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 18:4KJV
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1 Samuel 18:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 18:4 mean?

1 Samuel 18:4 describes Jonathan giving David his robe, garments, sword, bow, and girdle. This act shows Jonathan honoring David and giving him symbols of his own status, signaling deep friendship and possibly recognizing David’s future importance.

Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is responding to his growing bond with David after David’s victory over Goliath. By giving David his own royal robe and weapons, Jonathan is not only showing personal loyalty but also publicly acknowledging David’s worth and perhaps even his right to leadership. This gesture would have been seen as highly significant in their culture, where clothing and weapons marked one’s rank and role.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 18:4

  • רָדָה (meʿîl, transliterated "robe") refers to a special outer garment, often worn by people of high status. Jonathan giving this to David is a sign of honor and possibly a transfer of privilege.
  • חֲגוֹר (ḥăgôr, transliterated "girdle") means a belt or sash, which was used to hold weapons and garments together. Giving this to David further marks him as someone of importance and readiness for leadership or battle.
  • שָׁלַף (pāšaṭ, transliterated "stripped") means to take off or remove, emphasizing that Jonathan willingly set aside his own status to elevate David.

Why 1 Samuel 18:4 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jonathan’s friendship with David was casual; the giving of royal items was a public and meaningful act, not just a private gesture.
  • The verse highlights the theme of selfless friendship and loyalty, even when it could threaten one’s own position or inheritance.
  • It sets the stage for the tension between David and Saul, as Jonathan’s actions show early support for David, which will become significant as Saul’s jealousy grows.

Where else these words appear

“girdle” Hebrew H2289 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 20:8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
  • Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
  • Ezekiel 23:15 Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

“garments” Hebrew H4055 · used in 12 verses

  • Leviticus 6:10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.
  • 1 Samuel 4:12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.
  • 2 Samuel 21:20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

“robe” Hebrew H4598 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 39:26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Ezra 9:3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

“stripped” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.