1 Samuel 20:4
Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נַפְשְׁךָ֖
Whatsoever thy soul
H5315
נַפְשְׁךָ֖
Whatsoever thy soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Such unconditional commitments between friends carried binding force in ancient cultures. Jonathan's promise anticipated personal sacrifice given his father's enmity toward David. The soul-level commitment transcended political calculation.
Questions for Reflection
- What would unconditional commitment to a friend's welfare cost you?
- How does Jonathan's offer model the kind of love Christ shows His friends?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
Jonathan's unconditional offer - 'Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee' - exemplifies covenant love's total commitment. The Hebrew nephesh (soul) language echoes their soul-knit friendship (18:1). This blank check of loyalty reflects the self-sacrificing love that marks true friendship. Jonathan would indeed do whatever David asked, at great personal cost.