1 Samuel 18:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְפַּשֵּׁ֣ט
stripped
H6584
וַיִּתְפַּשֵּׁ֣ט
stripped
Strong's:
H6584
Word #:
1 of 15
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמְּעִיל֙
himself of the robe
H4598
הַמְּעִיל֙
himself of the robe
Strong's:
H4598
Word #:
4 of 15
a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
עָלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ
that was upon him and gave
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ
that was upon him and gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּמַדָּ֕יו
and his garments
H4055
וּמַדָּ֕יו
and his garments
Strong's:
H4055
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
10 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
חַרְבּ֥וֹ
even to his sword
H2719
חַרְבּ֥וֹ
even to his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 15
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
קַשְׁתּ֖וֹ
and to his bow
H7198
קַשְׁתּ֖וֹ
and to his bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
13 of 15
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
Cross References
Genesis 41:42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Luke 15:22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Historical Context
Royal robes carried legal significance in ancient Near Eastern succession. Jonathan's action went far beyond friendship gesture to political statement. The weapons transfer suggested military allegiance and authorization.
Questions for Reflection
- What has someone sacrificed to affirm God's calling on your life?
- How does Jonathan's self-divestment illustrate grace that elevates others at personal cost?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
Jonathan's gift of robe, garments, sword, bow, and girdle was extraordinarily symbolic. The robe (meil) represented royal status; its transfer signaled Jonathan's recognition of David as Saul's true successor. Each item - weapons and clothing - represented Jonathan's identity as warrior and prince. This self-stripping prefigures Christ's condescension, where one of higher status clothes one of lower standing with his own dignity.