Jonathan
Pronounced JON-uh-thun
- Meaning
- "The LORD has given"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Jonathan means "the LORD has given" in Hebrew. He was the son of King Saul and the best friend of David — their friendship is celebrated as one of the greatest in all of literature. Jonathan loved David "as his own soul" and protected him at great personal cost. Jonathan demonstrated remarkable selflessness. As Saul's heir, he had every reason to view David as a rival. Instead, Jonathan recognized God's anointing on David and willingly stepped aside, telling David, "Thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee." Jonathan was also a courageous warrior. His daring raid on a Philistine garrison with only his armor-bearer — declaring "there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few" — showed faith that rivaled any of the biblical heroes. His death alongside Saul at Mount Gilboa prompted David's famous lament.
Spiritual meaning
Jonathan's name — 'the LORD has given' — defined his generous spirit. His willingness to surrender his own crown for God's purposes teaches that true greatness lies not in grasping power but in yielding to God's plan.
Related verses (KJV)
"The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)
"There is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few."
1 Samuel 14:6 (KJV)