1 Samuel 20:39

39 The boy, of course, knew nothing of what was going on. Only Jonathan and David knew.

1 Samuel 20:39 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:39

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 In-Context

37 As the boy came to the area where the arrow had been shot, Jonathan yelled out, "Isn't the arrow farther out?"
38 He yelled again, "Hurry! Quickly! Don't just stand there!" Jonathan's servant then picked up the arrow and brought it to his master.
39 The boy, of course, knew nothing of what was going on. Only Jonathan and David knew.
40 Jonathan gave his quiver and bow to the boy and sent him back to town.
41 After the servant was gone, David got up from his hiding place beside the boulder, then fell on his face to the ground - three times prostrating himself! And then they kissed one another and wept, friend over friend, David weeping especially hard.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.