jonathan

Everyday

1. Jonathan is a common boy's first name. tree →
2. (Bible) In the Old Testament, Jonathan was the son of King Saul and the loyal best friend of David. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education the friendship of David and Jonathan is a famous Bible example of loyal, loving friendship: Jonathan helped David escape when Saul wanted to kill him. In everyday life Jonathan is a common name, short forms Jon or Jonny. In stories it is just a character's name.

Examples

• Jonathan is the new boy in our class. tree →
• In the Bible, Jonathan loved David like a brother. tree →
• Jonathan warned David to run away from King Saul. tree →
• We call him Jon for short. tree →
• Jonathan scored the winning goal. tree →
• The story of David and Jonathan teaches us about true friendship. tree →
• Jonathan Swift wrote «Gulliver's Travels». tree →

Note

A name, so always with a capital J. The name comes from Hebrew and means «God has given». Spellings vary: Jonathan, Jonathon, Johnathan.

In Jewish tradition

Jonathan is the name of several men in the Bible. The best known is Saul's son, who was David's close friend and who died in battle with his father.

Interpretation. Tradition holds up the love of Jonathan and David as the model of friendship that asks nothing in return. The rabbis say he gave up his claim to the throne out of loyalty.

Examples

• of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; (Writings NEH.12.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Jonathan upon thy high places is slain! (Prophets 2SA.1.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the sons of Jonathan: Peleth, and Zaza. (Writings 1CH.2.33, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A name, so always with a capital J. The name comes from Hebrew and means «God has given». Spellings vary: Jonathan, Jonathon, Johnathan.