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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Genesis 41:42
Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.

2 Kings 10:15
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

2 Kings 11:10
Then the priest gave to the commanders of hundreds the spears and shields of King David from the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 11:12
Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”

2 Kings 13:15-17
Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows. / Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. / “Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.”

2 Kings 23:7
He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the house of the LORD, where the women had woven tapestries for Asherah.

Esther 6:8-9
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!’”

Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban.

Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Zechariah 3:4
So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

Matthew 27:28-31
They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. / And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” / Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. ...

Mark 15:17-20
They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. / And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” / They kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him. ...

Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

John 19:2-5
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. / And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face. / Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” ...

Acts 9:17-19
So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” / At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized, / and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.


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.

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Apparel Armor Band Belt Body Bow Clothing David Dress Including Jonathan Military Robe Round Sash Stripped Strippeth Sword Tunic Upper Wearing
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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.(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


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