1 Samuel 18:4
New International Version
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.

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

English Standard Version
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his tunic, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

New American Standard Bible
Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his military gear, including his sword, his bow, and his belt.

NASB 1995
Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.

NASB 1977
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even his sword and his bow and his belt.

Amplified Bible
Jonathan stripped himself of the outer robe that he was wearing and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Berean Annotated Bible
And Jonathan (YHWH has given) removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David (beloved), along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military 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.

Contemporary English Version
Jonathan took off the robe that he was wearing and gave it to David. He also gave him his military clothes, his sword, his bow and arrows, and his belt.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jonathan took off the coat he had on and gave it to David along with his battle tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Good News Translation
He took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, together with his armor and also his sword, bow, and belt.

International Standard Version
Jonathan took off the robe that he had on and gave it to David, along with his coat, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

NET Bible
Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with the rest of his gear, including his sword, his bow, and even his belt.

New Heart English Bible
Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.
Majority Text Translations
Majority 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.

World English Bible
Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David with his clothing, even including his sword, his bow, and his sash.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jonathan strips himself of the upper robe which [is] on him, and gives it to David, and his long robe, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his tunic, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jonathan strippeth himself of the upper robe which is upon him, and giveth it to David, and his long robe, even unto his sword, and unto his bow, and unto his girdle.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will strip off the upper garment which is upon him and will give it to David, and his garments, and even to his sword, and even to his bow, and even to his girdle.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jonathan stripped himself of the coat with which he was clothed, and gave it to David, and the rest of his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jonathan took off the coat that he was wearing, and he gave it to David, with the rest of his garments, even to his sword and bow, and even his belt.

New American Bible
Jonathan took off the cloak he was wearing and handed it over to David, along with his military dress, even his sword, bow, and belt.

New Revised Standard Version
Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword and his bow and his girdle.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan stripped the robe which was on him and he gave it to David, and the garments that were on him, unto his sword and his bow and his girdle
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan Befriends David
3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Cross References
And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing

1 Samuel 15:27
As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore.

1 Samuel 24:4
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

Esther 6:8-11
have them bring a royal robe that the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden—one with a royal crest placed on its head. / Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them array the man the king wants to honor and parade him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!’” / “Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.” …
and gave it to David,

1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

1 Samuel 23:17-18
saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
along with his tunic,

Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.

Genesis 37:23
So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing—

Genesis 37:31-33
Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. / They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” / His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”
his sword,

1 Samuel 17:51
David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

1 Samuel 21:9
The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one here.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.”

1 Samuel 31:4
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
his bow,

1 Samuel 20:20-22
I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target. / Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. / But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.

2 Samuel 1:22
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.

Genesis 49:24
Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
and his belt.

Isaiah 22:21
I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.


Treasury of Scripture

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

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;

Esther 6:8,9
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: …

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.

Jump to Previous
Apparel Armor Band Belt Body Bow Clothing David Dress Including Jonathan Military Robe Round Sash Stripped Strippeth Sword Tunic Upper Wearing
Jump to Next
Apparel Armor Band Belt Body Bow Clothing David Dress Including Jonathan Military Robe Round Sash Stripped Strippeth Sword Tunic Upper Wearing
1 Samuel 18
1. Jonathan befriends David
5. Saul envies his praise
10. seeks to kill him in his fury
12. fears him for his good success
17. offers him his daughters for snare
23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law,
25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry
28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase












And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing
This act of removing his robe signifies Jonathan's deep respect and affection for David. In ancient Israel, a robe was a symbol of one's status and identity. By giving his robe to David, Jonathan is symbolically transferring his own status as the king's son and heir to David, acknowledging David's future role in God's plan. This act of humility and selflessness is reminiscent of Christ's humility, as seen in Philippians 2:7, where Jesus "made himself nothing" by taking on the nature of a servant.

and gave it to David
The giving of the robe is a covenantal gesture, indicating a bond of loyalty and friendship. In the cultural context of the time, such an act would be seen as a pledge of support and alliance. This covenant between Jonathan and David is a precursor to the New Covenant established by Jesus, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

along with his tunic
The tunic was an essential garment, worn close to the body. By giving his tunic, Jonathan is offering something personal and intimate, further solidifying the bond between him and David. This act can be seen as a type of Christ's offering of Himself, as He clothes believers in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

his sword
The sword represents power and protection. By giving his sword to David, Jonathan is entrusting David with his own means of defense and authority. This gesture foreshadows the spiritual armor that believers are called to take up in Ephesians 6:17, where the "sword of the Spirit" is the Word of God.

his bow
The bow, a weapon of warfare, symbolizes strength and skill. Jonathan's gift of his bow to David signifies his recognition of David's role as a warrior chosen by God. This act parallels the spiritual battles faced by believers, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:4, where the weapons of warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power.

and his belt
The belt was used to secure garments and weapons, symbolizing readiness and preparedness. By giving his belt, Jonathan is equipping David for the challenges ahead. This is akin to the "belt of truth" mentioned in Ephesians 6:14, which is part of the full armor of God that believers are encouraged to wear.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul, known for his deep friendship with David. Jonathan's actions in this verse demonstrate his loyalty and love for David, as well as his recognition of David's future as king.

2. David
The young shepherd who had been anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point in the account, David is gaining favor in Saul's court and forming a close bond with Jonathan.

3. Saul's Court
The setting of this event, where David is serving King Saul after his victory over Goliath. This is a place of political tension and divine orchestration, as God is preparing David for kingship.

4. The Robe and Weapons
Symbolic items that Jonathan gives to David, representing Jonathan's recognition of David's future role and his own submission to God's plan.
Teaching Points
Selflessness and Sacrifice
Jonathan's actions exemplify true friendship and selflessness. Believers are called to put others' needs before their own, reflecting Christ's love.

Recognizing God's Plan
Jonathan's willingness to give up his royal garments signifies his acceptance of God's plan for David. We should seek to discern and support God's will in the lives of others.

Covenant Relationships
The bond between Jonathan and David is a model for covenantal relationships, characterized by loyalty, love, and mutual support.

Symbolism of Clothing
In biblical times, clothing often symbolized identity and status. Jonathan's act of giving his robe to David signifies a transfer of honor and recognition of David's future role.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:4?

2. How does Jonathan's gift in 1 Samuel 18:4 demonstrate true friendship and loyalty?

3. What can we learn from Jonathan's actions about selflessness and humility?

4. How does Jonathan's covenant with David foreshadow Christ's sacrificial love for us?

5. In what ways can we emulate Jonathan's generosity in our relationships today?

6. How does Jonathan's behavior in 1 Samuel 18:4 inspire us to support God's anointed?

7. Why did Jonathan give his robe and armor to David in 1 Samuel 18:4?

8. What is the significance of Jonathan's gifts to David in 1 Samuel 18:4?

9. How does Jonathan's act in 1 Samuel 18:4 reflect covenant relationships in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18?

11. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?

12. 2 Samuel 1:26: How do critics reconcile David’s intense lament for Jonathan with cultural norms of warfare and rivalry at the time?

13. What lessons do Saul, Jonathan, and David's lives teach?

14. 1 Samuel 18:5-7: Did the women's song about David killing 'ten thousands' reflect historical reality or an exaggeration?
What Does 1 Samuel 18:4 Mean
And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing

- Jonathan is heir to Saul’s throne; his royal robe marks him publicly as prince. By taking it off, he lays down personal privilege.

- This voluntary act mirrors later biblical moments where authority is transferred or acknowledged (Genesis 41:42; 2 Kings 2:13).

- In 1 Samuel 18:3 Jonathan has just “made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself”. The robe removal is immediate proof of that covenant.


and gave it to David,

- The gift makes Jonathan’s intent unmistakable: David is treated as family, even as future king.

- “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13) is foreshadowed here in a royal context.

- Proverbs 17:17 reminds that “A friend loves at all times.” Jonathan’s giving models covenant friendship, not mere sentiment.


along with his tunic,

- The tunic is the inner garment closest to the skin, symbolizing intimate solidarity.

- Isaiah 61:10 speaks of being “clothed with garments of salvation”; Jonathan’s act hints at God-given covering and protection for David.

- Colossians 3:12 urges believers to “clothe yourselves with compassion…”—Jonathan clothes David with tangible mercy.


his sword,

- Weapons were status symbols; a royal sword conferred authority to wage battle in the giver’s name.

- David had defeated Goliath “without a sword in his hand” (1 Samuel 17:50); now God supplies him one through Jonathan.

- The New Testament echoes the meaning: “Take up…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). God arms His chosen servant.


his bow,

- Jonathan was famed for archery (1 Samuel 20:36). Handing over the bow signals sharing both skill and strategy.

- Psalm 18:34 says, “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze”. David, the warrior-poet, receives fresh training tools.

- It further cements the covenant: Jonathan’s own means of defense now protect David.


and his belt.

- In ancient dress the belt held everything together and readied the wearer for action.

- “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14) pictures spiritual readiness; Jonathan equips David for truthful service.

- 1 Peter 1:13 urges believers to “gird up the loins of your mind”, linking the belt with disciplined preparedness—precisely what Jonathan supplies.


summary

Each item Jonathan hands over is a concrete pledge that David will share in Jonathan’s position, protection, and purpose. The robe and tunic speak of identity and intimacy; the sword and bow of authority and ability; the belt of readiness. Jonathan’s self-emptying love affirms God’s sovereign choice of David and models covenant loyalty that anticipates the self-giving love perfected in Christ.

(4) Gave it to David.--It has been suggested that the reason of this gift was to enable his friend David--then poorly clad--to appear at his father's court in a fitting dress; but this kind of present was usual among friends in those remote ages. Glaucus and Diomed, for instance, exchanged armour of a very different value.

"Now change we arms, and prove to either host

We guard the friendship of the line we boast.

* * * * * *

For Diomed's brass arms, of mean device,

For which nine oxen paid (a vulgar price),

He gave his own of gold, divinely wrought:

A hundred beeves the shining purchase bought."

Iliad, vi. 286?295.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֗ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

removed
וַיִּתְפַּשֵּׁ֣ט (way·yiṯ·paš·šêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6584: To strip off, make a dash, raid

the robe
הַמְּעִיל֙ (ham·mə·‘îl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4598: A robe

he was wearing
עָלָ֔יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and gave
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ (way·yit·tə·nê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

it to David,
לְדָוִ֑ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

along with his tunic,
וּמַדָּ֕יו (ū·mad·dāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4055: Extent, height, a measure, a vesture, a carpet

his sword,
חַרְבּ֥וֹ (ḥar·bōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

his bow,
קַשְׁתּ֖וֹ (qaš·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris

and his belt.
חֲגֹרֽוֹ׃ (ḥă·ḡō·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2290: A belt, girdle


Links
1 Samuel 18:4 NIV
1 Samuel 18:4 NLT
1 Samuel 18:4 ESV
1 Samuel 18:4 NASB
1 Samuel 18:4 KJV

1 Samuel 18:4 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 18:4 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 18:4 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 18:4 French Bible
1 Samuel 18:4 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 18:4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:3
Top of Page
Top of Page