1 samuel 20:17 - Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 samuel 20:17" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:17 highlights the intense and deep friendship between Jonathan and David. Let's break it down:
"Jonathan caused David to swear again...": This means Jonathan asked David to reaffirm his oath of loyalty and protection. They had previously made a covenant (1 Samuel 20:16). Jonathan is likely seeking reassurance from David due to the danger they are both in from Saul's (Jonathan's father) animosity towards David. It suggests Jonathan feels particularly vulnerable or that the situation has escalated.
"...for the love that he had to him...": This directly points to the depth of Jonathan's affection for David. It wasn't just a casual friendship, but a profound and significant bond.
"...for he loved him as he loved his own soul.": This is the key phrase to understanding the verse. It underscores the extraordinary nature of their relationship. To love someone "as he loved his own soul" means that Jonathan cherished David's well-being and happiness as much as his own. This goes beyond simple affection and implies a deep sense of connection, loyalty, and selflessness. It suggests a bond that is both intimate and protective.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Jonathan, deeply worried about their situation, asked David to renew his oath of protection, driven by his immense love for David. This love wasn't just a friendly feeling; it was a deep, abiding affection that equaled the love Jonathan had for his own life. It shows the intensity and selflessness of Jonathan's feelings and emphasizes how important David was to him.
Contextual Importance:
Understanding this verse is crucial to appreciating the overall narrative of David and Jonathan. Their relationship is often seen as one of the greatest examples of male friendship in the Bible. It highlights themes of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and unwavering support in the face of adversity. It stands in stark contrast to the envy and paranoia that Saul harbors towards David.
1 samuel 20:17 - Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
What does "1 samuel 20:17" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:17 highlights the intense and deep friendship between Jonathan and David. Let's break it down:
"Jonathan caused David to swear again...": This means Jonathan asked David to reaffirm his oath of loyalty and protection. They had previously made a covenant (1 Samuel 20:16). Jonathan is likely seeking reassurance from David due to the danger they are both in from Saul's (Jonathan's father) animosity towards David. It suggests Jonathan feels particularly vulnerable or that the situation has escalated.
"...for the love that he had to him...": This directly points to the depth of Jonathan's affection for David. It wasn't just a casual friendship, but a profound and significant bond.
"...for he loved him as he loved his own soul.": This is the key phrase to understanding the verse. It underscores the extraordinary nature of their relationship. To love someone "as he loved his own soul" means that Jonathan cherished David's well-being and happiness as much as his own. This goes beyond simple affection and implies a deep sense of connection, loyalty, and selflessness. It suggests a bond that is both intimate and protective.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Jonathan, deeply worried about their situation, asked David to renew his oath of protection, driven by his immense love for David. This love wasn't just a friendly feeling; it was a deep, abiding affection that equaled the love Jonathan had for his own life. It shows the intensity and selflessness of Jonathan's feelings and emphasizes how important David was to him.
Contextual Importance:
Understanding this verse is crucial to appreciating the overall narrative of David and Jonathan. Their relationship is often seen as one of the greatest examples of male friendship in the Bible. It highlights themes of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and unwavering support in the face of adversity. It stands in stark contrast to the envy and paranoia that Saul harbors towards David.