Old Testament
The Story of Jonathan
Son of King Saul.
Also: Yonathani (Kiswahili)
Son of King Saul and faithful friend of David.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Jonathan, Saul's son, attacked a Philistine garrison trusting that the LORD could save by many or by few. 1 Samuel 14:1–14
He loved David as his own soul and made a covenant with him, warning him of Saul's intent to kill him. Jonathan died with Saul on Mount Gilboa. 1 Samuel 18:1–41 Samuel 20:1–421 Samuel 31:2
Told in: 1 Samuel
Life at a glance
- Father
- Saul 1 Samuel 14:49
- Son
- Mephibosheth 2 Samuel 4:4
- Death
- Killed on Mount Gilboa 1 Samuel 31:2
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Jonathan
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Attack at Michmash
Jonathan and his armour-bearer climb to a Philistine outpost and defeat it, and panic spreads through the Philistine camp.
More about this event
Places named: Michmash
Covenant with David
1 Samuel 18:1–4 · 1 Samuel 19:1–7
Jonathan loves David and gives him his robe and weapons; he speaks well of David to Saul.
The sign of the arrows
Jonathan learns that Saul is determined to kill David and warns him with arrows in the field; they part in tears.
Death with Saul
Jonathan is killed by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa; David laments him.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Jonathan. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- 2 Samuel 1:17–27 recalls “Death with Saul”
Later recollection
- 2 Samuel 9:1–7 — David shows kindness to Jonathan's son for Jonathan's sake.
Family and relationships
- SaulFather1 Samuel 14:49
- DavidCovenant friend1 Samuel 18:3
Books associated with Jonathan
- 1 Samuel Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
FriendshipLoyalty
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