1 Samuel 20:39

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.

American Standard Version (1901)

But the lad knew not anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Bible in Basic English

But the boy had no idea what was going on; only Jonathan and David had knowledge of it.

Free Bible Version

The boy didn't suspect anything—only Jonathan and David knew what it meant.

King James (Authorized) Version

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Translation for Translators

But the boy did not understand the meaning of what Jonathan had said; only Jonathan and David knew.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But the young man did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Noah Webster Bible

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

World English Bible

But the boy didn’t know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Young's Literal Translation

And the youth hath not known anything, only Jonathan and David knew the word.

Context

Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan

³⁸Then Jonathan cried out, “Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!” So the boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master.³⁹But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.⁴⁰Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”

Summary

In this verse, Jonathan and David reaffirm their covenant of friendship and loyalty to one another. Jonathan's actions demonstrate his commitment to protect David from his father, King Saul, who sought to kill him. Their bond reflects a deep and sacrificial love, as Jonathan risks his own safety to warn David of danger. This passage showcases the importance of genuine friendship and the lengths to which true friends are willing to go for one another.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But the lad knew not anything,.... What was meant by shooting the arrows, and by shooting them beyond where he was, and by bidding him make haste to bring them: only Jonathan and David knew the matter; what was signified by them, those being signs agreed upon between them.

1 Samuel 20:39

Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.

American Standard Version (1901)

But the lad knew not anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Bible in Basic English

But the boy had no idea what was going on; only Jonathan and David had knowledge of it.

Free Bible Version

The boy didn't suspect anything—only Jonathan and David knew what it meant.

King James (Authorized) Version

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Translation for Translators

But the boy did not understand the meaning of what Jonathan had said; only Jonathan and David knew.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But the young man did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Noah Webster Bible

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

World English Bible

But the boy didn’t know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Young's Literal Translation

And the youth hath not known anything, only Jonathan and David knew the word.