1 Samuel 18:3

3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him 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, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.

2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home.

3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.

4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.