1 Samuel 20:39

39 The boy had no idea what was going on, but Jonathan and David understood.

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 landed], Jonathan called after him, "The arrows are next to you!"

38 Jonathan added, "Quick! Hurry up! Don't stand there!" Jonathan's young servant gathered the arrows and came to his master.

39 The boy had no idea what was going on, but Jonathan and David understood.

40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy. He told the boy, "Take them back into town."

41 When the boy had left, David came out from the south side [of the rock] and quickly bowed down three times with his face touching the ground. Then they kissed each other and cried together, but David cried the loudest.