1 Samuel 20:39 kjva — But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

King James Version with Apocrypha

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

— 1 Samuel 20:39, King James Version with Apocrypha

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1 Samuel 20:39 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 20 — Context

36

And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

37

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?

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.

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.

1 Samuel 20:39 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 20:39 say?
1 Samuel 20:39 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.”
Where is 1 Samuel 20:39 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 20:39 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20, verse 39.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 20:39.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 20:39 in?
1 Samuel 20:39 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 20:39?
1 Samuel 20:39 reads (KJVA): “But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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