1 Samuel 18:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙
And it came to pass when he had made an end
H3615
כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙
And it came to pass when he had made an end
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
2 of 13
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
of speaking
H1696
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
of speaking
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
him as his own soul
H5315
כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
him as his own soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
נִקְשְׁרָ֖ה
was knit
H7194
נִקְשְׁרָ֖ה
was knit
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
8 of 13
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
him as his own soul
H5315
כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
him as his own soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 18:24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.1 Samuel 20:17And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;1 Samuel 18:3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.2 Samuel 1:26I 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.Genesis 44:30Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life;1 Chronicles 12:17And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.Deuteronomy 13:6If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;1 Samuel 19:2But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:Psalms 86:11Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
Historical Context
Jonathan had demonstrated similar faith-based courage at Michmash (1 Samuel 14), likely recognizing a kindred spirit in David. Royal heirs typically viewed potential rivals with suspicion; Jonathan's immediate love stands as exceptional. The 'knitting' metaphor suggests souls woven together like fabric.
Questions for Reflection
- What qualities in others draw your soul toward deep spiritual friendship?
- How does Jonathan's selfless love model what Christian brotherhood should look like?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
The phrase 'the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David' (niqsherah benephesh) describes the deepest possible human bonding. This instant, profound connection arose from witnessing David's faith rather than natural attraction or self-interest. Jonathan, Saul's heir, recognized in David something he loved 'as his own soul' (nephesh) - a love transcending self-interest that would later cost him his throne. Such covenant friendship reflects God's design for human community.