Who was Jonathan?

Faithful friend and ally to David

The story of Jonathan

Jonathan - Prince
Jonathan - Prince
52 yearsBorn: -1061Died: -1009From: GibeahPrince

Jonathan was the son of King Saul and was a close friend of King David in the Hebrew Bible. He is best known for his bravery in battle and his loyalty to David, despite the fact that he was the heir to the throne and could have taken David's place as king. Jonathan was born in Gibeah, the capital of Israel, and was the oldest of Saul's four sons. He is said to have been a valiant warrior and was instrumental in some of Israel's early military victories. However, despite his military prowess, he was deeply committed to his friendship with David and supported him even after Saul became jealous of David's growing popularity and sought to kill him. Jonathan's most famous act of bravery is recorded in the first book of Samuel, where he and his armor-bearer charged into battle against the Philistine army, knowing that they would likely die. They managed to defeat a large contingent of the enemy army and their bravery inspired the Israelites to victory. Jonathan died in battle alongside his father Saul, during a battle against the Philistines. The exact details of his death are not recorded, but he is remembered as a noble and honorable man who was admired by his people for his bravery and loyalty.

Name meaning

"Yahweh has given" or "gift of God"

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Prince

First mention

Judges 18:30

Appearances in the Bible

105 mentions

Family

Relatives of Jonathan

Jonathan in the Bible

Explore all 29 chapters where Jonathan appears

Judges

Chapter 18

The Tribe of Dan's Idolatry

The tribe of Dan, in search of land, takes the city of Laish and renames it Dan.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 13

Saul's Jealousy of David

Saul becomes jealous of David's military victories and popularity, leading to a period of conflict between the two.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 14

Jonathan and David's Friendship

David and Jonathan, Saul's son, form a close friendship despite Saul's attempts to harm David.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 18

David's Success and Saul's Jealousy

David continues to have success as a military leader, and Saul's jealousy intensifies.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 19

Michal Helps David Escape

Saul tries to kill David, who flees and becomes a fugitive.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 20

Jonathan Warns David

David and Jonathan renew their friendship and make a covenant with each other.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 23

David Rescues Keilah

David rescues the city of Keilah from a Philistine invasion.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 31

Saul's Death on Mount Gilboa

Saul and Jonathan die in battle against the Philistines. David mourns their loss and sings a lament for them.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 1

David Anointed King of All Israel

David is anointed as king over all Israel, consolidating his rule over the tribes.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 4

Death of Ish-bosheth

Ish-bosheth, Saul's son and rival to David's rule, is murdered, solidifying David's reign.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 9

Kindness to Mephibosheth

David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, who was lame.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 15

Absalom's Conspiracy

Absalom conspires against David and attempts to overthrow him.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 17

Hushai's Aid to David

Hushai aids David in his flight from Absalom and provides counsel to him.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 21

The Gibeonites Avenged

David takes actions to atone for Saul's violation of a covenant with the Gibeonites.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 23

The Last Words of David

David speaks his final words, expressing confidence in God's sovereignty and calling on future generations to trust in h...

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1 Kings

Chapter 1

David's Charge to Solomon

David charges Solomon, his son, to be faithful to God as he becomes king.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 2

Genealogy of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 8

Descendants of Benjamin

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 9

Genealogies and Roles of Returning Exiles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 10

Saul's Death and the Philistines' Triumph

The account of Saul's defeat by the Philistines and his death.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 11

David Anointed King, Conquests, and Mighty Men

David becomes king over all Israel, establishing his reign in Jerusalem.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 20

Capture of Rabbah and Giants Defeated

David's reign, including his administration and building projects, and the reign of his son Solomon.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 27

Leaders of Military Divisions and Civil Administrations

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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Ezra

Chapter 8

Ezra's Assembly

Ezra assembles the exiles to hear the law and to worship.

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Ezra

Chapter 10

Repentance and Renewal

The repentance and renewal of the exiles, including the removal of foreign wives and the celebration of the feast of the...

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Nehemiah

Chapter 12

Dedication of the Wall

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem and the celebration of the feast of Dedication.

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Jeremiah

Chapter 37

Jeremiah's Imprisonment

In Jeremiah 37, King Zedekiah sends two officials to Jeremiah to inquire about the outcome of the Babylonian siege. Jere...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 38

Jeremiah in the Cistern

In Jeremiah chapter 38, we see the prophet's continued persecution by the officials of Judah for prophesying against the...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 40

Gedaliah Appointed Governor

After the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, the Babylonian captain, Nebuzaradan, appointed Gedaliah as governor over...

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Showing all 29 chapter appearances