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.

1 SAMUEL 23:17KJV
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1 Samuel 23:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 23:17 mean?

1 Samuel 23:17 records Jonathan reassuring David that Saul, Jonathan’s father, will not succeed in capturing him and that David will become king over Israel, with Jonathan as his trusted second. Jonathan also affirms that Saul himself knows this future is inevitable.

In this verse, Jonathan is speaking to David while David is on the run from King Saul, who is trying to kill him. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, expresses loyalty and encouragement, acknowledging God’s plan for David to be king. Jonathan’s words show both his faith in David’s future and his willingness to support him, even above his own claim to the throne.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 23:17

  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to be afraid or to fear. Jonathan’s use of it is a gentle command, aiming to calm David’s anxiety in a dangerous situation.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): Often used to symbolize power or control. Here, Jonathan assures David that Saul’s power ("hand") will not be able to reach or harm him.
  • "Next" (מִשְׁנֶה, mishneh): This word means "second" or "next in rank." Jonathan is not just offering support, but is humbly accepting a subordinate role to David, which is significant given his position as the king’s son.

Why 1 Samuel 23:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jonathan, despite being the heir to Saul’s throne, willingly accepts David’s future kingship and even desires to serve alongside him.
  • It highlights Jonathan’s deep friendship and loyalty to David, contrasting sharply with Saul’s jealousy and hostility.
  • The verse connects to the broader narrative by showing that even Saul, the current king, is aware that David is destined to become king, adding tension to the unfolding story.

Where else these words appear

“next” Hebrew H4932 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • Ezra 1:10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.