"The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Jonathan Meaning in the Bible
Jonathan
boy
Jonathan means "The LORD has given", a boy's name of Hebrew origin. Jonathan appears in the King James Bible, and 1 Samuel 18:1 is the passage most often tied to it. 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.
Is Jonathan in the Bible?
Yes — Jonathan appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 18:1.
Pronunciation:/JON-uh-thun/
OriginHebrew
MeaningThe LORD has given
What does Jonathan mean?
Jonathan is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "The LORD has given". 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.
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What does Jonathan mean in the Bible?
Jonathan means "The LORD has given" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
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.
Where does Jonathan appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Jonathan is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with 1 Samuel 18:1. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"There is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few."
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What are the variants and nicknames of Jonathan?
Jonathan has 9 recorded variants, short forms, and translations across languages and biblical traditions.
Variants & related forms
Giovanni
Jonah
Common nicknames
John
Johnny
Jack
Sean
Ian
Evan
Juan
Who was Jonathan in the Bible?
Jonathan is most closely associated with the Bible character of the same name. Their story is the reason the name carries the weight it does.
Read About Jonathan in the BibleWhich books of the Bible mention Jonathan?
Jonathan is mentioned across 2 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Jonathan?
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 Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Jonathan:
God Promises to Be Faithful
Bible promises about God's unwavering faithfulness in every situation.
God Promises Contentment Through Him
Bible promises about finding true satisfaction and contentment in God.
God Promises to Answer Prayer
Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
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Word Meaning
Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה (emunah))
Steadfast reliability and trustworthiness — firm, unwavering loyalty.
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What names are related to Jonathan?
Names like Jonathan
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "The LORD has given" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Eliana
"My God has answered"
girl
Abijah
"My father is the LORD; The LORD is my father"
unisex
Obed
"Servant; Worshipper"
boy
Ruth
"Friend; Companion"
girl
Carmi
"My vineyard; Vinedresser; Fruitful"
boy
Eliab
"My God is father; God is my father"
boy
Zilpah
"Dripping; Fragrant drop; Myrrh"
girl
Abraham
"Father of many nations"
boy
Names that pair well with Jonathan
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Eliana
girl
"My God has answered"
Jonathan & Eliana
Abijah
unisex
"My father is the LORD; The LORD is my father"
Jonathan & Abijah
Rebecca
girl
"To bind or captivate"
Jonathan & Rebecca
Abigail
girl
"Father's joy; Source of joy"
Jonathan & Abigail
Abigail
girl
"Father of joy"
Jonathan & Abigail
Abishag
girl
"My father wanders; Father of error"
Jonathan & Abishag
Share the meaning of Jonathan
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Jonathan name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Jonathan appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 18:1.
Jonathan means "The LORD has given." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in 1 Samuel 18:1, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Hebrew. Jonathan comes into English from Hebrew and carries the sense "The LORD has given." It appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 18:1.
Common questions about the name Jonathan
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Jonathan?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Jonathan?
You can read every verse where Jonathan appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.