And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

1 SAMUEL 23:16KJV
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1 Samuel 23:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 23:16 mean?

1 Samuel 23:16 describes Jonathan, the son of Saul, going to David in the woods and giving him encouragement and strength in God. The verse highlights Jonathan’s support for David during a difficult time, helping him find courage by reminding him of God’s presence.

Jonathan seeks David out while David is hiding from Saul, Jonathan’s own father, who is trying to kill David. Instead of siding with his father, Jonathan chooses loyalty to his friend and encourages David to trust in God’s protection and plan. This moment shows the depth of their friendship and Jonathan’s faithfulness despite personal risk.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 23:16

  • The word “strengthened” comes from חָזַק (chazaq), which often means to make strong or to encourage. Here, it suggests Jonathan actively helped David regain his confidence and trust in God, not just offering comfort but urging him to stand firm.
  • The phrase “hand in God” uses יָד (yad, “hand”), which in Hebrew can symbolize a person’s power, ability, or situation. Jonathan is strengthening David’s “hand,” meaning he is helping David feel able and ready to keep going, specifically by pointing him to God as his source of strength.

Why 1 Samuel 23:16 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jonathan’s encouragement was just emotional support; the original language points to a deeper strengthening of David’s resolve and faith in God.
  • The verse highlights Jonathan’s remarkable loyalty, showing that he risked his own safety to help David, even though his father was the one pursuing David.
  • In the wider passage, this moment stands out as a turning point where David is reminded he is not alone, and that God’s promises and faithful friends can sustain someone even in the hardest times.

Where else these words appear

“wood” Hebrew H2793 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 23:15 And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
  • 1 Samuel 23:19 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?
  • Isaiah 17:9 In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.

“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 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
  • 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!