BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 1 Samuel 20  › 1 Samuel 20:40

1 Samuel 20:40

← 1 Samuel 20:39 1 Samuel 20:41 →

1 Samuel 20:40 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

And Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Jonathan gave his bow and arrows to the boy, and said to him, Take these and go back to the town.

Free Bible Version FBV

Jonathan gave his bow and arrows to the boy and said, “Take these back to town.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Ionathan gaue his bowe and arrowes vnto the boy that was with him, and sayd vnto him, Goe, carrie them into the citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jonathan giveth his weapons unto the youth whom he hath, and saith to him, 'Go, carry into the city.'

World English Bible WEB

Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy, and said to him, “Go, carry them to the city.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Jonathan gave his arms to his lad, and said to him, Go, carry them to the city.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Jonathan therefore gave his arms to the boy, and said to him: Go, and carry them into the city.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Jonathan gave his bow and arrows to the boy and told him, “Go back to the town.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:40

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 20:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙ אֶת כֵּלָ֔י/ו אֶל הַ/נַּ֖עַר אֲשֶׁר ל֑/וֹ וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔/וֹ לֵ֖ךְ הָבֵ֥יא הָ/עִֽיר
וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙ Yᵉhôwnâthân H3083 Jonathan N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כֵּלָ֔י/ו kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/נַּ֖עַר naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
ל֑/וֹ Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
לֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הָבֵ֥יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:40

וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙ Yᵉhôwnâthân H3083 "Jonathan" N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כֵּלָ֔י/ו kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/נַּ֖עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
ל֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
לֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
הָבֵ֥יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:40

Show Verse Quote Highlights

1 Samuel 20:40 Summary

In 1 Samuel 20:40, Jonathan gives his equipment to a boy to send a message to his friend David. This shows that Jonathan was willing to take risks and be creative in order to support and communicate with his friend. We can learn from Jonathan's example by being willing to go out of our way to support and encourage those around us, just as we see in Proverbs 17:17 and John 15:13. By being loyal and committed to one another, we can build strong and meaningful relationships that bring joy and comfort to those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jonathan give his equipment to the boy in 1 Samuel 20:40?

Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy as a way to send a message to David without arousing suspicion, as seen in the arrangement they had made in 1 Samuel 20:39. This was a clever way for Jonathan to communicate with David without putting the boy in harm's way.

What was the significance of Jonathan's equipment in this context?

Jonathan's equipment likely included his weapons and other items that would identify him as a member of King Saul's family, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:40. By giving these items to the boy, Jonathan was essentially sending a part of himself to David as a symbol of their friendship and loyalty.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of David and Jonathan's friendship?

This verse highlights the trust and loyalty that existed between David and Jonathan, as they had made a secret arrangement to communicate with each other in 1 Samuel 20:39. Their friendship is a beautiful example of the kind of love and loyalty that we are called to have for one another, as seen in John 15:13 and Proverbs 17:17.

What can we learn from Jonathan's actions in this verse?

Jonathan's actions in this verse demonstrate his bravery, loyalty, and willingness to take risks for the sake of his friend David, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:40. We can learn from his example by being willing to take stands for what is right and to support those who are being persecuted, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46 and Hebrews 13:3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate my loyalty and commitment to my friends and loved ones, just as Jonathan did for David?
  2. How can I use my resources and abilities to support and encourage those who are facing challenges or persecution, as Jonathan did for David?
  3. What are some secret arrangements or agreements that I have made with others, and how can I use these relationships to build each other up and support one another?
  4. In what ways can I be a source of comfort and strength to those who are facing difficult circumstances, just as Jonathan was for David?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:40

And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad,.... "His vessels" (l) or instruments; his arms, as the Targum, his quiver, bow, and arrows: and said unto him, go, carry [them] to the city; to Gibeah,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:40

And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. Gave his artillery - i:e., his missile weapons.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:40

His artillery; his bow, and arrows, and quiver.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:40

1 Samuel 20:40 And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry [them] to the city.Ver. 40. Go, carry them to the city.] The lad he sent away, that David and he might talk together the more freely; for he knew that little pitchers also have ears.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:40

(40) His artillery.—Literally, his implements. The word “artillery,” expressive though it be, would scarcely now be used in this sense; we should now translate the Hebrew word by “arms.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:40

Verse 40. Jonathan gave his artillery] I believe this to be the only place in our language where the word artillery is not applied to cannon or ordnance. The original (כלי keley) signifies simply instruments, and here means the bow, quiver, and arrows.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:40

40. his artillery] i.e. his bow and quiver. From Lat. ars, used in late Latin to mean ‘an implement,’ came the late Latin artillaria, and O. Fr. artillerie, ‘machines or equipment of war.’ The word was used of missile weapons long before the invention of gunpowder. See Bible Word-Book, p. 37.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:40

40. Artillery — Rather, his implements. His bow, arrows, and quiver. Jonathan is not content to dismiss David with a mere signal; he covets one more interview and fond embrace.
← 1 Samuel 20:39 1 Samuel 20:41 →

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate