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

1 SAMUEL 20:17KJV
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1 Samuel 20:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:17 mean?

1 Samuel 20:17 describes Jonathan asking David to make a promise again, because Jonathan cared deeply for David—he loved him as much as he loved his own life. The verse highlights the strong, personal bond between Jonathan and David, showing that Jonathan’s loyalty was rooted in genuine affection.

In this scene, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is speaking to David, who is being threatened by Saul. Jonathan wants David to swear an oath of friendship and loyalty, reinforcing their covenant. The verse emphasizes that Jonathan’s motivation is his deep love for David, which is described as equal to the love he has for himself.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:17

  • "Swear" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to make an oath or solemn promise. Jonathan is not just asking for a casual agreement, but a binding commitment.
  • "Again" (יָסַף, yasaf): This word means "to add" or "to do again." Jonathan is having David repeat or renew the oath, showing how important and serious this promise is to him.
  • "Loved" (אָהַב, ahav): Used multiple times here, this word means a deep, loyal love. The repetition stresses the intensity and sincerity of Jonathan’s feelings.
  • "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word often means "life" or "self." Jonathan’s love for David is described as being as strong as his instinct to protect his own life.

Why 1 Samuel 20:17 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jonathan’s loyalty to David was just political or formal; it was deeply personal and heartfelt.
  • The repeated use of the word for love (אָהַב, ahav) highlights the rare depth of friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, which is a central theme in their story.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing why Jonathan risks so much for David—his actions come from genuine love, not just duty or obligation.

Where else these words appear

“loved” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
  • Song of Solomon 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.

“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!