetype in the Bible, demonstrating deep spiritual kinship that transcends social standing, family ties (Jonathan's father was David's adversary), or personal ambition.
• The language "knit" (niqshĕrāh) carries a weight of divine initiation, suggesting that this unique friendship was part of God's plan for David's preservation and the establishment of his kingdom.

1 Samuel 18 1 Commentary

1 Samuel 18:1 succinctly establishes the divine arrangement of David's life through the purest human connection possible: the covenantal friendship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, likely observing David's spiritual boldness and faith against Goliath, and then engaging with David in Saul's presence, saw in him not just a war hero but someone upon whom God's favor powerfully rested. His "soul was knit" – an immediate, inexplicable, and profoundly spiritual bond. This goes beyond admiration for military prowess; it is a recognition of God's presence in David. Unlike Saul, who quickly developed jealousy, Jonathan, despite being the crown prince whose birthright David effectively challenged, responded with selfless love and devotion. This unparalleled bond, mirroring biblical commands to love one's neighbor, would become David's greatest earthly support, providing protection and affirmation as Saul's kingdom slowly spiraled into darkness. Jonathan's love highlights the power of selflessness and humility, acting as a crucial foreshadowing of loyalty amidst tribulation in David's coming years as a fugitive.