1 Samuel 18:3 kjva — Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul."

— 1 Samuel 18:3, King James Version with Apocrypha

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1 Samuel 18:3 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Samuel 18 — Context

1

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

2

And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.

3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

4

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.

5

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

6

And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.

1 Samuel 18:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 18:3 say?
1 Samuel 18:3 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.”
Where is 1 Samuel 18:3 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 18:3 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 18, verse 3.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 18:3.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 18:3 in?
1 Samuel 18:3 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 18:3?
1 Samuel 18:3 reads (KJVA): “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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