1 Samuel 20:39 net — (Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)

NET Bible

"(Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)"

— 1 Samuel 20:39, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Samuel 20:39 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Samuel 20 — Context

36

He said to his servant,“Run, find the arrows that I am about to shoot.” As the servant ran, Jonathan shot the arrow beyond him.

37

When the servant came to the place where Jonathan had shot the arrow, Jonathan called out to the servant,“Isn’t the arrow further beyond you?”

38

Jonathan called out to the servant,“Hurry! Go faster! Don’t delay!” Jonathan’s servant retrieved the arrow and came back to his master.

39

(Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)

40

Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the servant who was with him. He said to him,“Go, take these things back to the city.”

41

When the servant had left, David got up from beside the mound, knelt with his face to the ground, and bowed three times. Then they kissed each other and they both wept, especially David.

42

Jonathan said to David,“Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn together in the name of the LORD saying,‘The LORD will be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’”

1 Samuel 20:39 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 20:39 say?
1 Samuel 20:39 in the NET Bible reads: “(Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)”
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 (NET): “(Now the servant did not understand any of this. Only Jonathan and David knew what was going on.)” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2