2 Samuel 1:23
2 Samuel 1:23 in Multiple Translations
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided: They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.
Saul and Jonathan were loved and pleasing; in their lives and in their death they were not parted; they went more quickly than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
During their lives, Saul and Jonathan were much loved and very pleasant, and death did not divide them. They were faster than eagles, stronger than lions.
Saul and Ionathan were louely and pleasant in their liues, and in their deaths they were not deuided: they were swifter then eagles, they were stronger then lions.
Saul and Jonathan! They are loved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they have not been parted. Than eagles they have been lighter, Than lions they have been mightier!
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Saul and Jonathan, lovely, and comely in their life, even in death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.
“Saul and Jonathan were loved and they pleased many people. They were together [LIT] while they lived and when they died. In battles they were swifter than eagles and they were stronger than lions.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:23
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.
2 Samuel 1:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁא֣וּל
וִ/יהוֹנָתָ֗ן
הַ/נֶּאֱהָבִ֤ים
וְ/הַ/נְּעִימִם֙
בְּ/חַיֵּי/הֶ֔ם
וּ/בְ/מוֹתָ֖/ם
לֹ֣א
נִפְרָ֑דוּ
מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֣ים
קַ֔לּוּ
מֵ/אֲרָי֖וֹת
גָּבֵֽרוּ
שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וִ/יהוֹנָתָ֗ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
Conj | N-proper
הַ/נֶּאֱהָבִ֤ים
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Art | V-Niphal
וְ/הַ/נְּעִימִם֙
nâʻîym
H5273
pleasant
Conj | Art | Adj
בְּ/חַיֵּי/הֶ֔ם
chay
H2416
alive
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וּ/בְ/מוֹתָ֖/ם
mâveth
H4194
death
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נִפְרָ֑דוּ
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֣ים
nesher
H5404
eagle
Prep | N-mp
קַ֔לּוּ
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מֵ/אֲרָי֖וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
lion
Prep | N-mp
גָּבֵֽרוּ
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:23
שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וִ/יהוֹנָתָ֗ן
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.
הַ/נֶּאֱהָבִ֤ים
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Art | V-Niphal
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.
וְ/הַ/נְּעִימִם֙
nâʻîym
H5273
"pleasant"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes something that sounds pleasant or sweet, like music. It is used in Psalm 100:5 to describe the pleasantness of God's works. The word also appears in other passages, such as 2 Samuel 23:1.
Definition: 1) pleasant, delightful, sweet, lovely, agreeable 1a) delightful 1b) lovely, beautiful (physical)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: pleasant(-ure), sweet. See also: 2 Samuel 1:23; Psalms 133:1; Psalms 16:6.
בְּ/חַיֵּי/הֶ֔ם
chay
H2416
"alive"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וּ/בְ/מוֹתָ֖/ם
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִפְרָ֑דוּ
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֣ים
nesher
H5404
"eagle"
Prep | N-mp
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
קַ֔לּוּ
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
מֵ/אֲרָי֖וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
Prep | N-mp
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
גָּבֵֽרוּ
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 1:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:23
Context — David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan
21O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil.
22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.
23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.
24O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold. 25How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:13 | Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined! |
| 2 | Judges 14:18 | Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” So he said to them: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!” |
| 3 | Lamentations 4:19 | Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 28:49 | The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, |
| 6 | Job 9:26 | They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey. |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:30 | a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything; |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 20:2 | “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 12:8 | Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 23:20 | And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. |
2 Samuel 1:23 Summary
This verse is talking about the special bond between Saul and Jonathan, who were like two peas in a pod, even in death. It's saying they were incredibly brave and strong, like powerful animals, and that their relationship was truly unique. Just like how Jonathan and David had a strong covenant, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:3, Saul and Jonathan's bond was unbreakable. The verse is also highlighting the significance of their loss, and how it affected those around them, as seen in the lament in 2 Samuel 1:19-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verse say Saul and Jonathan were not divided in death?
This phrase highlights the deep bond between Saul and Jonathan, which was not broken even by death, as seen in their loyalty to each other throughout their lives, just as David and Jonathan's covenant was a symbol of their unbreakable bond, as described in 1 Samuel 18:3.
What does it mean that they were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions?
This is a poetic way of describing their strength, courage, and speed in battle, much like the descriptions of God's power in Job 39:27-30, where the eagle is described as a symbol of strength and agility.
Is this verse saying that Saul and Jonathan were perfect or without fault?
No, the verse is not saying they were perfect, but rather that in their relationship and in their bravery, they were a remarkable example, even if they had their flaws, as seen in the story of David's interactions with Saul in 1 Samuel 24:1-22.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a lament, where David is mourning the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, and it highlights their bravery and the significance of their loss, as also seen in the lament in 2 Samuel 1:19-27, where David expresses his grief over their fallen bodies.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of loyalty and friendship in our own lives, and how can we apply this to our relationships with others?
- How does the image of being 'swifter than eagles and stronger than lions' inspire us to trust in God's power and strength in our own lives, as seen in Isaiah 40:31?
- What does the fact that Saul and Jonathan were 'beloved and delightful in life' say about the impact they had on those around them, and how can we strive to have a similar impact on others, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16?
- How can we balance the reality of human flaws and weaknesses with the desire to honor and remember the good qualities of those who have passed away, as seen in the way David remembers Saul and Jonathan in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives,.... To one another, had no quarrel or difference with each other, only on the account of David; otherwise they agreed together in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
Pleasant; amiable and obliging in their carriage and conversation, both towards one another, and towards their people; for as for Saul’ s fierce behaviour towards Jonathan, ,33, it was only a sudden passion, by which his ordinary temper was not to be measured; and for his carriage towards David, that was from that jealousy and reason of state which usually engageth even good-natured and well-nurtured princes to the same hostilities in like cases. But it is observable, that David speaks not a word here of his piety and other virtues; but only commends him for those things which were truly in him; a fit pattern for all preachers in their funeral commendations. In their lives; Jonathan was not false to his father, as was reported; but stuck close to him. In their death they were not divided; and as he lived, so he died with him, at the same time, and in the same common and good cause. Swifter than eagles; expeditious and nimble in pursuing their enemies, and executing their designs; which is a great commendation in a prince and in a soldier. Stronger than lions, in regard of their bodily strength and the courage of their minds.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.Ver. 23. Lovely and pleasant in their lives.] Both to others and betwixt themselves: they loved one another dearly. And in their death they were not divided.] A worthy pattern of true and perfect friendship; on the outside of whose garment was anciently written, Mors et Vita, death and life; in her forehead, summer and winter, &c. Such fast friends were the Sacra cohors sacred cohorts among the Thebans: the Soldurii the elite corps among the old French: the sworn brethren among the Irish, &c. Athen., lib. iii. Caes., De Bel. Gal., lib. iii.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
(23) Lovely and pleasant.—This applies peculiarly to Jonathan, but also in a good degree to Saul in his earlier years and his better moments, which David chose at this moment to recall. It also applies truthfully to them both in their relations to each other.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:23
23. lovely and pleasant] Perhaps rather, loving and kindly. The words express the mutual affection which existed between father and son. Jonathan remained faithful to his filial duty even when his father was persecuting his closest friend, and Saul, in spite of temporary outbursts of passion, loved his son to the last. Some commentators would render “in their lives and in their death they were not divided,” but the E. V. preserves the balance of the clauses better. swifter than eagles] Cp. Jeremiah 4:13; Habakkuk 1:8. stronger than lions] Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 17:10; Judges 14:18.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:23
23. Beloved and pleasant in their lives — Jonathan was eminently so, and though Saul in his madness had even threatened his son’s life, (1 Samuel 20:33,) and sought for successive years to destroy
Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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David - Raised Up by God by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between man's way of achieving and fulfilling God's will and God's way. He uses the examples of Saul, who was chosen by the peop |
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Loyalty by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Jonathan from the Bible and how his loyalty to God and his faith inspired others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of e |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo |
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The Lion by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the symbolism of the lion in the Bible, highlighting its strength, boldness, and predatory nature as described in various verses. The lion is portrayed |
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Saul and Jonathan Were Lovely by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the deep love and admiration David had for both Saul and Jonathan, emphasizing that even in the face of Saul's failures, David chose to remember the good qua |
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Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
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The Apostolic Church by Gipsey Smith | The preacher discusses the concept of 'kindred spirit' or 'isopsuchos' as seen in the relationship between Paul and Timothy, highlighting their like-mindedness, shared feelings, an |