1 Samuel 20 39

1 Samuel 20:39 kjv

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

1 Samuel 20:39 nkjv

But the lad did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew of the matter.

1 Samuel 20:39 niv

(The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.)

1 Samuel 20:39 esv

But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

1 Samuel 20:39 nlt

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

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 39 Meaning

This verse underscores the profound secrecy and exclusive understanding shared between Jonathan and David. The servant accompanying Jonathan was an unwitting participant in a critical maneuver, comprehending only the literal act of arrow retrieval, not the underlying coded message meant for David. This complete ignorance of the servant highlights the absolute trust and unique bond between Jonathan and David, whose clandestine communication secured David's life from Saul's relentless pursuit.

1 Samuel 20 39 Context

This verse occurs at a pivotal moment in the complex relationship between Jonathan, David, and King Saul. Following Jonathan's warning to David about Saul's renewed determination to kill him, they devise a plan involving a coded signal using arrows. David is to hide, and Jonathan will shoot arrows, signaling "safety" (arrows nearby) or "danger" (arrows far away). In 1 Samuel 20:35-38, Jonathan carries out this plan, shooting arrows and instructing his young attendant to retrieve them, shouting "Is not the arrow beyond you?" which was the danger signal. Verse 39 emphasizes the critical component of the deception: the servant, being entirely ignorant of the true meaning of Jonathan's words and actions, unwittingly served as an instrument in David's escape. This secrecy protected not only David but also the servant from being implicated or even realizing the mortal stakes of the situation. It highlights the desperate circumstances David faced and the profound loyalty and wisdom of Jonathan in protecting his beloved friend.

1 Samuel 20 39 Word analysis

• But: This conjunctive particle signals a contrast or shift. Here, it introduces the crucial detail that the servant's knowledge was distinctly limited, setting him apart from Jonathan and David. It shifts the focus to the exclusive knowledge.
• Jonathan's servant: (Hebrew: na'ar Yəhônātān). Na'ar refers to a young man, attendant, or servant. It denotes a person in a subservient role. The servant is a common figure in ancient royal households, executing the master's commands but not privy to the intimate details or intentions. His loyalty would be to Jonathan, but his understanding limited to instructions.
• knew nothing: (Hebrew: lō yāda'). Lō is "not," yāda' means "to know," "to understand," "to be acquainted with." The phrase emphasizes complete lack of comprehension regarding the true significance. This ignorance was deliberate and crucial for the plan's success. It served as a protective shield for both David and the servant.
• of the matter: (Hebrew: dāḇār). This comprehensive Hebrew term can mean "word," "thing," "affair," "matter," "command," "message," "report." Here, it encapsulates the entire coded plan, the underlying purpose of the arrows, and the dire implications for David's life. The servant understood only the physical act, not the profound dāḇār.
• only Jonathan and David knew: (Hebrew: rak Yəhônātān wə-Dāwiḏ yāḏa'). Rak is a restrictive particle meaning "only," "nothing but." This word is central to the verse's meaning, establishing exclusivity. Their shared knowledge forged a bond of deep intimacy and trust, distinguishing their friendship from any other relationship, even within a royal court. This secrecy protected the sensitive information from Saul.

• Jonathan's servant knew nothing of the matter: This phrase starkly contrasts the servant's superficial understanding with the profound knowledge held by his master and David. It highlights the strategic use of ignorance to ensure the plan's security and the safety of the messenger. The servant was an unwitting pawn.
• only Jonathan and David knew: This highlights the profound, exclusive intimacy and trust between the two friends. It was a secret covenant, a shared burden, and a vital bond against the hostile world of Saul. This secret protected David's life and showcased the depth of their relationship.

1 Samuel 20 39 Bonus section

The "unwitting instrument" motif seen in the servant is a recurring theme in Scripture, where individuals are used by God (or, here, by men under God's providence) for purposes unknown to them. The secrecy here wasn't merely pragmatic; it solidified the sacredness of Jonathan and David's covenant. This type of deep trust and reliance, where one person puts their life entirely into the hands of another's integrity, foreshadows the ultimate trust believers place in God, even when His full plans or specific "signals" are not entirely clear to them. The vulnerability of David, relying solely on Jonathan's code, demonstrates profound faith in a friend who represented loyalty in a world of treachery.

1 Samuel 20 39 Commentary

This concise verse, 1 Samuel 20:39, serves as a crucial emphasis on the precise execution of Jonathan's strategic deception to save David. It distills the essence of their unique friendship and the perilous situation. The deliberate ignorance of Jonathan's servant underscores the absolute necessity of secrecy and trust in a time of grave danger. Jonathan's wisdom ensured that no one outside their intimate pact, even his loyal attendant, could compromise David's escape or be endangered by their knowledge. This highlights a level of trust and strategic thinking paramount for survival. The "knowing" was a privilege, reserved only for those in the deepest covenant relationship, echoing the sacred nature of intimate covenants throughout the Bible. This also portrays Jonathan's sacrificial love; he knew the cost to his own royal prospects and personal safety by aiding David.