King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:4 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:4 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 18:4 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

5

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. behaved: or, prospered

6

And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. Philistine: or, Philistines instruments: Heb. three stringed instruments


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What has someone sacrificed to affirm God's calling on your life?
  2. How does Jonathan's self-divestment illustrate grace that elevates others at personal cost?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּתְפַּשֵּׁ֣ט1 of 15

stripped

H6584

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֗ן2 of 15

And Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

אֶֽת3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמְּעִיל֙4 of 15

himself of the robe

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלָ֔יו6 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ7 of 15

that was upon him and gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְדָוִ֑ד8 of 15

it to David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּמַדָּ֕יו9 of 15

and his garments

H4055

properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet

וְעַד10 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חַרְבּ֥וֹ11 of 15

even to his sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְעַד12 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קַשְׁתּ֖וֹ13 of 15

and to his bow

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וְעַד14 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חֲגֹרֽוֹ׃15 of 15
H2290

a belt (for the waist)


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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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