1 Samuel 25:10

1 Samuel 25:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.

King James Version KJV

¶ And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

American Standard Version ASV

And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there are many servants now-a-days that break away every man from his master.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Nabal gave them his answer and said, Who is David? who is the son of Jesse? there are a number of servants in these days running away from their masters.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Who does this ‘David, son of Jesse’ think he is?” Nabal replied. “Nowadays there are many servants on the run from their masters!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Nabal answered Dauids seruantes, and sayd, Who is Dauid? and who is the sonne of Ishai? there be many seruantes nowe a dayes, that breake away euery man from his master.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Nabal answereth the servants of David and saith, 'Who [is] David, and who the son of Jesse? to-day have servants been multiplied who are breaking away each from his master;

World English Bible WEB

Nabal answered David’s servants and said, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants who break away from their masters these days.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there are many servants in these days that break away every man from his master.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Nabal answering the servants of David, said: Who is David? and what is the son of Isai? servants are multiplied now a days who flee from their masters.

Translation for Translators T4T

He said to them, “Who does this man, this son of Jesse, think that he is? [DOU, RHQ] There are many slaves who are running away from their masters at the present time, and it seems to me that he is just one of them.

Plain English Version PEV

Then he asked them, “Who does this man David think he is? That son of Jesse is just like other workers that run away from their bosses.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:10

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 25:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּ֨עַן נָבָ֜ל אֶת עַבְדֵ֤י דָוִד֙ וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר מִ֥י דָוִ֖ד וּ/מִ֣י בֶן יִשָׁ֑י הַ/יּוֹם֙ רַבּ֣וּ עֲבָדִ֔ים הַ/מִּתְפָּ֣רְצִ֔ים אִ֖ישׁ מִ/פְּנֵ֥י אֲדֹנָֽי/ו

וַ/יַּ֨עַן ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

נָבָ֜ל Nâbâl H5037 Nabal N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עַבְדֵ֤י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מִ֥י mîy H4310 who? Part

דָוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

יִשָׁ֑י Yishay H3448 Jesse N-proper

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

רַבּ֣וּ râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Qal-Perf-3cp

עֲבָדִ֔ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

הַ/מִּתְפָּ֣רְצִ֔ים pârats H6555 to break through Art | V-Hithpael

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

מִ/פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

אֲדֹנָֽי/ו ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:10

וַ/יַּ֨עַן ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

נָבָ֜ל Nâbâl H5037 "Nabal" N-proper

Nabal was an Israelite who lived during King David's time, known for being foolish and spurning David's messengers. His wife Abigail intervened on his behalf, later becoming David's wife after Nabal's death. Nabal means 'fool' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.25.3; married to Abigail (H0026) § Nabhal or Nabal = "fool" a man of Carmel who spurned David's messengers, then died of shock when he realised it might cause his death; his case was pleaded by his wife Abigail who became David's wife after his death

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Nabal. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; 1 Samuel 25:34; 2 Samuel 3:3.

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.

עַבְדֵ֤י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר 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.

מִ֥י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

דָוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Part

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשָׁ֑י Yishay H3448 "Jesse" N-proper

Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Obed (H5744); father of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J) Also named: Iessai (Ἰεσσαί "Jesse" G2421) § Jesse = "I possess" son of Boaz and the father of king David

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

רַבּ֣וּ râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.

Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.

עֲבָדִ֔ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

הַ/מִּתְפָּ֣רְצִ֔ים pârats H6555 "to break through" Art | V-Hithpael

To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.

Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

מִ/פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

אֲדֹנָֽי/ו ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:10
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:10

Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail

8Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can spare to your servants and to your son David.’” 9When David’s young men arrived, they relayed all these words to Nabal on behalf of David. Then they waited.

10But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.

11Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” 12So David’s men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 9:28	Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech?
2	Isaiah 32:7	The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.
3	1 Samuel 22:7–8	Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”
4	Exodus 5:2	But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”
5	2 Samuel 20:1	Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!”
6	Isaiah 32:5	No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected.
7	Psalms 73:7–8	From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
8	Psalms 123:3–4	Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.
9	1 Kings 12:16	When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,
10	1 Samuel 22:2	And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 25:10 Summary

In this verse, Nabal is responding to David's request for food and supplies by asking who David is and why he should care about him. This shows that Nabal is a proud and selfish man who does not recognize David's authority or value his request. This is similar to how the Israelites did not recognize God's authority in Exodus 16:2-3. Nabal's response is also a reflection of his character, as seen in his refusal to show hospitality to David's men, which is in contrast to the biblical principle of showing kindness to others in Proverbs 19:17. We can learn from this verse to be humble and recognize God's leaders and authority figures in our lives, and to show kindness and hospitality to others, just as God shows kindness to us (Psalm 103:2-5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nabal respond so harshly to David's request?

Nabal responded harshly because he was a proud and selfish man, as seen in his statement in 1 Samuel 25:10, and he did not recognize David's authority or value his request, much like the Israelites did not recognize God's authority in Exodus 16:2-3.

Who was Jesse and why is he mentioned in this verse?

Jesse was David's father, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:1, and Nabal's reference to him in 1 Samuel 25:10 is a way of belittling David's heritage and questioning his importance.

What does Nabal mean by 'many servants these days are breaking away from their masters'?

Nabal is implying that David is just another runaway servant trying to gain power and wealth for himself, rather than recognizing him as a leader anointed by God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13.

How does Nabal's response reflect his character?

Nabal's response reflects his selfish and arrogant character, as seen in his refusal to show hospitality to David's men in 1 Samuel 25:10-11, which is in contrast to the biblical principle of showing kindness to others in Proverbs 19:17.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show hospitality to others, just as David's men were seeking from Nabal?
How can I recognize and respond to God's leaders and authority figures in my life, rather than responding like Nabal?
What are some areas in my life where I may be acting selfishly or pridefully, like Nabal, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
How can I trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with difficult or harsh responses from others, like David did in this situation?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:10

And Nabal answered David's servants, and said,.... In a very haughty manner, in great wrath, just as churlish covetous persons do, when they do not care to give what is asked of them: who [is] David?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:10

And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Who is David?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10

Who is David? what relation or obligation have I to David? There be many servants now a days that break away; hereby he taxeth both David, as one revolted from and risen up against Saul his lord and master; and his soldiers as runagates from their masters and creditors, &c. See .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10

1 Samuel 25:10 And Nabal answered David’ s servants, and said, Who [is] David? and who [is] the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.Ver. 10. Who is David?] q.d., I know him not: and yet all Israel knew and honoured David as their deliverer. But this unworthy Pamphagus, to save his victuals, will either make him a man of no merits, or ill; either an obscure man, or a fugitive: and yet he was of his own tribe: but one had as good deal with a cannibal, as with a truly covetous captive. That break away every man from his master.] As dammed rivers break the banks; or as refractory cattle break their bands, and run away from their owners. Here he maketh no better of David and his men than rogues and runaways. But David was now poor, and himself rich, therefore he thought he might say or do anything. David asked him bread; he gave him a stone. “ Stultitiam patiuntur opes. ”

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10

(10) There be many servants now a days that break away.—This evident insult indicates that Nabal was of the faction of Saul at this time—was reckoned among those who hated David. It was the report of these words, doubtless, which so furiously excited David. In Nabal, the rich sheep-master, the churlish refuser of the fairly earned gift, he saw a deadly political adversary—one who, with men like Doeg and Cush, would hunt him down like a wild beast. Without this explanation, David’s wrath and determination to take such speedy and bloody vengeance on a mere selfish churl is inexplicable. With the light, however, which such an open declaration of deadly hostility on the part of Nabal throws on the transaction, the subsequent passionate conduct of David, although deeply blameable, is not difficult to understand.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:10

Verse 10. Who is David?] Nabal's answer shows the surliness of his disposition. It was unjust to refuse so reasonable a request; and the manner of the refusal was highly insulting. It is true what his own servants said of him, He is such a son of Belial that one cannot speak to him, 1 Samuel 25:17.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:10

10. Who is David, &c.] Cp. Judges 9:38.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:10

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Samuel) How Not to Respond to an Insult by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man named Naval from the book of 1 Samuel. Naval was a wealthy man, but lacked character and was harsh and evil in his actions
	The Beatitudes the First Beatitude by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound truth of the first Beatitude, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven,' highlighting that true blessedness comes not
	A Good Reminder About a Bad Heart by Jack Hayford	Jack Hayford delves into the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, highlighting the dangers of heart-hardness and resistance to God. He emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, a
	Homily 65 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and lowliness of heart, contrasting it with the dangers of arrogance and pride. He emphasizes how true greatness comes from s
	He Dares Spit in the Very Face of God Himself! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their o
	Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif
	1 Corinthians 3:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches to the Corinthians about the dangers of being carnal and not spiritual, highlighting the need to grow in faith and knowledge of God's wisdom. He emphasizes