1 Samuel 18

Jonathan and David

When David finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan’s life became bound to David’s life, and Jonathan loved him as himself. Saul kept David with him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house.

Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his gear, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Translation guide

Two ways of attending to Scripture

TSW helps readers examine how the text is shaped. Fluent helps readers hear and absorb how the passage moves as a whole. They complement one another; neither is presented as the better or more faithful Bible.

TSW

Study & Discuss

Keeps more of the source text’s wording, patterns, structure, repetition, and interpretive questions visible. Use it to slow down, notice details, prepare to teach or preach, and explore Scripture with others.

Fluent

Read & Reflect

Expresses the passage in natural English for sustained reading, prayer, devotion, teaching, and growing biblical fluency. Use it to follow the movement of a passage and absorb Scripture as a whole.

Study help

Vocabulary

Selected source-language vocabulary for 1 Samuel 18.

v01–03

Life and love

Jonathan’s life is bound to David’s life, and he loves David as his own life. The wording connects affection with their covenant.

v03

Covenant — berit

A binding commitment; the gifts in verse 4 accompany this commitment without an explicit statement that Jonathan renounces succession.