King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:40 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:40 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. artillery: Heb. instruments...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 20:40 · KJV

Context

38

And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows , and came to his master.

39

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

40

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

41

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.

42

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. forasmuch: or, the LORD be witness of that which etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

Jonathan dismissed the servant - 'Go, carry them to the city' - creating privacy for his farewell with David. The term 'artillery' (bow and arrows) represented the tools of communication that had served their purpose. Sending the boy away removed the witness, allowing the friends to meet directly despite the danger. Jonathan's instruction was simple but decisive, ending the coded communication phase and beginning their final private moments. Sometimes we must create space for grief and farewell by dismissing others.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew term translated 'artillery' refers to bow and arrows. Servants typically carried equipment for their masters. Sending the boy to the city removed him from the field, creating isolation for the friends' parting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you create space for significant private moments with close friends?
  2. What does Jonathan's deliberate dismissal of the servant teach about the importance of unwitnessed farewell?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן1 of 13

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙2 of 13

“And Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כֵּלָ֔יו4 of 13

“his artillery”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

אֶל5 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנַּ֖עַר6 of 13

“unto his 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

אֲשֶׁר7 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֑וֹ8 of 13
H0
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר9 of 13

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ10 of 13
H0
לֵ֖ךְ11 of 13
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָבֵ֥יא12 of 13

“carry”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָעִֽיר׃13 of 13

“them to the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 20:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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