King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:1 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 18:1 · KJV


Context

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.

2

And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What qualities in others draw your soul toward deep spiritual friendship?
  2. How does Jonathan's selfless love model what Christian brotherhood should look like?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙2 of 13

And it came to pass when he had made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

לְדַבֵּ֣ר3 of 13

of speaking

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל4 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל5 of 13

unto Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃6 of 13

him as his own soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן7 of 13

and Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

נִקְשְׁרָ֖ה8 of 13

was knit

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃9 of 13

him as his own soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

דָּוִ֑ד10 of 13

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֶּֽאֱהָבֵ֥וּ11 of 13

loved

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן12 of 13

and Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

כְּנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃13 of 13

him as his own soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 18:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 18:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study