Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David
Jonathan
Named in 82 verses across 3 books, first in 1 Samuel 13:2.
יוֹנָתָןJonathan
יְהוֹנָתָןJonathan
The name means “given of God.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Father
- Saul
- Mother
- Ahinoam
- Brothers and sisters
- Abinadab, Malchi-shua, Merab, Michal, Ish-bosheth, Armoni, Mephibosheth
- Children
- Mephibosheth
- People
- Tribe of Benjamin
About Jonathan Written by AI
Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul and a prominent figure in the early monarchy of Israel. He first appears in the biblical narrative as a brave warrior, leading a thousand men in a successful attack against a Philistine garrison (1 Samuel 13:2 to 3). Jonathan's faith and courage were further demonstrated when he and his armor-bearer challenged another Philistine outpost, believing that God could save by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6 to 14). Jonathan is perhaps best known for his deep friendship with David, which began after David's victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 18:1). The two made a covenant, and Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as a sign of their bond (1 Samuel 18:3 to 4). When Saul's jealousy towards David grew, Jonathan interceded on David's behalf, temporarily reconciling them (1 Samuel 19:1 to 7). As Saul's hostility towards David intensified, Jonathan helped David escape and reaffirmed their covenant (1Sa.20). They parted ways, with Jonathan remaining loyal to his father while still maintaining his friendship with David (1 Samuel 23:16 to 18). Jonathan died in battle alongside his father and brothers at Mount Gilboa, fighting against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:2; 1 Chronicles 10:2). David deeply mourned the loss of his friend, composing a lament in honor of Saul and Jonathan (2Sa.1). Jonathan's legacy continued through his son Mephibosheth, whom David showed kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 4:4; 9.1-7). David also spared Mephibosheth's life when the Gibeonites sought retribution for Saul's actions (2 Samuel 21:7 to 9). The story of Jonathan and David's friendship has become a timeless example of loyalty, selflessness, and the power of covenant relationships. Despite the challenges and conflicts they faced, their bond remained strong, transcending political and familial ties.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Jonathan, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Whom Jehovah gave, the name of fifteen or more persons that are mentioned in Scripture. The chief of these are, (1.) A Levite descended from Gershom (Judg. 18:30). His history is recorded in 17:7-13 and 18:30. The Rabbins changed this name into Manasseh “to screen the memory of the great lawgiver from the stain of having so unworthy an apostate among his near descendants.” He became priest of the idol image at Dan, and this office continued in his family till the Captivity.
(2.) The eldest son of king Saul, and the bosom friend of David. He is first mentioned when he was about thirty years of age, some time after his father’s accession to the throne (1 Sam. 13:2). Like his father, he was a man of great strength and activity (2 Sam. 1:23), and excelled in archery and slinging (1 Chr. 12:2;2 Sam. 1:22). The affection that evidently subsisted between him and his father was interrupted by the growth of Saul’s insanity. At length, “in fierce anger,” he left his father’s presence and cast in his lot with the cause of David (1 Sam. 20:34). After an eventful career, interwoven to a great extent with that of David, he fell, along with his father and his two brothers, on the fatal field of Gilboa (1 Sam. 31:2, 8). He was first buried at Jabesh-gilead, but his remains were afterwards removed with those of his father to Zelah, in Benjamin (2 Sam. 21:12-14). His death was the occasion of David’s famous elegy of “the Song of the Bow” (2 Sam. 1:17-27). He left one son five years old, Merib-baal, or Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 4:4; comp. 1 Chr. 8:34).
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(3.) Son of the high priest Abiathar, and one who adhered to David at the time of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 15:27, 36). He is the last descendant of Eli of whom there is any record.
(4.) Son of Shammah, and David’s nephew, and also one of his chief warriors (2 Sam. 21:21). He slew a giant in Gath.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 1 Samuel 13:2
He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home.
- 1 Samuel 13:3
Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”
- 1 Samuel 13:16
Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash.
- 1 Samuel 13:22
So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
- 1 Samuel 14:1
One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father.
- 1 Samuel 14:3
including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.
- 1 Samuel 14:4
Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh.
- 1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
- 1 Samuel 14:8
“Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them.
- 1 Samuel 14:12
So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”
- 1 Samuel 14:13
So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.
- 1 Samuel 14:14
In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre of land.
- 1 Samuel 14:17
Saul said to the troops who were with him, “Call the roll and see who has left us.” And when they had called the roll, they saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there.
- 1 Samuel 14:21
And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps to join the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
- 1 Samuel 14:27
Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.
- 1 Samuel 14:29
“My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.
- 1 Samuel 14:39
As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.
- 1 Samuel 14:40
Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied.
- 1 Samuel 14:41
So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge.
- 1 Samuel 14:42
Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.
- 1 Samuel 14:43
“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?”
- 1 Samuel 14:44
And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”
- 1 Samuel 14:45
But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.
- 1 Samuel 14:49
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter).
- 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.
- 1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
- 1 Samuel 18:4
And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
- 1 Samuel 19:1
Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,
- 1 Samuel 19:2
so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.
- 1 Samuel 19:4
Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you.
- 1 Samuel 19:6
Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”
- 1 Samuel 19:7
So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.
- 1 Samuel 20:1
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?”
- 1 Samuel 20:3
But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”
- 1 Samuel 20:4
Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.”
- 1 Samuel 20:5
So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now.
- 1 Samuel 20:9
“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”
- 1 Samuel 20:10
Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”
- 1 Samuel 20:11
“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field,
- 1 Samuel 20:12
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?
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.