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 18:1KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 18:1 mean?

1 Samuel 18:1 describes the deep bond that formed between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David after David finished speaking with Saul. The verse says Jonathan’s soul was “knit” to David’s, and Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.

This moment happens right after David’s victory over Goliath, when David is brought before Saul. Jonathan, witnessing David’s courage and character, feels an immediate and profound connection to him. The verse highlights the beginning of a loyal and selfless friendship that will play a major role in the story of both men.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 18:1

  • The word “soul” (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) appears several times in this verse. In Hebrew thought, “nephesh” refers to the whole self or life, not just emotions or spirit. This emphasizes the depth of Jonathan’s connection to David—it goes beyond surface feelings.
  • The word “knit” (קָשַׁר, qashar) means to bind or tie together. The verse uses this word to show that Jonathan’s life became closely bound to David’s, suggesting a strong, lasting attachment.
  • The word “loved” (אָהַב, ahav) is the common Hebrew word for love, which can mean affection, loyalty, or deep friendship. Here, it points to Jonathan’s genuine care and commitment to David, not just a passing fondness.

Why 1 Samuel 18:1 matters

  • This verse clears up the nature of Jonathan and David’s relationship, showing it as a deep, loyal friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
  • The emphasis on Jonathan loving David “as his own soul” sets the stage for Jonathan’s later actions, where he risks his own position and safety for David’s sake.
  • Understanding this bond helps explain many later events in 1 Samuel, especially the tension between Saul’s jealousy and Jonathan’s loyalty to David.

Where else these words appear

“knit” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • 2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!