King James Version
1 Samuel 23:16 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.”
1 Samuel 23:16 · KJV
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“arose”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
“son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“and strengthened”
H2388to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“his hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
“in God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
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.
1 Samuel 23:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 23:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge