1 Samuel 23:18
1 Samuel 23:18 in Multiple Translations
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
And they two made a covenant before Jehovah: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
And the two of them made an agreement before the Lord: and David went on living in Horesh, and Jonathan went back to his house.
The two of them made an agreement before the Lord. David stayed in Horesh and Jonathan went home.
So they twaine made a couenant before ye Lord: and Dauid did remaine in the wood: but Ionathan went to his house.
And they make a covenant both of them before Jehovah; and David abideth in the forest, and Jonathan hath gone to his house.
They both made a covenant before the LORD. Then David stayed in the woods and Jonathan went to his house.
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
And the two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood: but Jonathan returned to his house.
Then the two of them repeated their solemn promise that Yahweh had heard them make previously, that they would always be loyal to each other. Then Jonathan went home, but David stayed at Horesh.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:18
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 23:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְרְת֧וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֛ם
בְּרִ֖ית
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יֵּ֤שֶׁב
דָּוִד֙
בַּ/חֹ֔רְשָׁה
וִ/יהוֹנָתָ֖ן
הָלַ֥ךְ
לְ/בֵיתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּכְרְת֧וּ
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֛ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
בְּרִ֖ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֤שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בַּ/חֹ֔רְשָׁה
chôresh
H2793
wood
Prep | N-proper
וִ/יהוֹנָתָ֖ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
Conj | N-proper
הָלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/בֵיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:18
וַ/יִּכְרְת֧וּ
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֛ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בְּרִ֖ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יֵּ֤שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
דָּוִד֙
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.
בַּ/חֹ֔רְשָׁה
chôresh
H2793
"wood"
Prep | N-proper
This Hebrew word refers to a forest or wooded area, possibly providing materials for crafting. It appears in the Bible as a bough, forest, or shroud.
Definition: 1) wood, wooded height, forest, wooded area.
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bough, forest, shroud, wood. See also: 1 Samuel 23:15; 1 Samuel 23:19; Isaiah 17:9.
וִ/יהוֹנָתָ֖ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
Conj | 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.
הָלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
לְ/בֵיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:18
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:18
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:18
Context — Saul Pursues David
16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
17saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.”
18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
19Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? 20Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 21:7 | Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 20:42 | And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 18:3 | Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 9:1 | Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 20:12–17 | and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father. And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and 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.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. |
1 Samuel 23:18 Summary
This verse shows us the deep friendship and commitment between David and Jonathan, who made a promise to each other before God. They were agreeing to support and protect each other, even when it was hard or dangerous, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:17. This kind of friendship and loyalty is a beautiful picture of how God wants us to love and care for each other, as taught in John 15:13 and 1 Corinthians 13:7. By making a covenant before the Lord, David and Jonathan were acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty in their lives, and trusting in His plan for their future, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to make a covenant before the Lord?
Making a covenant before the Lord means to enter into a solemn agreement or promise with God as a witness, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:18, and is a concept also found in Genesis 31:50 and Deuteronomy 29:12-13.
Why did David and Jonathan make a covenant?
David and Jonathan made a covenant to solidify their friendship and commitment to each other, with Jonathan acknowledging David's future kingship, as stated in 1 Samuel 23:17, and to ensure their mutual support and protection.
What is the significance of David remaining in Horesh?
David remaining in Horesh indicates that he was still in hiding from King Saul, and Jonathan's visit was a secret meeting to strengthen David's faith and affirm their covenant, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:16-18.
How does this covenant relate to God's larger plan?
This covenant between David and Jonathan is part of God's larger plan to establish David as king over Israel, as promised in 1 Samuel 16:13 and reiterated in Psalm 2:7, and demonstrates God's sovereign work in the lives of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to have a friend like Jonathan who stands by you despite danger or opposition, and how can you cultivate such friendships in your life?
- In what ways can you make covenants or promises before the Lord, and how can you ensure that you keep those commitments?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of loyalty, friendship, and commitment in your relationships with others?
- How can you apply the principles of covenant-making and loyalty in your own relationships, whether with friends, family, or within your community?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:18
And they two made a covenant before the Lord,.... Renewed the covenant they had before made in the name and fear of God, and before him as a witness of it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:18
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:18
They two made a covenant, i.e. renewed their former covenant before the Lord; setting themselves as in God’ s presence, and calling upon him to be witness between them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:18
1 Samuel 23:18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.Ver. 18. And they two made a covenant.] This is the second time, for more assurance; or, as Lyra reckoneth, the third: (1.) In the house; (2.) In the field; (3.) Here in the wood. Let us oft renew and reinforce our covenants with God, that we may the better observe them: all will be found little enough.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:18
18. to his house] Home to Gibeah, where Saul was (1 Samuel 23:19). It was the final parting of the friends.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:18
18. They two made a covenant before the Lord — Alone in the wilderness of Ziph, and probably at the still hour of night, with none but Jehovah to witness, they solemnly renewed the covenant in which
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Provision of the Covenant - Part 2 by Bill Stafford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's covenant with His people. He explains that through the covenant, believers become one with Christ and |
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After God's Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising or turning away from the preaching of the word of God. He warns that those who do so are the biggest fools i |
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Growth Follows Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, B. Earl shares a personal story about his struggles as an evangelist. He describes how he prepared tough and hard-hitting sermons in an attempt to reach stubborn pe |
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Who Is the Head of Your Table? by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of coming to the cross and seeking forgiveness from God. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's sins and humbly appr |
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(2 Samuel) the Kindness of God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that comparing ourselves to others does not determine our righteousness before God. Instead, we are judged by God's holy standard, such as th |
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(1 Samuel) Little Things Mean a Lot by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of small moments and decisions in our lives. He uses the story of David and Jonathan to illustrate this point. David's life t |
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Child Friendship, How Durable by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares the story of David and Mephibosheth to illustrate the enduring nature of friendship and God's grace. He emphasizes how David, despite being pursued by Saul, honor |