1 Samuel 20:39

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

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 When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?”

38 Then Jonathan cried out, “Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!” So the boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master.

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

40 Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”

41 When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.