1 Samuel 20:17
1 Samuel 20:17 in Multiple Translations
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
And Jonathan again took an oath to David, because of his love for him: for David was as dear to him as his very soul.
Jonathan made David swear this once more by making an oath based on David's love for him, for Jonathan already loved David as he loved himself.
And againe Ionathan sware vnto Dauid, because he loued him (for he loued him as his owne soule)
and Jonathan addeth to cause David to swear, because he loveth him, for with the love of his own soul he hath loved him.
Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
And Jonathan swore again to David, because he loved him: for he loved him as his own soul.
And Jonathan requested David to repeat his solemn promise to be his close friend, because Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 20:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יּ֤וֹסֶף
יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙
לְ/הַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ
אֶת
דָּוִ֔ד
בְּ/אַהֲבָת֖/וֹ
אֹת֑/וֹ
כִּֽי
אַהֲבַ֥ת
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
אֲהֵבֽ/וֹ
וַ/יּ֤וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
לְ/הַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בְּ/אַהֲבָת֖/וֹ
ʼahăbâh
H160
love
Prep | N-fs | Suff
אֹת֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַהֲבַ֥ת
ʼahăbâh
H160
love
N-fs
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
אֲהֵבֽ/וֹ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:17
וַ/יּ֤וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
לְ/הַשְׁבִּ֣יעַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בְּ/אַהֲבָת֖/וֹ
ʼahăbâh
H160
"love"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
אֹת֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַהֲבַ֥ת
ʼahăbâh
H160
"love"
N-fs
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אֲהֵבֽ/וֹ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:17
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:17
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
15and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”
16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”
17And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
18Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 19When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:24 | A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:1 | After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 18:3 | Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 1:26 | I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 13:6 | If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, |
1 Samuel 20:17 Summary
[This verse shows us the deep love and friendship between Jonathan and David, and how Jonathan wanted to make sure David would always remember their commitment to each other. Jonathan's love for David was like a brotherly love, where he would do anything to protect and care for him, similar to the way we are called to love one another in Galatians 5:13-14. This kind of love and loyalty is a beautiful example for us to follow in our own relationships. By looking at Jonathan and David's friendship, we can learn the importance of keeping our promises and loving others selflessly, as taught in Matthew 5:37 and Ephesians 4:32.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Jonathan to have David reaffirm his vow?
This means Jonathan wanted David to promise again to keep his commitment to their friendship and covenant, as a sign of their deep bond and love for each other, similar to the covenant between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:3 and 1 Samuel 23:18.
How did Jonathan show his love for David?
Jonathan showed his love for David by treating him like a brother, as it says he loved David as he loved himself, demonstrating a selfless and sacrificial love, as also seen in John 15:13 where Jesus teaches about laying down one's life for friends.
What can we learn from Jonathan's love for David?
We can learn the importance of loving others selflessly and making commitments to them, just as Jonathan did with David, reflecting the kind of love Jesus commands us to have for one another in John 13:34-35.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David and Jonathan?
This verse is part of the story of the deep friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan, which is a testament to the power of loyalty, love, and commitment in relationships, as seen throughout 1 Samuel 18-20 and 2 Samuel 9:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show selfless love to those around me, just as Jonathan showed to David?
- How can I deepen my friendships and relationships by making commitments and keeping vows, as Jonathan and David did?
- What are some challenges or obstacles that might prevent me from loving others as Jonathan loved David, and how can I overcome them?
- In what ways can I reflect the kind of love and loyalty that Jonathan had for David in my own relationships and friendships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan caused David to swear again,.... Or Jonathan added to make David swears (u); having sworn himself to make a covenant of friendship with David and his family, he moved and insisted on it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:17
Heb. And Jonathan added or proceeded to make David swear, i.e. having himself sworn to David, or adjured David, in the foregoing verse, he here requires David’ s oath to him, by way of restipulation or confirmation. Because he loved him; because he had a true friendship for David, he desired that the covenant might be inviolably observed through all their generations.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:17
1 Samuel 20:17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.Ver. 17. And Jonathan caused David to swear again,] i.e., He required the like oath of him which he had made, that there might be a sure and steadfast league with him whom he so dearly loved. Willet.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:17
(17) And Jonathan caused David to swear again.—Throughout this touching interview it is the prince who appears as the suppliant for the outlaw’s ruture kind offices. Jonathan—looking forward with absolute certainty to the day when his persecuted friend would be on the throne, and he in his grave—dreaded for his own fatherless children the fate which too probably awaited them, it having been in all ages a common custom in the East, when the dynasty was violently changed, to put to death the children and near relations of the former king.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:17
17. caused David to swear again, because, &c.] Jonathan exacted another oath beside that implied in 1 Samuel 20:16, because the intensity of his love impelled him to bind David by the strongest possible obligation. The Sept. however reads: “And Jonathan swore yet again to David.”
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When You Would Rather Die Then Live by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and leaving behind our old ways. He encourages the audience to recognize that without God, they are li |
|
Receiving All Things Through Faith (Kannada) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, belief, and trust in Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to fully surrender our problems and desires to Him. It encourages seeking h |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
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Separated From Our Loved Ones by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for si |
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The Way Forward by John Gowans | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those who are suffering and in need. He suggests that in today's world, every other door represents someone |
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Crutches by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the people in his life who have helped him grow in his faith. He shares a personal story of a minister who took the time to ment |
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Unreached Peoples: The Tajik People of Central Asia by Paul Hattaway | This sermon focuses on the history, culture, and people of the Tajik community in Central Asia, highlighting their resilience, unique heritage, and warm hospitality. It explores th |