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1 Samuel 20:40

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 20:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.
1 Samuel 20:40 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37And 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?
38And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan`s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
39But the lad knew not anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
40And Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.
41And 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.
42And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah shall 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 20:391 Samuel 20:41 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, etc.] “His vessels” or instruments; his arms, as the Targum, his quiver, bow, and arrows: f426 and said unto him, go, carry [them] to the city; to Gibeah, to Jonathan’s house, or to his apartments at court there.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad--that is, his missive weapons. The French word artillerie, signifies "archery." The term is still used in England, in the designation of the "artillery company of London," the association of archers, though they have long disused bows and arrows. Jonathan's boy being despatched out of the way, the friends enjoyed the satisfaction of a final meeting.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Artillery - His bow, and arrows, and quiver. Next: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 21”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“artillery: Heb. instruments, Rather weapons, as the word kelim also denotes; and here means the bow, quiver, and arrows. This is probably the only place in our language in which the word artillery is not applied to cannon or ordinance, but simply to weapons of war. his lad: Heb. the lad that was his 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 20:41”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification