1 Samuel 20:39
New International Version
(The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.)

New Living Translation
He, of course, suspected nothing; only Jonathan and David understood the signal.

English Standard Version
But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

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

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

New King James Version
But the lad did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew of the matter.

New American Standard Bible
But the boy was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.

NASB 1995
But the lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.

NASB 1977
But the lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the young man did not know of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.

Amplified Bible
But the boy was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.

Christian Standard Bible
He did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.

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

Contemporary English Version
but he had no idea about what was going on. Only Jonathan and David knew.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The boy had no idea what was going on, but Jonathan and David understood.

Good News Translation
not knowing what it all meant; only Jonathan and David knew.

International Standard Version
The servant was not aware of anything. Only Jonathan and David understood what had happened.

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

NET Bible
(Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)

New Heart English Bible
But the boy did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the youth has not known anything, only Jonathan and David knew the word.

Young's Literal Translation
And the youth hath not known anything, only Jonathan and David knew the word.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the boy knew not anything: but Jonathan and David knew the word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he knew not at all what was doing: for only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he did not understand at all what was happening. For only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

New American Bible
The boy suspected nothing; only Jonathan and David knew what was meant.

New Revised Standard Version
But the boy knew nothing; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the lad knew not anything; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the boy did not know the matter, but Jonathan and David knew the matter
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the lad knew not any thing; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the boy knew nothing, only Jonathan and David knew.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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.”…

Cross References
Genesis 31:32
If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.

Genesis 44:4-5
They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? / Is this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’”

Joshua 2:4-6
But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. / At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” / (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)

Judges 14:12-14
“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. / But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.” / So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.

2 Samuel 15:34-36
But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ / Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace. / Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.”

2 Kings 6:19
And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Isaiah 29:15
Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”

Jeremiah 38:24-27
Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die. / If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’ / then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” ...

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 26:48-49
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Mark 14:44
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”

Luke 22:48
But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 13:27-30
And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” / But no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to him. / Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

Jump to Previous
Aware Boy David Idea Jonathan Lad Matter Word Youth
Jump to Next
Aware Boy David Idea Jonathan Lad Matter Word Youth
1 Samuel 20
1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath
18. Jonathan's token to David
23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan
35. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David














But the boy did not know anything;
This phrase highlights the innocence and unawareness of the boy involved in the situation. In the context of 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan and David are using a covert method to communicate due to the threat posed by King Saul. The boy, likely a servant or young assistant, is unaware of the true purpose behind the actions he is participating in. This reflects a common biblical theme where God’s plans and the actions of His people are often hidden from those not directly involved, emphasizing the need for discernment and wisdom. The boy's ignorance also underscores the secrecy and danger surrounding David and Jonathan's friendship and the political tension of the time.

only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.
Jonathan and David's knowledge of the arrangement signifies their deep bond and trust in one another. This secretive plan was devised to protect David from Saul's wrath, illustrating the loyalty and covenantal friendship between Jonathan and David. Their relationship is a powerful example of godly friendship, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. Jonathan, despite being the heir to the throne, recognizes God's anointing on David and supports him, foreshadowing the New Testament principle of putting others before oneself (Philippians 2:3-4). This arrangement also reflects the wisdom and strategic thinking necessary to navigate the complexities of human relationships and divine purposes. The secrecy of their plan is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where God's chosen individuals must act with discretion to fulfill His will, such as Moses' hidden identity in Egypt or Jesus' parables that revealed truths only to those with ears to hear.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is known for his loyalty and covenant with David, even at the risk of his own position and safety.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.

3. The Boy
A young servant of Jonathan who is unaware of the true purpose of the events unfolding. He is used by Jonathan to communicate secretly with David.

4. The Field
The location where Jonathan and David meet to discuss their plans and where Jonathan uses the boy to signal David about Saul's intentions.

5. The Arrangement
A secret plan devised by Jonathan and David to determine Saul's intentions towards David. It involves Jonathan shooting arrows as a signal to David.
Teaching Points
The Value of True Friendship
Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the depth and loyalty of true friendship. In a world where relationships can often be superficial, their bond challenges us to seek and cultivate friendships that are rooted in love, loyalty, and mutual support.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
Jonathan's actions demonstrate courage and faithfulness, even when it means going against his own father, King Saul. This teaches us the importance of standing by our convictions and supporting what is right, even when it is difficult.

God's Sovereign Plans
Despite the danger and uncertainty, God's plan for David to become king is unfolding. This reminds us that God's purposes will prevail, and we can trust Him even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Discretion
The use of the boy, who is unaware of the true situation, highlights the need for discretion and wisdom in handling sensitive matters. It teaches us to be wise and careful in our communications and actions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the boy
וְהַנַּ֖עַר (wə·han·na·‘ar)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

did not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

know
יָדַ֣ע (yā·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

anything;
מְא֑וּמָה (mə·’ū·māh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3972: A speck, point, nothing

only
אַ֤ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

Jonathan
יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙ (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

and David
וְדָוִ֔ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

knew
יָדְע֖וּ (yā·ḏə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3045: To know

the arrangement.
הַדָּבָֽר׃ (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:39 But the boy didn't know anything: only (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 20:38
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