A common misinterpretation views the intense language of Jonathan loving David 'as he loved his own soul' as evidence of a homosexual relationship, but this overlooks the biblical context of covenantal brotherhood and platonic loyalty between warriors and friends, similar to expressions in Ruth 1:17 or 2 Samuel 1:26, where such affection signifies unbreakable allegiance rather than romantic or sexual intimacy.
I Samuel 20:17
King James Version (1769)
17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
This verse reveals the profound depth of Jonathan's covenantal love for David, compelling him to renew their sacred oath amid threats from Saul, portraying a selfless friendship that rivals love for one's own life and exemplifies loyalty, mutual protection, and brotherly devotion rooted in shared faith and divine purpose.