Definition: I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 1:26. It's a really interesting and complex passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan…” – This is the speaker, likely David, expressing sadness and concern for his brother, Jonathan. “Distressed” means upset or worried. “…very pleasant hast thou been unto me…” – This is a crucial part. The speaker is saying that Jonathan has been extremely kind and considerate to him. He’s been incredibly good to David. “Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” – This is the core of the verse. It's comparing Jonathan’s love for David to something far more profound than just general kindness. It suggests his love was exceptional . “Wonderful” means truly great and beautiful; "passing" means it surpassed anything else. It implies a level of devotion that went beyond typical brotherly affection – a love so intense it rivals even the love of women! Overall, the verse is saying: David feels deeply grateful for Jonathan’s unwavering kindness and loyalty to him. He's incredibly impressed by the depth and quality of his brother’s affection. What does this tell us about David? This passage highlights several things: David's deep affection for Jonathan: It shows a strong bond between them, potentially rooted in a shared history or a sense of mutual respect. Jonathan's character: The verse suggests Jonathan is a man of exceptional virtue and loyalty. He doesn’t just care for David; he goes to great lengths to be kind and supportive. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign of Jonathan’s unwavering faith and devotion to David, perhaps even suggesting a deep spiritual connection. It's not necessarily about romantic love, but rather a profound and selfless dedication. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore the possible interpretations of this verse in more detail?