1 Samuel 18 4

1 Samuel 18:4 kjv

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

1 Samuel 18:4 nkjv

And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

1 Samuel 18:4 niv

Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

1 Samuel 18:4 esv

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

1 Samuel 18:4 nlt

Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

1 Samuel 18 verses

1 Samuel 18 4 Meaning

This verse profoundly illustrates the selfless devotion and unwavering loyalty of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, towards David. Immediately after David's heroic victory over Goliath and his newfound favor with King Saul, Jonathan symbolically relinquishes his royal prerogatives and claims by stripping off his princely robe and handing it to David. He further cedes his military status by giving David his armor, sword, bow, and belt. This act is a visible manifestation of the covenant of friendship and profound love formed between them, signifying Jonathan's complete affirmation of David's divine destiny and his voluntary surrender of his own claim to the throne.

1 Samuel 18 4 Context

The immediate context of 1 Samuel 18:4 is directly after David's monumental victory over Goliath, which instantly catapulted him into national prominence and favor with King Saul. Verse 1 states that "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." This deep bond was forged in response to David's valiant act and his profound faith. The act described in verse 4 is a public and powerful affirmation of this nascent covenant, following the making of the covenant in verse 3. It's set against the backdrop of Saul's rapidly developing jealousy (mentioned later in the chapter) and God's prior rejection of Saul as king (1 Sam 15). Jonathan, though heir to the throne, recognized God's hand on David, and through this radical act of giving, willingly stepped aside from his presumptive claim to royalty, confirming the divine will for David. Historically and culturally, the transfer of significant garments and weapons was a recognized act of honor, friendship, or even symbolic succession in the ancient Near East, often implying shared identity or transfer of status/authority. Jonathan's act was highly unconventional for a crown prince, as it inherently disavowed his own status for another.

1 Samuel 18 4 Word analysis

• And Jonathan: Refers to Saul’s eldest son, the legitimate heir to the throne. His identity as the crown prince makes his actions here all the more significant and counter-cultural.
• stripped himself (וַיִּפְשַׁט, wayyipshat from pashat): To undress, divest oneself of, or lay aside. This is a deliberate, conscious act of self-divestment. It signifies a complete personal sacrifice and humility, renouncing his royal privilege and military prowess. The active stripping contrasts with garments being taken from someone (e.g., in battle) and highlights the voluntary nature of Jonathan’s gesture.
• of the robe (הַמְּעִיל֙, hammĕ‘il): A long, loose outer garment often associated with dignity, rank, and status. It was worn by kings, priests, and notable individuals (e.g., Samuel's mantle, Saul's robe). Giving it away implies surrendering one's status or rank. For Jonathan, it meant divesting himself of his princely identity and royal future in favor of David.
• that was on him: Emphasizes that it was his personal garment, emblematic of his status.
• and gave it (וַיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ, wayyitnēhû from natan): To hand over, grant, or assign. This action confirms the transfer. It’s an act of bestowal, not simply lending.
• to David: The recipient, the newly emerged hero, and implicitly, the divinely chosen successor to the throne.
• and his armor (מַדָּיו֙, maddayw - lit. 'his garments', specifically warrior's garb; translated as 'armor' or 'battle-dress'): Refers to his military attire. This signifies the transfer of his role as a warrior, commander, and protector, implying he no longer sees himself as the primary military leader but recognizes David as such. It’s a concession of military superiority and leadership.
• even to his sword (חַרְבּוֹ֙, ḥarbo): The primary weapon of personal combat, representing strength, protection, and military authority.
• and his bow (וְקַשְׁתּ֔וֹ, wĕqaštō): A significant long-range weapon, symbolizing skill and strategic military capability. Both the sword and bow are emblems of a warrior's identity and power.
• and his belt (וַחֲגֹר֑וֹ, waḥăgōrō): A girdle used to hold up the outer robe, to tuck in clothing for action, and to secure weapons like a sword. It’s a foundational piece of a warrior’s kit, representing readiness for action and often, the readiness for military command.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And Jonathan stripped himself...and gave it to David": This phrase captures the voluntary, active nature of Jonathan's selfless generosity. It wasn't forced upon him; he chose to do it, signifying an internal recognition of God's anointing on David, surpassing personal ambition. This is a profound act of allegiance and humility.
• "of the robe that was on him...and his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt": This detailed list of specific items underscores the totality of Jonathan's divestment. It represents the stripping away of his royal identity (robe), his military authority (armor, sword, bow), and his readiness for command (belt). It is a tangible and complete handing over of everything that would mark him as the future king and supreme warrior, transferring those roles symbolically to David. This is an almost ritualistic, symbolic transfer of royal and military prestige, essentially passing on a claim to the throne and its attendant power.

1 Samuel 18 4 Bonus section

This act by Jonathan holds significant symbolic weight, hinting at a higher pattern of surrender and divine election. Jonathan's voluntary transfer of his symbols of power and authority foreshadows the ultimate act of humility and relinquishment of power embodied in Jesus Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" (Phil 2:6-7), laying aside heavenly glory to serve humanity and accomplish God's greater plan. Jonathan's selfless recognition of God's chosen king contrasts sharply with Saul's persistent jealousy and opposition to God's will, serving as a powerful lesson on humility versus pride in the face of divine providence. Jonathan’s actions exemplify a divine principle: true greatness and security are found not in clinging to worldly status but in recognizing and aligning oneself with God's ultimate purpose and His chosen leaders.

1 Samuel 18 4 Commentary

1 Samuel 18:4 reveals a remarkable depth of selflessness and a covenant of love rarely seen between potential rivals for power. Jonathan, as the crown prince, instinctively recognized David’s anointing and God-given favor. His radical act of stripping himself of his royal robe and all his military accouterments—a public, tangible giving away of his identity, status, and claim to the throne—is an astonishing testament to his profound love and humility. It went far beyond mere friendship; it was an act of allegiance and spiritual foresight, affirming God's choice for the kingship rather than contending for his birthright. This voluntary abdication of what was rightfully his, for the sake of another, perfectly models the biblical principle of putting others first, particularly in light of God's greater plan. It established an unbreakable bond of loyalty between David and Jonathan that persisted through Saul’s ensuing persecution, laying the foundation for a truly remarkable relationship that contrasted sharply with the typical dynastic struggles of the time.