Jonathan(4)
Jonathan in the Bible — son of Shimei, David's brother (2SA 21:21). Jonathan belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “given of God”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Jonathan was a male member of the tribe of Judah, uniquely identified as the son of Shimei, who was David's brother, according to 2 Samuel 21:21. He is noted in Scripture as David's nephew, though he is mistakenly called David's uncle in 1 Chronicles 27:32. This distinction places him within David's extended family during the early monarchy period.
Names & Titles
Jonathan is a proper name meaning "gift of YHWH," reflecting a theologically rich meaning tied to God's providence. This name is recorded in 2 Samuel 21:21 and was not given directly by God but carries significant spiritual connotations.
Family
Jonathan is explicitly recorded as the son of Shammah in 2 Samuel 21:21. Beyond this, Scripture does not provide additional family relationships for him apart from his connection to David as nephew through his father Shimei.
Significance
Jonathan's significance lies in his place within David's family as his nephew, highlighting the complex familial ties surrounding David's rise to kingship. The textual confusion regarding his relationship to David underscores the challenges of biblical genealogy. His identification as the son of Shimei, David's brother, situates him in the narrative context of David's household and the broader history of Judah during the monarchy.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
- Transliteration
- yəhonatan
- Meaning
- gift of y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Ιωναθαν
- Reference
- 2SA 21:21
- Strong's
- H3083
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Notes
David's nephew mistakenly identified as David's "uncle" in 1CH 27:32
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jonathan in the Bible?
Jonathan was a male member of the tribe of Judah, uniquely identified as the son of Shimei, who was David's brother, according to 2 Samuel 21:21. He is noted in Scripture as David's nephew, though he is mistakenly called David's uncle in 1 Chronicles 27:32. This distinction places him within David's extended family during the early monarchy period.
What does the name Jonathan mean?
The name Jonathan means “given of God” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.