1 Samuel 18:3

3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 18:3 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.
The Message Bible (MSG)
3 Jonathan, out of his deep love for David, made a covenant with him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
3 So Jonathan made a pledge of mutual loyalty with David because he loved him as much as [he loved] himself.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
3 Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
3 Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him just as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 18:3 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant
A covenant of friendship; entered into a solemn agreement to keep up and maintain a cordial respect to each other, and to support each other's interest both in life and after death, whoever was the survivor; and in consequence of this David had a friend at court, when Saul fell out with him, and who pleaded his cause, and discovered his father's plots, and was the means of preserving David's life:

because he loved him as his own soul;
so that this covenant was not founded in mere words, but in sincere and cordial affection, and was lasting and inviolable.

1 Samuel 18:3 In-Context

1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.
2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family.
3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 1Sa 20:8,16,17,42; 1 Samuel 22:8; 1 Samuel 23:18; 1 Samuel 24:21; 2 Samuel 21:7
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.