The Friend – This archetype is represented by Jonathan, who was a loyal friend to David.

The Friend archetype, as depicted in literature from antiquity to the present day, is represented by the character of Jonathan from the Bible. Jonathan's loyalty and self-sacrificial dedication to his friend, David, is a testament to the Friend archetype's highest ideal -- a dedication to honor and fellowship that valorizes loyalty, devotion, and friendship above all else.

Jonathan and David first meet when the prince Jonathan, being son of King Saul, discovers David fighting and defeating the Philistine champion in single combat. Jonathan is immediately taken with David, and a friendship quickly blossoms as the two form a bond of unshakeable loyalty and devotion. It is at this point that we witness the qualities of the Friend archetype fully embodied, as Jonathan is willing to stand behind and support his friend regardless of any personal cost. 

For example, experiencing David's flight from Saul, Jonathan provides assistance to the fleeing David when they meet in the woods of Ziph – risking his own reputation and reputation by aiding David in secret. Jonathan even opposes his own father's efforts to kill David, providing instead advice to his friend on how to remain safe as well as a robe, tunic, armor, and sword to aid him in his escape.

Jonathan later provides further evidence of his steadfast loyalty to David by declaring a covenant of friendship with him, cementing with a kiss and a bow of agreement. It is evident from this display that Jonathan truly values the friendship, publicly acknowledging David as the Lord's anointed after passing on his father's crown and becoming the rightful heir. 

Throughout his life, Jonathan honors his relationship with David and offers aid in whatever ways possible. As a result of his remarkable friendship and loyalty, Jonathan is remembered in the Bible not only as David's comrade-in-arms and loyal friend, but also as a model of friendship, exemplifying the highest ideals of the Friend archetype. 

In contemporary society, too, Jonathan's friendship with David is remembered and respected. He is hailed as a model for unwavering loyalty, faithfulness, and devotion; values which society could stand to benefit from today. As a result, Jonathan serves to remind us of the kind of selfless friendship that is greatest ideal of the Friend archetype.

The Bible is full of inspiring verses about the value of friendship. Here are ten of our favorites.

1. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. -Proverbs 17:17

2. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13

3. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. -Matthew 6:15

4. O ye of little faith, why are ye so fearful? -Matthew 8:26

5. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. -John 15:14

6. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; -John 14:16

7. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

8. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. -Matthew 10:16

9. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. -John 15:5

10. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? -1 John 3:17