New International VersionOne of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them.
New Living TranslationMeanwhile, one of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and told her, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed insults at them.
English Standard VersionBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them.
Berean Standard BibleMeanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.
King James BibleBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
New King James VersionNow one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he reviled them.
New American Standard BibleNow one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he spoke to them in anger.
NASB 1995But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he scorned them.
NASB 1977But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he scorned them.
Legacy Standard BibleBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he rushed at them angrily.
Amplified BibleBut one of Nabal’s young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Listen, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless (greet) our master, and he shouted at them [in contempt].
Christian Standard BibleOne of Nabal’s young men informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.
Holman Christian Standard BibleOne of Nabal’s young men informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife: “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he yelled at them.
American Standard VersionBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them.
English Revised VersionBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he flew upon them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOne of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, "David sent messengers from the desert to greet our master, who yelled at them.
Good News TranslationOne of Nabal's servants said to Nabal's wife Abigail, "Have you heard? David sent some messengers from the wilderness with greetings for our master, but he insulted them.
International Standard VersionNow, one of the young men told Nabal's wife Abigail: "Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our lord, but he screamed insults at them.
NET BibleBut one of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail, "David sent messengers from the desert to greet our lord, but he screamed at them.
New Heart English BibleBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, "Look, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; and he railed at them.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMeanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.
World English BibleBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; and he insulted them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd one young man of the youths has declared [it] to Abigail wife of Nabal, saying, “Behold, David has sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless our lord, and he flies on them;
Young's Literal Translation And to Abigail wife of Nabal hath one young man of the youths declared, saying, 'Lo, David hath sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless our lord, and he flieth upon them;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd one boy of the boys announced to Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers from the desert to bless my lord; and he will fly upon them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut one of the servants told Abigail the wife of Nabal, saying: Behold David sent messengers out of the wilderness, to salute our master: and he rejected them.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen it was reported to Abigail, the wife of Nabal, by one of his servants, saying: “Behold, David has sent messengers from the desert, so that they might speak kindly to our lord. But he turned them away.
New American BibleAbigail, Nabal’s wife, was informed of this by one of the servants, who said: “From the wilderness David sent messengers to greet our master, but he screamed at them.
New Revised Standard VersionBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he shouted insults at them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless our master; and he railed at them.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd a young man, one of the young men, told Abigal the wife of Nabal, and he said: “David sent Messengers from the wilderness for his blessing to our Lord, and he himself was careless toward them! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying: 'Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he flew upon them.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd one of the servants reported to Abigaia the wife of Nabal, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our lord; but he turned away from them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David, Nabal, and Abigail… 13And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 14Meanwhile, oneof Nabal’syoung meninformedNabal’swifeAbigail,“Look,Davidsentmessengersfrom the wildernessto greetour master,but he scoldedthem.15Yet these men were very good to us. When we were in the field, we were not harassed, and nothing of ours went missing the whole time we lived among them.…
Cross References Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 25:21-22If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Romans 12:18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
James 3:17-18But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
Proverbs 12:16A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Proverbs 19:11A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Romans 12:20-21On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
1 Peter 3:9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Proverbs 15:18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
Proverbs 20:3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
Luke 6:27-28But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Romans 14:19So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Treasury of Scripture But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. railed on them [heb] flew upon them Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildestit in three days, Jump to Previous AbigailAb'igailBlessDavidDeclaredDesertHurledInsultedKindMasterMessengersNabalNabal'sRailedRoughSaluteScornedServantsWasteWifeWildernessYoungYouthsJump to Next AbigailAb'igailBlessDavidDeclaredDesertHurledInsultedKindMasterMessengersNabalNabal'sRailedRoughSaluteScornedServantsWasteWifeWildernessYoungYouths1 Samuel 25 1.Samuel dies2.David in Paran sends to Nabal10.Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him14.Abigail understanding thereof18.takes a present23.and by her wisdom32.pacifies David36.Nabal hearing thereof, dies39.David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives44.Michal is given to PhaltiMeanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife AbigailThis phrase introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the role of a servant who acts as a messenger. In the ancient Near Eastern context, servants often played crucial roles in communication within households. Abigail, Nabal's wife, is introduced as a key figure, known for her wisdom and discernment. This sets the stage for her intervention, which is crucial in averting disaster. The mention of Abigail also foreshadows her future significance in David's life, as she later becomes his wife. “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master
David, at this time, is in the wilderness, a place often associated with testing and divine encounters in the Bible. The wilderness of Paran, where David is staying, is a rugged and desolate area, reflecting David's fugitive status as he flees from King Saul. The sending of messengers to Nabal is a customary act of seeking favor and provision, reflecting the social norms of hospitality and mutual aid in the ancient world. David's request is reasonable, given that his men had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks. but he screamed at them.
Nabal's response is one of hostility and disrespect, which is significant given the cultural expectations of hospitality. In the biblical context, to "scream" or "shout" at someone is indicative of a severe breach of etiquette and a lack of respect. Nabal's reaction contrasts sharply with the expected behavior of a host, especially towards someone of David's stature, who is anointed by God and destined to be king. This sets up a moral and ethical contrast between Nabal's foolishness and Abigail's wisdom, as well as highlighting the theme of divine justice and retribution that unfolds in the narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. NabalA wealthy but harsh and foolish man from Maon, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. He is known for his ungracious behavior towards David's men. 2. AbigailNabal's intelligent and discerning wife, who plays a crucial role in averting disaster. Her name means "my father's joy" in Hebrew. 3. DavidThe future king of Israel, who at this time is a fugitive from King Saul. He sends messengers to Nabal seeking provisions. 4. Nabal’s Young MenServants of Nabal who witness his mistreatment of David’s messengers and report it to Abigail. 5. The WildernessRefers to the region where David and his men are hiding from Saul, specifically the wilderness of Paran. Teaching Points The Power of Wise InterventionAbigail's quick and wise action demonstrates the importance of discernment and intervention in preventing conflict. Believers are called to be peacemakers in their communities. The Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's folly serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and harshness. Christians are reminded to cultivate humility and kindness. The Role of Servants in God's PlanThe young man's decision to inform Abigail shows how God can use anyone, regardless of status, to fulfill His purposes. Believers should be attentive to God's leading, regardless of their position. Responding to InjusticeDavid's initial response to Nabal's insult was anger, but Abigail's intervention teaches the value of patience and seeking God's guidance before acting. The Importance of CommunicationThe young man's report to Abigail underscores the need for clear and honest communication in resolving conflicts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:14?
2.How does Abigail's wisdom in 1 Samuel 25:14 inspire conflict resolution today?
3.What can we learn from Abigail's actions about responding to foolishness?
4.How does 1 Samuel 25:14 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom and folly?
5.How can we emulate Abigail's discernment in our daily interactions?
6.What role does communication play in resolving disputes, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:14?
7.What does 1 Samuel 25:14 reveal about Abigail's character and wisdom?
8.How does Abigail's intervention in 1 Samuel 25:14 reflect on conflict resolution?
9.What historical context surrounds the events in 1 Samuel 25:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25?
11.What role did Abigail play in David's life?
12.Who is Ahinoam of Jezreel?
13.Why did David seek revenge against Nabal?
14.1 Samuel 25:21–22 – Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy?What Does 1 Samuel 25:14 Mean Meanwhile,The verse opens right on the heels of David’s polite request for provisions (1 Samuel 25:5-8). • “Meanwhile” signals a turning point—God is at work behind the scenes while David steels himself for retaliation (1 Samuel 25:13). • Scripture often shows the Lord intervening in the gap between human impulse and divine restraint, as inEsther 6:1-10 when a sleepless king changes the outcome of a plot.
one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail,• A low-ranking servant perceives danger and seeks out the one person in the household with both wisdom and courage (cf.2 Kings 5:13;Acts 23:16). • Abigail’s reputation for discernment is so strong that even the servants bypass their master. Compare this with the Shunammite woman’s influence in2 Kings 4:8-10. • God often uses “the least” to initiate deliverance (1 Corinthians 1:27).
“Look,• The word conveys urgency—“Pay close attention!” (Joshua 2:2). • It frames the report as eyewitness testimony, highlighting truthfulness (John 1:29, “Look, the Lamb of God…”).
David sent messengers from the wilderness• David, Israel’s anointed yet still fugitive, acts honorably by sending representatives rather than taking what he needs by force (Luke 10:1). • From the wilderness—David remains in hardship, yet shows respect; a reminder ofPhilippians 2:3-4 on humble conduct even in lack.
to greet our master,• David’s message was one of shalom: “Peace be to you…” (1 Samuel 25:6). •Romans 12:18 echoes this attitude: “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” • The servant’s phrase “our master” acknowledges Nabal’s position while exposing his failure to act as a true leader (Proverbs 27:23).
but he screamed at them.• Nabal’s reaction (“he flew at them,” v. 14 margin) is the opposite of hospitality commanded inLeviticus 19:34. •Proverbs 15:1 shows the folly of harsh words stirring up anger, and1 Samuel 25:10-11 records Nabal’s contemptuous tirade. • His outburst not only insults David but jeopardizes the entire household—echoing the peril brought by foolish speech inJames 3:5-6.
summary1 Samuel 25:14 spotlights God’s providential rescue plan. A nameless servant recognizes the crisis Nabal’s arrogance has created and turns to Abigail, whose quick, wise action will avert bloodshed (vv. 18-31). The verse contrasts David’s respectful approach with Nabal’s scorn, underscoring Scripture’s enduring lesson: humble words and prudent intervention can diffuse explosive situations, while prideful shouting invites disaster (Proverbs 29:23;Matthew 5:9). (14) But one of the young men told Abigail.--The servant of Nabal--accustomed, no doubt, to his master's wild and ungovernable displays of temper had heard the insulting words which Nabal spoke to the armed messenger of the famous outlaw captain; and probably gathering from the angry demeanour of these warlike followers of David how deadly was the insult--aware, too, how great was the power of the man thus insulted--came at once, and recounted to his mistress what had taken place. Abigail had, no doubt, often acted as peace-maker between her intemperate husband and his neighbours, and on hearing the story and how imprudently her husband had behaved, saw that no time must be lost, for with a clever woman's wit she saw that grave consequences would surely follow the churlish refusal and the rash words, which betrayed at once the jealous adherent of Saul and the bitter enemy of the powerful outlaw. Verses 14-17. - One of the young men. Hebrew, "a lad of the lads," i.e. one of the servants (see on the word 1 Samuel 1:24); when used in this sense it has no reference to age (see 1 Samuel 2:17). This man was probably some old and confidential servitor. To salute. Hebrew, "to bless" (see 1 Samuel 13:10; 2 Kings 4:29). He railed on them. Literally, "flew upon them like a bird of prey." We were not hurt. Literally, "not put to shame" (see on ver. 7). The language of a people always bears witness to their character, and it is a mark of the high spirit of the Israelites that they thought less of the loss than of the disgrace of an injury. As long as we were conversant with them. Hebrew, "as long as we went about with them." In the fields. Really, "in the field," the wilderness, the common pasture land. A wall.I.e. a sure protection both against wild beasts and Amalekite and other plunderers. A son of Belial. A worthless, bad man (see on 1 Samuel 1:16), so coarse and violent that it is hopeless to expostulate with him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Meanwhile, oneאֶחָ֛ד(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstof Nabal’sנַֽעַר־(na·‘ar-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retaineryoung menמֵהַנְּעָרִ֖ים(mê·han·nə·‘ā·rîm)Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainerinformedהִגִּ֧יד(hig·gîḏ)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousNabal’sנָבָ֔ל(nā·ḇāl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037:Nabal -- a man of Carmelwifeאֵ֣שֶׁת(’ê·šeṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleAbigail,וְלַאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙(wə·la·’ă·ḇî·ḡa·yil)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 26:Abigail -- 'my father is joy', two Israelite women“Look,הִנֵּ֣ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!Davidדָּוִ֨ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessesentשָׁלַח֩(šā·laḥ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outmessengersמַלְאָכִ֧ים ׀(mal·’ā·ḵîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397:A messenger, of God, an angelfrom the wildernessמֵֽהַמִּדְבָּ֛ר(mê·ham·miḏ·bār)Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057:A pasture, a desert, speechto greetלְבָרֵ֥ךְ(lə·ḇā·rêḵ)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to curseour master,אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ(’ă·ḏō·nê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controllerbut he scolded them.וַיָּ֥עַט(way·yā·‘aṭ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5860:To swoop down upon
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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:14 But one of the young men told (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
