Who was Jonathan in the Bible?
David's compatriot, during the united monarchy
Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul and a prominent figure in the early monarchy of Israel. Jonathan appears in 81 verses across 4 books of the Bible.
The Bible uses the name Jonathan for 2 different people. All 2 are below, each with its own passages.
Jonathan, son of King Saul
Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul and a prominent figure in the early monarchy of Israel. He first appears in the biblical narrative as a brave warrior, leading a thousand men in a successful attack against a Philistine garrison (1Sa.13.2-3). Jonathan's faith and courage were further demonstrated when he and his armor-bearer challenged another Philistine outpost, believing that God could save by many or by few (1Sa.14.6-14). Jonathan is perhaps best known for his deep friendship with David, which began after David's victory over Goliath (1Sa.18.1). The two made a covenant, and Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as a sign of their bond (1Sa.18.3-4). When Saul's jealousy towards David grew, Jonathan interceded on David's behalf, temporarily reconciling them (1Sa.19.1-7). As Saul's hostility towards David intensified, Jonathan helped David escape and reaffirmed their covenant (1Sa.20). They parted ways, with Jonathan remaining loyal to his father while still maintaining his friendship with David (1Sa.23.16-18). Jonathan died in battle alongside his father and brothers at Mount Gilboa, fighting against the Philistines (1Sa.31.2; 1Ch.10.2). David deeply mourned the loss of his friend, composing a lament in honor of Saul and Jonathan (2Sa.1). Jonathan's legacy continued through his son Mephibosheth, whom David showed kindness for Jonathan's sake (2Sa.4.4; 9.1-7). David also spared Mephibosheth's life when the Gibeonites sought retribution for Saul's actions (2Sa.21.7-9). The story of Jonathan and David's friendship has become a timeless example of loyalty, selflessness, and the power of covenant relationships. Despite the challenges and conflicts they faced, their bond remained strong, transcending political and familial ties.
Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.
Compiled by Protos: the verse list on this page. Where one name belongs to more than one person or place, each of them gets a separate entry.
Jonathan, son of Abiathar the
Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, appears in the biblical narrative during the reign of King David. He served as a messenger and informant alongside Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, during the time of Absalom's rebellion against David (2Sa.15.27,36). When David was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's coup, he instructed Jonathan and Ahimaaz to remain in the city and send word to him about any developments (2Sa.15.27-29). The two young men stayed near En-rogel, outside the city, to avoid detection (2Sa.17.17). A servant girl would relay messages to them, which they would then deliver to David (2Sa.17.17). When Absalom's men came searching for Jonathan and Ahimaaz, a woman hid them in a well and covered it, misleading the pursuers (2Sa.17.18-20). The two then escaped and informed David of Ahithophel's advice to Absalom (2Sa.17.21). Later, during the tensions surrounding Solomon's succession to the throne, Jonathan brought news to Adonijah and his supporters that Solomon had been anointed king (1Ki.1.42-48). This report led to the disbanding of Adonijah's faction. Jonathan's role as a messenger and informant highlights the importance of loyalty and communication during times of political upheaval. His service to David, along with that of Ahimaaz, was crucial in helping the king navigate the challenges posed by Absalom's rebellion and the uncertainties of the royal succession.
5 verses: 1 Kings 1:42, 1 Kings 1:43, 2 Samuel 15:36, 2 Samuel 17:17, 2 Samuel 17:20
Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.
Where does Jonathan appear in the Bible?
Jonathan is referenced in 81 verses across 4 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.
- 1 Chronicles 8:33
- 1 Chronicles 8:34
- 1 Chronicles 9:39
- 1 Chronicles 9:40
- 1 Chronicles 10:2
- 1 Samuel 13:3
- 1 Samuel 13:16
- 1 Samuel 13:22
- 1 Samuel 14:1
- 1 Samuel 14:4
- 1 Samuel 14:6
- 1 Samuel 14:8
- 1 Samuel 14:12
- 1 Samuel 14:13
- 1 Samuel 14:14
- 1 Samuel 14:17
- 1 Samuel 14:21
- 1 Samuel 14:27
- 1 Samuel 14:29
- 1 Samuel 14:39
- 1 Samuel 14:40
- 1 Samuel 14:41
- 1 Samuel 14:42
- 1 Samuel 14:43
Showing the first 24 of 81.
Open all 81 references in ProtosWhat else appears in these passages?
These turn up in the same passages as Jonathan.
Common questions
How many people in the Bible are called Jonathan?
Jonathan refers to 2 different people in the Bible: Jonathan, son of King Saul; Jonathan, son of Abiathar the.
How many times does the Bible mention Jonathan?
Jonathan appears in 81 verses across 4 books, most often in 1 Samuel, which accounts for 54 of them.
Which books of the Bible mention Jonathan?
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, 1 Kings.
Where can I read every verse about Jonathan?
This page lists 24 of them. Protos carries all 81, and opens this entry on the verse you are reading rather than in a separate tab.
