1 Samuel 18:3
1 Samuel 18:3 in Multiple Translations
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
Then Jonathan and David made an agreement together, because of Jonathan's love for David.
Jonathan made a solemn agreement with David because he loved him as he loved himself.
Then Ionathan and Dauid made a couenant: for he loued him as his owne soule.
And Jonathan maketh — also David — a covenant, because he loveth him as his own soul,
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
And David and Jonathan made a covenant, for be loved him as his own soul.
Because Jonathan loved David so much, he made a solemn agreement with David. They promised each other that they would always be loyal friends.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֧ת
יְהוֹנָתָ֛ן
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
בְּרִ֑ית
בְּ/אַהֲבָת֥/וֹ
אֹת֖/וֹ
כְּ/נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֧ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֛ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
בְּרִ֑ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
בְּ/אַהֲבָת֥/וֹ
ʼahăbâh
H160
love
Prep | N-fs | Suff
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
כְּ/נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:3
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֧ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
יְהוֹנָתָ֛ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בְּרִ֑ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
בְּ/אַהֲבָת֥/וֹ
ʼahăbâh
H160
"love"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כְּ/נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 18:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:3
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:3
Context — Jonathan Befriends David
1After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
2And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house.
3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. 5So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 20:8–17 | Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” “Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?” Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?” “Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field, and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father. And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 20:42 | And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 21:7 | Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 9:1–3 | Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 23:18 | So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. |
1 Samuel 18:3 Summary
In 1 Samuel 18:3, we see Jonathan making a covenant with David because he loved him deeply, like a brother. This kind of love and commitment is a beautiful example of how we can care for and support one another, just as God loves and cares for us (as seen in Psalm 103:13). By looking at Jonathan and David's relationship, we can learn about the importance of loyalty, trust, and devotion in our own friendships and relationships, and strive to love others as Jesus loves us (John 13:34-35).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to make a covenant with someone in the Bible?
In the Bible, making a covenant means to enter into a solemn agreement or promise with someone, often with God as a witness, as seen in Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 24:8. In 1 Samuel 18:3, Jonathan makes a covenant with David, pledging his loyalty and commitment to him.
Why did Jonathan love David as himself?
Jonathan loved David as himself because their souls were knit together, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:1, indicating a deep and abiding friendship. This kind of love is also seen in the relationship between David and God, as expressed in Psalm 23:1-4.
Is this kind of covenant-making still relevant today?
While we may not make formal covenants like Jonathan and David, the principle of committing to and loving one another remains essential in our relationships today, as taught in John 15:12-17 and Ephesians 4:32.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of David and Jonathan?
This verse sets the stage for the deep and abiding friendship between David and Jonathan, which is a key theme throughout 1 Samuel, and is especially evident in 1 Samuel 20:16-17 and 2 Samuel 9:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to love someone 'as yourself', and how can I demonstrate this kind of love in my relationships?
- How can I cultivate deep and meaningful friendships like the one between David and Jonathan?
- In what ways can I commit to and support those around me, just as Jonathan did for David?
- What can I learn from Jonathan's example about loyalty, trust, and devotion in relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant,.... A covenant of friendship; entered into a solemn agreement to keep up and maintain a cordial respect to each other, and to support each other's interest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant. Such covenants of brotherhood are frequent in the East.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
A covenant, i.e. an agreement of sincere and perpetual friendship between them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.Ver. 3. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant.] Heb., Cut a covenant; for the covenanters first sware, and then cut a beast in two, passing between the parts thereof, and wishing so to be cut in pieces if ever they falsified.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
(3) Made a covenant.—The son of the first Hebrew king recognised in David a kindred spirit. They were one in their God, in their faith, in their devotion to the Divine will. Jonathan recognised in the young shepherd, who unarmed went out alone to meet the mighty Philistine warrior, the same spirit of sublime faith in the Invisible King which had inspired him in days far back to go forth alone with his armour-bearer to attack and capture the Philistine stronghold, when he spoke those memorable words which enable us to understand the character of Jonathan: “It may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). The great friendship, which has been the admiration of succeeding generations, began with the strong faith in the Eternal common to the two friends. Throughout its duration the link which united them was an intense desire to do the will of Him who, as true Hebrew patriots, they felt loved Israel; and when the friends parted for the last time in the wilderness of Ziph, we are told how the elder (Jonathan) strengthened the younger (David’s) “hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:3
Ch. 1 Samuel 18:1-5. Jonathan’s friendship for David 1–5. This section also is not found in the Septuagint (B).
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Provision of the Covenant - Part 2 by Bill Stafford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's covenant with His people. He explains that through the covenant, believers become one with Christ and |
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After God's Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising or turning away from the preaching of the word of God. He warns that those who do so are the biggest fools i |
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Growth Follows Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, B. Earl shares a personal story about his struggles as an evangelist. He describes how he prepared tough and hard-hitting sermons in an attempt to reach stubborn pe |
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Who Is the Head of Your Table? by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of coming to the cross and seeking forgiveness from God. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's sins and humbly appr |
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(2 Samuel) the Kindness of God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that comparing ourselves to others does not determine our righteousness before God. Instead, we are judged by God's holy standard, such as th |
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(1 Samuel) Little Things Mean a Lot by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of small moments and decisions in our lives. He uses the story of David and Jonathan to illustrate this point. David's life t |
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Child Friendship, How Durable by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares the story of David and Mephibosheth to illustrate the enduring nature of friendship and God's grace. He emphasizes how David, despite being pursued by Saul, honor |