1 Samuel 18:4

KJV

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was] upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} stripped {H6584} himself of the robe {H4598} that was upon him, and gave {H5414} it to David {H1732}, and his garments {H4055}, even to his sword {H2719}, and to his bow {H7198}, and to his girdle {H2289}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan removed the cloak he was wearing and gave it to David, his armor too, including his sword, bow and belt.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

American Standard Version

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his apparel, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following David's miraculous victory over Goliath, 1 Samuel 18:4 records a profound and deeply symbolic act of covenantal friendship between Jonathan, King Saul's son and heir, and David. Jonathan immediately forms an extraordinary bond with David, and in a gesture of profound selflessness and devotion, divests himself of his princely robe, personal garments, sword, bow, and girdle, bestowing them upon David. This act transcends mere generosity, serving as a powerful expression of selfless love, unwavering loyalty, and an intuitive recognition of God's favor upon David, ultimately foreshadowing a significant transfer of honor, identity, and even a tacit acknowledgment of David's future kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's stunning triumph over Goliath, detailed in [1 Samuel 17](/1-samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"), and his subsequent introduction to King Saul. The narrative in [1 Samuel 18](/1-samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - David's Popularity and Saul's Envy") marks a crucial pivot, shifting focus from David's military prowess to the development of his key relationships, most notably with Jonathan. [1 Samuel 18:1-3](/1-samuel/18-1-3 "1 Samuel 18:1-3 - Jonathan's Soul Knit with David and Their Covenant") explicitly establishes the foundation of their bond, stating that "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul," culminating in a covenant between them. Verse 4 then provides the tangible, highly symbolic expression of this covenant, initiating one of the most remarkable and enduring friendships in biblical history. This act of profound selflessness from Jonathan stands in stark and poignant contrast to King Saul's rapidly developing jealousy and animosity towards David, which will increasingly dominate the subsequent chapters, thereby highlighting Jonathan's unique character and unwavering loyalty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, garments and weaponry were far more than utilitarian items; they were potent symbols of status, identity, authority, and military prowess. A king's robe, for instance, was deeply intertwined with his royal office and dignity, as evidenced by Samuel's robe in [1 Samuel 15:27](/1-samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - Saul Grabs Samuel's Robe"). Similarly, a warrior's sword, bow, and girdle (which secured the sword and other implements) represented their skill, readiness for battle, and personal honor. The act of a crown prince bestowing such personal and significant items upon a newly introduced commoner carried immense symbolic weight. Such a gesture was often a declaration of deep respect, allegiance, or even a form of covenant-making, signifying a transfer of honor, a sharing of identity, or a recognition of a superior claim or destiny. This cultural understanding elevates Jonathan's actions beyond simple gift-giving to a profound declaration of loyalty, affirmation, and an intuitive recognition of David's emerging greatness and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Jonathan's profound act in [1 Samuel 18:4](/1-samuel/18-4 "1 Samuel 18:4 - Jonathan's Covenant with David") contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **profound friendship and covenant**, showcasing a bond rooted in selfless love and loyalty that transcends personal ambition and dynastic claims. Jonathan, the natural heir to the throne, willingly divests himself of symbols of his status, demonstrating remarkable **selflessness and humility**. This stands in stark contrast to his father Saul's increasing insecurity and envy, which will lead to a tragic downfall (see [1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1-samuel/18-8-9 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Jealousy Begins")). Secondly, Jonathan's actions can be seen as an intuitive **recognition of God's favor and anointing** upon David. By bestowing his princely and warrior accouterments, Jonathan symbolically acknowledges David's future kingship, a recognition he later explicitly affirms, stating, "You yourself will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you" in [1 Samuel 23:17](/1-samuel/23-17 "1 Samuel 23:17 - Jonathan Encourages David"). Finally, the act represents a **transfer of honor and identity**, where Jonathan, through his extraordinary generosity, elevates David and symbolically shares his own princely standing, paving the way for David's integration into the royal court and his ultimate destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stripped (Hebrew, _pâshaṭ'_):** This verb (H6584) signifies a deliberate and complete removal of clothing or possessions. It is not merely taking off a garment but implies an act of divestment, emphasizing the totality and intentionality of Jonathan's self-giving. This suggests a profound willingness to shed his princely identity and status in favor of David, an act of voluntary self-emptying.
* **robe (Hebrew, _mᵉʻîyl'_):** More than just an ordinary cloak, the _mᵉʻîyl_ (H4598) was often a distinctive outer garment associated with high status, royalty, or even priestly office (e.g., Samuel's robe in [1 Samuel 15:27](/1-samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - Saul Grabs Samuel's Robe") or the high priest's ephod in [Exodus 28:31](/exodus/28-31 "Exodus 28:31 - The Robe of the Ephod")). Its transfer from Jonathan to David is highly symbolic, representing a passing of honor, dignity, authority, and perhaps even a tacit acknowledgment of David's future royal destiny.
* **girdle (Hebrew, _châgôwr'_):** This term (H2289) refers to a belt, typically used to secure clothing and, crucially, to hold a sword or other weapons. As part of a warrior's attire, the girdle represented readiness for battle, strength, and military prowess. Its inclusion in Jonathan's gifts underscores the transfer of military honor and the recognition of David's capabilities as a warrior, especially after his recent victory over Goliath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was] upon him,"**: This opening clause highlights Jonathan's active and intentional divestment. The "robe" (Hebrew: _me'il_) is a significant garment, indicative of his princely status and possibly his heir-apparent position. By stripping it off, Jonathan is symbolically shedding his royal identity and prerogatives, demonstrating profound humility and a willingness to elevate David above himself. This act is not compelled but freely chosen, underscoring the depth of his affection and respect for David, and his intuitive understanding of God's anointing upon him.
* **"and gave it to David, and his garments,"**: Jonathan's act of giving is central here. The "garments" (plural, Hebrew: _mad_) likely refer to other layers of his clothing, reinforcing the completeness of his divestment. This transfer signifies a profound act of identification and honor. Jonathan is not just giving gifts; he is sharing his very identity and the symbols of his elevated status with David, recognizing David's anointing and future. It's a gesture of profound equality and acceptance, even though they are of vastly different social standings at this point.
* **"even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle."**: This final clause specifies the military accouterments, which were highly personal and represented Jonathan's skill as a warrior and prince. The sword and bow were primary weapons, and the girdle held the sword, symbolizing readiness, strength, and military authority. By giving these, Jonathan is not only acknowledging David's prowess (powerfully demonstrated against Goliath) but also symbolically bestowing upon him the tools and honor of a warrior prince. This act further cements the idea of a transfer of authority and a sharing of destiny, as Jonathan equips David with the very instruments that defined his own princely and military identity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes powerful use of **Symbolism**. The "robe," "garments," "sword," "bow," and "girdle" are not merely items but potent symbols of Jonathan's princely status, military prowess, and personal identity. Their transfer to David symbolizes a profound exchange: a transfer of honor, allegiance, and a recognition of David's emerging leadership and divine favor. This act also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at David's future kingship and Jonathan's acceptance of it, which stands in stark **Contrast** to Saul's escalating jealousy and attempts to thwart David's rise. Jonathan's selfless act highlights his unique character and unwavering loyalty, setting him apart from the self-serving ambition that will consume his father.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's extraordinary act of self-giving in 1 Samuel 18:4 is a profound theological statement about the nature of true friendship, divine providence, and selfless love. It illustrates a love that transcends personal ambition and worldly status, recognizing God's anointing on another even when it means relinquishing one's own perceived rights or advantages. This covenantal bond, initiated by Jonathan, reflects a spiritual kinship that prioritizes the well-being and advancement of the beloved, mirroring the kind of love God desires among His people. It is a powerful example of humility in the face of divine election, where Jonathan willingly steps aside, not out of weakness, but out of a deep understanding of God's sovereign plan for David. His actions embody the principle of putting another's interests above one's own, a hallmark of godly character.

* [1 Samuel 20:42](/1-samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - Jonathan and David's Covenant")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's selfless act in 1 Samuel 18:4 offers a timeless blueprint for genuine friendship and spiritual maturity. In a world often driven by competition, self-promotion, and the pursuit of personal gain, Jonathan's humility and generosity stand as a powerful counter-narrative. His willingness to divest himself of symbols of status and power for the sake of another challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we truly capable of celebrating the successes and anointing of others, even when it might diminish our own perceived standing? Do we possess the spiritual discernment to recognize God's hand on someone else, and the humility to support their rise, rather than resent it? Jonathan's example calls us to cultivate friendships marked by sacrificial love, where we are willing to lay down our own interests, share our resources, and affirm the gifts and callings of those around us, fostering a community built on mutual honor and support rather than rivalry. This passage invites us to consider what "robes" or "weapons" of status, comfort, or ambition we might be clinging to, which God might be calling us to "strip off" for the sake of His kingdom and the flourishing of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's act of stripping himself of his robe and weapons challenge my understanding of true friendship and selfless love?**
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with envy or insecurity when others are blessed or elevated?**
* **How can I practically apply Jonathan's humility and generosity in my relationships with friends, family, or colleagues?**
* **What "robes" or "weapons" of status, ambition, or personal comfort might God be calling me to "strip off" for the sake of others or His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jonathan giving his robe to David?**

Answer: The robe (Hebrew: _me'il_) was a significant outer garment, often symbolizing status, dignity, and even royal or priestly office. By giving his robe to David, Jonathan was performing a deeply symbolic act. It represented a transfer of honor, a sharing of his princely identity, and a profound act of humility. It was a visual declaration of his recognition of David's anointing and his willingness to elevate David, even though David was not of royal lineage. This gesture foreshadowed David's eventual rise to kingship, which Jonathan would later explicitly affirm (see [1 Samuel 23:17](/1-samuel/23-17 "1 Samuel 23:17 - Jonathan Encourages David")).

**Why did Jonathan give away his weapons (sword, bow, and girdle)?**

Answer: The sword, bow, and girdle (which held the sword) were essential items for a warrior and prince, symbolizing military prowess, strength, and readiness for battle. Jonathan, as Saul's son, was a skilled warrior himself. By giving these personal weapons to David, Jonathan was not only acknowledging David's incredible victory over Goliath but also bestowing upon him the symbols of a warrior's honor and authority. This act further solidified the transfer of identity and honor, equipping David with the very tools that defined Jonathan's princely and military standing. It was a powerful statement of trust and recognition of David's capabilities, essentially saying, "My strength is now yours."

**Does this act imply Jonathan gave up his claim to the throne?**

Answer: While [1 Samuel 18:4](/1-samuel/18-4 "1 Samuel 18:4 - Jonathan's Gifts to David") is a deeply symbolic gesture of honor and covenant, it doesn't explicitly state that Jonathan formally abdicated his claim to the throne. However, culturally, such a profound transfer of personal items of status and power would certainly be understood as a significant deferral or acknowledgment of a superior claim. Jonathan's actions demonstrate his intuitive recognition of God's hand upon David and his acceptance of God's sovereign plan, even if it meant David, not he, would become king. Later in the narrative, Jonathan explicitly states to David, "You yourself will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you" ([1 Samuel 23:17](/1-samuel/23-17 "1 Samuel 23:17 - Jonathan Encourages David")), confirming that his earlier symbolic act was indeed a recognition of David's future kingship and his own willingness to defer to God's chosen one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's profound act of self-emptying and transfer of honor in [1 Samuel 18:4](/1-samuel/18-4 "1 Samuel 18:4 - Jonathan's Covenant with David") serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate self-giving of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the crown prince and heir to the throne, divests himself of his royal robe and symbols of power to honor David, the one chosen by God. Similarly, Christ, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Self-Emptying")). Jonathan's willingness to step aside for David, recognizing God's anointing, mirrors Christ's voluntary humility in laying aside His divine prerogatives to become human and suffer for humanity. Jonathan's covenantal love for David, which led him to sacrifice his own status, finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ's ultimate covenant love for His church, where He "loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Just as Jonathan equipped David with his own garments and weapons, Christ, our true King, clothes us in His righteousness ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")) and equips us with spiritual armor ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")) for the spiritual battle. Jonathan, the loyal friend who sticks closer than a brother, points us to Jesus, the "friend who sticks closer than a brother" ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")), who demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 41:42

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Luke 15:22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

Esther 6:8

Let the royal apparel be brought which the king [useth] to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

Esther 6:9

And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man [withal] whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.