King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:17 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:17 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. because: or, ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. because: or, by his love toward him”

1 Samuel 20:17 · KJV

Love

Context

15

But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

16

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. made: Heb. cut

17

And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. because: or, by his love toward him

18

Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. empty: Heb. missed

19

And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. quickly: or, diligently: Heb. greatly when the: Heb. in the day of the business Ezel: or, that sheweth the way

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

Jonathan's causing David to swear again 'because he loved him' deepens the covenant's binding force. The phrase 'he loved him as he loved his own soul' repeats 18:1,3, emphasizing the friendship's depth. Mutual oath-taking created reciprocal obligation - Jonathan protected David now; David would protect Jonathan's house later. Such covenant love anticipates the bond between Christ and believers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Repeated oaths intensified commitment in ancient culture. The mutual nature of the covenant meant both parties held obligations. The soul-level love described transcended political alliance to genuine spiritual bond.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do repeated commitments strengthen relationships through difficult seasons?
  2. What does the mutuality of David and Jonathan's covenant teach about genuine friendship's two-way nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיּ֤וֹסֶף1 of 11

“again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙2 of 11

“And Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

לְהַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ3 of 11

“to swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אֶת4 of 11
H853

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

דָּוִ֔ד5 of 11

“caused David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אַהֲבַ֥ת6 of 11

“because he loved”

H160

love

אֹת֑וֹ7 of 11
H853

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

כִּֽי8 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַהֲבַ֥ת9 of 11

“because he loved”

H160

love

נַפְשׁ֖וֹ10 of 11

“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

אֲהֵבֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“him for he loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

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 20:17 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 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:241 Samuel 18:31 Samuel 18:12 Samuel 1:26Deuteronomy 13:6

Test Your Knowledge

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