1 Samuel 23:18 net — When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.

NET Bible

"When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house."

— 1 Samuel 23:18, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Samuel 23:18 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Samuel 23 — Context

15

David realized that Saul had come out to seek his life; at that time David was in Horesh in the wilderness of Ziph.

16

Then Jonathan son of Saul left and went to David at Horesh. He encouraged him through God.

17

He said to him,“Don’t be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this.”

18

When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.

19

Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said,“Isn’t David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon?

20

Now at your own discretion, O king, come down. Delivering him into the king’s hand will be our responsibility.”

21

Saul replied,“May you be blessed by the LORD, for you have had compassion on me.

1 Samuel 23:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 23:18 say?
1 Samuel 23:18 in the NET Bible reads: “When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.”
Where is 1 Samuel 23:18 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 23:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 23, verse 18.
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 23:18.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 23:18 in?
1 Samuel 23:18 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 23:18?
1 Samuel 23:18 reads (NET): “When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2