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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 20:39 But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_20_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:39 - Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/20-39.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/20-39.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 39</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:38">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:39 <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:40">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />(The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He, of course, suspected nothing; only Jonathan and David understood the signal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But the lad did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew of the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the boy was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But the young man did not know of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the boy was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But the lad knew not anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />but he had no idea about what was going on. Only Jonathan and David knew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The boy had no idea what was going on, but Jonathan and David understood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />not knowing what it all meant; only Jonathan and David knew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The servant was not aware of anything. Only Jonathan and David understood what had happened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But the boy did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But the boy didn’t know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the youth has not known anything, only Jonathan and David knew the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the youth hath not known anything, only Jonathan and David knew the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the boy knew not anything: but Jonathan and David knew the word.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he knew not at all what was doing: for only Jonathan and David knew the matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he did not understand at all what was happening. For only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The boy suspected nothing; only Jonathan and David knew what was meant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the boy knew nothing; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the lad knew not anything; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the boy did not know the matter, but Jonathan and David knew the matter<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But the lad knew not any thing; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the boy knew nothing, only Jonathan and David <i>knew</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6215" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">38</span>Then Jonathan cried out, “Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!” So the boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. <span class="reftext">39</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: wə·han·na·‘ar (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">But the boy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3972.htm" title="3972: mə·’ū·māh (N-ms) -- Anything. Apparently a form of m'uwm; properly, a speck or point, i.e. something; with negative, nothing.">anything;</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">only</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">and David</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the arrangement.</a> </span><span class="reftext">40</span>Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4-5</a></span><br />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!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/2-4.htm">Joshua 2:4-6</a></span><br />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.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12-14</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34-36</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-19.htm">2 Kings 6:19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a></span><br />The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-15.htm">Isaiah 29:15</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-24.htm">Jeremiah 38:24-27</a></span><br />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.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Matthew 26:48-49</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Mark 14:44</a></span><br />Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-48.htm">Luke 22:48</a></span><br />But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-27.htm">John 13:27-30</a></span><br />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. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/4-28.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-11.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the boy did not know anything;</b><br>This phrase highlights the innocence and unawareness of the boy involved in the situation. In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">1 Samuel 20</a>, 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.<p><b>only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.</b><br>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 (<a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_boy.htm">The Boy</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a></b><br>The location where Jonathan and David meet to discuss their plans and where Jonathan uses the boy to signal David about Saul's intentions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arrangement.htm">The Arrangement</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_true_friendship.htm">The Value of True Friendship</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_plans.htm">God's Sovereign Plans</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discretion.htm">The Importance of Discretion</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_jonathan's_signals_in_1_sam_20_verifiable.htm">Are the clandestine signals used by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19-22 verifiable through any parallel ancient Near Eastern texts or historical records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jonathan's_covenant_with_david_inconsistent.htm">Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_high_priest_when_david_ate_bread.htm">Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_saul's_rage_at_jonathan_so_extreme.htm">Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But the boy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַנַּ֖עַר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·han·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anything;</span><br /><span class="heb">מְא֑וּמָה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> </span><span class="str2">A speck, point, nothing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֤ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and David</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדָוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knew</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדְע֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the arrangement.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּבָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(had·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-39.htm">1 Samuel 20:39 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-39.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:39 But the boy didn't know anything: only (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>