2 Samuel 1:23
New International Version
Saul and Jonathan— in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

New Living Translation
How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

English Standard Version
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Berean Standard Bible
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

King James Bible
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

New King James Version
“Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

New American Standard Bible
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, And in their deaths they were not separated; They were swifter than eagles, They were mightier than lions.

NASB 1995
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, And in their death they were not parted; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

NASB 1977
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, And in their death they were not parted; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

Legacy Standard Bible
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, And in their death they were not separated; They were swifter than eagles, They were mightier than lions.

Amplified Bible
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely and friends in their lives, And in their death they were not separated; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul and Jonathan, loved and delightful, they were not parted in life or in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul and Jonathan, loved and delightful, they were not parted in life or in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

American Standard Version
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided: They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

Contemporary English Version
It was easy to love Saul and Jonathan. Together in life, together in death, they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.

English Revised Version
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul and Jonathan were loved and well-liked while they were living. They were not separated even when they died. They were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions.

Good News Translation
"Saul and Jonathan, so wonderful and dear; together in life, together in death; swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

International Standard Version
Saul and Jonathan, loved and handsome in life, in death were not separated. Swifter than eagles they were, and more valiant than lions.

Majority Standard Bible
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

NET Bible
Saul and Jonathan were greatly loved during their lives, and not even in their deaths were they separated. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

New Heart English Bible
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely, not separated. Lovely in their life, and in their death they were not separated. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.

Webster's Bible Translation
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

World English Bible
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Saul and Jonathan! They are loved and pleasant in their lives, "" And in their death they have not been parted. They have been lighter than eagles, "" They have been mightier than lions!

Young's Literal Translation
Saul and Jonathan! They are loved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they have not been parted. Than eagles they have been lighter, Than lions they have been mightier!

Smith's Literal Translation
Saul and Jonathan beloved and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not separated: they were swift above eagles, they were strong above lions.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saul and Jonathan, lovely, and comely in their life, even in death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Saul and Jonathan, worthy to be loved, and stately in their life: even in death they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

New American Bible
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and dear, separated neither in life nor death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions!

New Revised Standard Version
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Shaul and Yonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not separated. They were swifter than eagles, and they were stronger than lions!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Saul and Jonathan, the lovely and the pleasant In their lives, even in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Saul and Jonathan, the beloved and the beautiful, were not divided: comely were they in their life, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, and they were stronger than lions.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Song for Saul and Jonathan
22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. 23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 24O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:1-4
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. ...

1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 14:47-48
After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.

1 Samuel 31:1-6
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ...

1 Chronicles 10:1-6
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. ...

1 Samuel 19:4-5
Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

1 Samuel 23:16-18
And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

1 Samuel 31:11-13
When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, / all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. / Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.

1 Samuel 14:52
And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.

1 Samuel 18:7
And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

1 Samuel 24:16-22
When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud / and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. / And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. ...

1 Samuel 26:21-25
Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” / “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it. / May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. ...

1 Samuel 28:19
Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Samuel 9:2
And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.


Treasury of Scripture

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

pleasant.

1 Samuel 18:1
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.

1 Samuel 20:2
And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.

they were

1 Samuel 31:1-5
Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa…

swifter

2 Samuel 2:18
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

Deuteronomy 28:49
The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

1 Chronicles 12:8
And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

stronger

2 Samuel 23:20
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

Judges 14:18
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.

Proverbs 30:30
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

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2 Samuel 1
1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain
17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song














Saul and Jonathan
This phrase introduces the central figures of the verse, King Saul and his son Jonathan. In the Hebrew text, their names are presented with a sense of honor and respect. Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel, and Jonathan, his son, was known for his deep friendship with David. Their relationship is complex, marked by both familial loyalty and the political tension of Saul's jealousy towards David. The mention of their names together here emphasizes their unity and shared fate, despite the turmoil that characterized Saul's reign.

beloved and delightful
The Hebrew words used here convey a deep affection and admiration. "Beloved" (אָהוּב, 'ahuv) suggests a cherished status, indicating that both Saul and Jonathan were held in high regard by the people and by David, who is speaking in this passage. "Delightful" (נָעִים, na'im) implies a pleasantness or charm in their personalities. This description highlights the positive qualities that endeared them to others, despite Saul's tragic flaws and eventual downfall.

they were not parted in life or in death
This phrase underscores the inseparable bond between Saul and Jonathan. Historically, Jonathan remained loyal to his father even as he recognized David's future as king. Their deaths together in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31) serve as a poignant testament to their unity. Theologically, this can be seen as a reflection of the biblical theme of covenant loyalty, which Jonathan exemplified in his friendship with David and his fidelity to Saul.

They were swifter than eagles
The imagery of eagles in the Bible often symbolizes strength, speed, and majesty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, eagles were revered for their ability to soar high and strike swiftly. This metaphor suggests that Saul and Jonathan were formidable warriors, admired for their agility and prowess in battle. It also evokes a sense of nobility and grace, qualities that were admired in leaders and warriors.

they were stronger than lions
Lions in biblical literature are symbols of power, courage, and dominance. By comparing Saul and Jonathan to lions, the text emphasizes their strength and bravery. This metaphor would resonate with the original audience, who understood the lion as the king of beasts, embodying the ideal traits of a warrior king. The comparison serves to honor their legacy, despite the tragic circumstances of their deaths.

(23) Lovely and pleasant.--This applies peculiarly to Jonathan, but also in a good degree to Saul in his earlier years and his better moments, which David chose at this moment to recall. It also applies truthfully to them both in their relations to each other.

Verse 23. - Lovely and pleasant. The words of the Authorized Version contain a beautiful antithesis, which, however, does not exist in the Hebrew, which celebrates the close union of father and son in life as well as in death.

"Saul and Jonathan, the lovely and pleasant,
Neither in their lives nor in their death were they divided."
Notwithstanding Saul's rash vow, Jonathan had ever been his father's faithful friend and companion, nor had his affection for David made him untrue to the ties of natural affection. And David generously commends his friend for thus acting.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Saul
שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and Jonathan,
וִיהוֹנָתָ֗ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

beloved
הַנֶּאֱהָבִ֤ים (han·ne·’ĕ·hā·ḇîm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 157: To have affection f

and delightful
וְהַנְּעִימִם֙ (wə·han·nə·‘î·mim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5273: Pleasant, delightful

in life,
בְּחַיֵּיהֶ֔ם (bə·ḥay·yê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

were not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

divided
נִפְרָ֑דוּ (nip̄·rā·ḏū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6504: To break through, spread, separate

in death.
וּבְמוֹתָ֖ם (ū·ḇə·mō·w·ṯām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin

They were swifter
קַ֔לּוּ (qal·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

than eagles,
מִנְּשָׁרִ֣ים (min·nə·šā·rîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5404: The eagle

they were stronger
גָּבֵֽרוּ׃ (gā·ḇê·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1396: To be strong, to prevail, act insolently

than lions.
מֵאֲרָי֖וֹת (mê·’ă·rā·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 738: A lion


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OT History: 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 1:22
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