1 Samuel 20:39
But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַנַּ֖עַר
But the lad
H5288
וְהַנַּ֖עַר
But the lad
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
1 of 10
(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
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָֽדְע֖וּ
knew
H3045
יָֽדְע֖וּ
knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מְא֑וּמָה
not any thing
H3972
מְא֑וּמָה
not any thing
Strong's:
H3972
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
אַ֤ךְ
H389
יָֽדְע֖וּ
knew
H3045
יָֽדְע֖וּ
knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Historical Context
Protecting servants from dangerous knowledge was both kind and prudent. Tortured servants could not reveal what they did not know. The exclusive knowledge between Jonathan and David intensified their covenantal bond.
Questions for Reflection
- What secrets do you share with close friends that others cannot understand?
- How does protecting others from dangerous knowledge demonstrate wisdom?
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Analysis & Commentary
But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
The narrator's observation - 'the lad knew not any thing' - emphasizes the secrecy's success. Two friends shared knowledge that affected kingdoms while a boy simply retrieved arrows. The phrase 'only Jonathan and David knew the matter' highlights their intimate bond; in a world of intrigue and danger, they alone understood. Such shared secrets deepen friendship. The boy's innocence protected him; what he did not know could not be extracted. Sometimes protecting others means keeping them ignorant of burdens they cannot bear.