King James Version
1 Samuel 20:39 in the King James Version says “But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.”
1 Samuel 20:39 · KJV
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows , and came to his master.
But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. artillery: Heb. instruments his lad: Heb. the lad that was his
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“But the lad”
H5288(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“knew”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
“not any thing”
H3972properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
“knew”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the matter”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
1 Samuel 20:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.