His name was NabalNabal's name means "fool" or "senseless" in Hebrew, which is significant given his actions in the narrative. This name may reflect his character or be a literary device used to highlight his foolishness. In biblical times, names often held prophetic or descriptive significance, and Nabal's behavior aligns with the negative connotations of his name.
and his wife’s name was Abigail.
Abigail means "my father’s joy" or "source of joy." Her name contrasts sharply with Nabal's, suggesting her positive attributes. Abigail's role in the story is pivotal, as she acts with wisdom and discernment, qualities that are highly valued in biblical literature. Her actions later in the chapter demonstrate her ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and intelligence.
She was an intelligent and beautiful woman,
The description of Abigail as both intelligent and beautiful is noteworthy. In the biblical context, beauty is often mentioned alongside wisdom to indicate a person of exceptional character and capability. Abigail's intelligence is demonstrated in her quick and effective response to David's impending attack, showcasing her as a woman of action and insight.
but her husband, a Calebite,
Nabal is identified as a Calebite, linking him to the tribe of Judah through Caleb, a prominent figure known for his faithfulness and courage (Numbers 13:30). This connection may serve to highlight the contrast between Nabal's character and the noble heritage of his ancestor. The Calebites were known for their strength and loyalty, traits that Nabal does not exhibit.
was harsh and evil in his dealings.
Nabal's harshness and evil dealings are central to the conflict in the narrative. His behavior is characterized by a lack of hospitality and generosity, which were highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture. This sets the stage for the confrontation with David, who had protected Nabal's shepherds. Nabal's actions are in stark contrast to the biblical call for righteousness and kindness, as seen in passages likeMicah 6:8. His conduct serves as a foil to Abigail's wisdom and righteousness, further emphasizing the moral lessons of the story.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NabalA wealthy but harsh and evil man, described as a Calebite. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which is reflective of his character and actions throughout the account.
2.
AbigailNabal's wife, noted for her intelligence and beauty. Her name means "my father's joy" in Hebrew, and she plays a crucial role in the account by acting wisely and diplomatically.
3.
CalebiteRefers to Nabal's lineage, indicating he is a descendant of Caleb, a notable figure from the tribe of Judah known for his faithfulness and courage.
4.
DavidAlthough not mentioned in this specific verse, David is a central figure in the chapter. He is on the run from King Saul and seeks provisions from Nabal, which sets the stage for the events that follow.
5.
CarmelThe region where Nabal's property is located. It is a fertile area, which contributes to Nabal's wealth.
Teaching Points
Wisdom and BeautyAbigail's intelligence and beauty are highlighted, suggesting that true beauty is complemented by wisdom and good character. Christians are encouraged to cultivate inner beauty through wisdom and understanding.
Contrasting CharactersThe stark contrast between Nabal and Abigail serves as a reminder of the impact of our character on those around us. Believers are called to reflect Christ-like character in their dealings with others.
PeacemakingAbigail's role as a peacemaker foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to be peacemakers. Her actions demonstrate the power of wisdom and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
Consequences of FoolishnessNabal's foolishness and harshness lead to negative consequences, illustrating the biblical principle that foolishness often results in destruction. This serves as a warning to seek wisdom and avoid folly.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:3?
2.How does Abigail's character in 1 Samuel 25:3 inspire Christian women today?
3.What can we learn from Nabal's actions about foolishness and wisdom?
4.How does 1 Samuel 25:3 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wise and foolish behavior?
5.In what ways can we emulate Abigail's discernment in our daily lives?
6.How does Nabal's description warn against pride and selfishness in our own hearts?
7.What does 1 Samuel 25:3 reveal about Abigail's character and its significance in biblical history?
8.How does Nabal's description in 1 Samuel 25:3 reflect on his role in the narrative?
9.Why is Abigail's wisdom emphasized in 1 Samuel 25:3, and what does it teach us?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25?
11.1 Samuel 25:3 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming Nabal, Abigail, or their estate’s existence?
12.What role did Abigail play in David's life?
13.Who was Nabal in the Bible?
14.Who is Ahinoam of Jezreel?What Does 1 Samuel 25:3 Mean
His name was Nabal• Scripture simply introduces the man by name, and his name means “fool,” a reality the narrative soon exposes (1 Samuel 25:25).
•Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Nabal will act as though God and His anointed (David) deserve no respect.
•Proverbs 18:7 warns, “A fool’s mouth is his ruin,” foretelling Nabal’s own fate.
and his wife’s name was Abigail• God often pairs unlikely spouses, yet each remains responsible for individual choices (Ezekiel 18:20).
• Abigail’s very presence shows the Lord’s grace—He plants a righteous witness even in a toxic home (Esther 4:14;Philippians 2:15).
• A godly spouse can bring blessing even when the other partner resists (1 Corinthians 7:14).
She was an intelligent and beautiful woman• Beauty and wisdom seldom walk together in Scripture, but when they do, blessing follows (Genesis 24:58–60;Proverbs 31:30–31).
• Abigail’s discernment later averts bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:32–33).
•James 3:13 reminds us that true wisdom is “shown by good conduct,” exactly what Abigail embodies as she rides out to meet David.
but her husband, a Calebite• Caleb’s descendants should have inherited his courageous faith (Numbers 14:24;Joshua 14:6–14); Nabal does not.
• Heritage cannot replace personal obedience—John 8:39–40 shows that lineage alone never secures righteousness.
• The contrast foreshadows Jesus’ teaching that every tree is known by its own fruit (Matthew 7:17–20).
was harsh and evil in his dealings• Nabal’s harshness opposes God’s call for husbands to cherish their wives (Colossians 3:19;1 Peter 3:7).
• His evil business practices clash withLeviticus 25:17, “Do not take advantage of one another.”
•Ephesians 4:31 urges believers to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger,” highlighting how far Nabal stands from covenant standards.
summary1 Samuel 25:3 paints a vivid contrast: a foolish, harsh man and a wise, gracious woman dwelling under the same roof. Scripture records their differences not merely as background but as a living lesson. Heritage or outward success cannot mask a heart set against God (Nabal), while genuine faith and wisdom shine even in difficult circumstances (Abigail). The verse reminds us that character counts, that marriage offers opportunities for witness, and that God will honor those who walk in discernment and humility.
(3)
Nabal.--The word "Nabal" means "fool," connected with
naval,to fade away. The name was probably a nickname given him on account of his well-known stubborn folly.
Abigail.--The famous beautiful woman who afterwards became David's wife seems to have been, as Stanley calls her, "the good angel of the household" of the ill-starred, boorish southern chieftain. Her name, too, which signifies "whose father is joy," was most likely given her by the villagers on her husband's estate, as expressive of her sunny, gladness-bringing presence. Her early training, and the question respecting the sources whence she derived her wisdom and deep, far-sighted piety--apparently far in advance of her age--is discussed further on in the chapter.
The house of Caleb.--In the originalKalibi, i.e.,of the house or family of Caleb. Thus the word isreadin the Hebrew Bible. There is, however, an alternative reading--K'libi--with different vowel-points in the written text, which would be read "according to his heart." Josephus, the LXX., and the Arabic and Syriac Versions understand it as derived fromkelev,a dog, and render--"and he was a cynical man" (that is, "one of a dog-like character"--anthr?pos keunikos).The Chaldee "e domo Caleb," and Vulgate "de genero Caleb," follow the text which is read in the Hebrew Bible, and translated in our version, "of the house of Caleb," which seems, on the whole, the preferable and most likely meaning.
Verse 3. -
Nabal, the word rendered
fool in
Psalm 14:1; literally, "flat," "vapid."
Abigail means "one who is the cause (father) of joy,"
i.e. one who gives joy. She, with her bright understanding and beautiful person (the Hebrew word takes in much more than the countenance; see
1 Samuel 16:18, where it is rendered
comely person), is in contrast with the coarse, churlish man who was her husband. His name was either one which he had acquired by his conduct, or if given him by his parents shows that they were clownish people.
He was of the house of Caleb. The written text has, "he was according to his heart,"
celibbo, i.e. a self-willed man, or one whose rude exterior answered to his inner nature; but there are linguistic difficulties in the way of this reading, and the Kri is probably right in correcting
calibbi, a Calebite, a descendant of Caleb, who had large possessions assigned him in the neighbourhood of Hebron (
Joshua 15:13-19), which is only ten miles northwest of Carmel. The versions support the Kri, though the Syriac and Septuagint render
doglike - one who, like a dog, though he has plenty, yet grudges others. The meaning of the name Caleb is literally "a dog."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Hisהָאִישׁ֙(hā·’îš)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personnameוְשֵׁ֤ם(wə·šêm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A namewas Nabal,נָבָ֔ל(nā·ḇāl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037:Nabal -- a man of Carmeland his wife’sאִשְׁתּ֖וֹ(’iš·tōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalename [was]וְשֵׁ֥ם(wə·šêm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A nameAbigail.אֲבִגָ֑יִל(’ă·ḇi·ḡā·yil)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 26:Abigail -- 'my father is joy', two Israelite womenShe was an intelligentטֽוֹבַת־(ṭō·w·ḇaṯ-)Adjective - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand beautifulוִ֣יפַת(wî·p̄aṯ)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3303:Fair, beautifulwoman,וְהָאִשָּׁ֤ה(wə·hā·’iš·šāh)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalebut her husband,וְהָאִ֥ישׁ(wə·hā·’îš)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male persona Calebite,כָלִבִּֽי׃(ḵā·lib·bî)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centrewas harshקָשֶׁ֛ה(qā·šeh)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7186:Hard, severeand evilוְרַ֥ע(wə·ra‘)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilin his dealings.מַעֲלָלִ֖ים(ma·‘ă·lā·lîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4611:A deed, practice
Links
1 Samuel 25:3 NIV1 Samuel 25:3 NLT1 Samuel 25:3 ESV1 Samuel 25:3 NASB1 Samuel 25:3 KJV
1 Samuel 25:3 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 25:3 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 25:3 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 25:3 French Bible1 Samuel 25:3 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
