1 Samuel 20:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

NIV: And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

NASB: And Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.

CSB: Jonathan once again swore to David in his love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

NLT: And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

KJV: And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

NKJV: Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

First Samuel 20:12–17 records Jonathan's vows of loyalty to David. David has warned that Jonathan's father, King Saul, wants David dead. Jonathan doesn't believe him. But he agrees to David's plan to uncover the truth (1 Samuel 20:1–11). Now, Jonathan vows his allegiance to David and begs for David's protection when he becomes king. Next, Jonathan will refine and fulfill David's plan. When he finds out his father's twisted intent, he returns to alert David, and they part ways (1 Samuel 20:18–42).

In 1 Samuel 20, David flees Saul for good. David goes to Jonathan at Gibeah to ask why Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan agrees to find out. The two swear oaths of commitment to each other and plan to learn Saul's intentions. At the feast of the new moon, Saul becomes enraged at David's absence, as well as Jonathan's misplaced loyalty, and Jonathan knows David is in danger. The next day, Jonathan signals to David that he must flee. They part with tears and affirmations of their sworn friendship to each other.

David knows Saul wants to kill him (1 Samuel 19), but Jonathan can't accept it. The two decide to prove the king's intent, and Jonathan finally admits David's right. They part, trusting in their oath of friendship. David flees to Nob, where he tricks the priest out of bread and Goliath's sword, and makes a short visit to Gath. Eventually, David goes to the wilderness where his brothers meet him—along with four hundred men and their families who are in dire straits: the beginning of David's army (1 Samuel 21:1—22:5).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.

Accessed 12/1/2025 3:33:47 PM