1 Samuel 25:11

1 Samuel 25:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Why 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?”

King James Version KJV

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

American Standard Version ASV

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they are?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Am I to take my bread and my wine and the meat I have got ready for my wool-cutters and give it to men coming from I have no idea where?

Free Bible Version FBV

Why should I take the bread and water I've supplied, and the meat I've slaughtered for my shearers, and hand it over to these strangers? I don't even know where they're from!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I haue killed for my sherers, and giue it vnto men, whom I know not whence they be?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and I have taken my bread, and my water, and my flesh, which I slaughtered for my shearers, and have given [it] to men whom I have not known whence they [are]!'

World English Bible WEB

Shall I then take my bread, my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men who I don’t know where they come from?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men, whom I know not whence they are ?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and the flesh of my cattle, which I have killed for my shearers, and give to men whom I know not whence they are?

Translation for Translators T4T

I give bread and water to the men who are cutting the wool from my sheep, and I give them meat from animals that I have slaughtered. Why should I take some of those things and give them to a group of outlaws [RHQ]? ◄Who knows where they have come from?/I do not even know where they have come from.►” [RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

I only give bread, meat and water to my own workers. I can’t just give it to some other mob. I don’t know where they came from.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:11

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 25:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לָקַחְתִּ֤י אֶת לַחְמִ/י֙ וְ/אֶת מֵימַ֔/י וְ/אֵת֙ טִבְחָתִ֔/י אֲשֶׁ֥ר טָבַ֖חְתִּי לְ/גֹֽזְזָ֑/י וְ/נָֽתַתִּי֙ לַֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי אֵ֥י מִ/זֶּ֖ה הֵֽמָּה

וְ/לָקַחְתִּ֤י lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לַחְמִ/י֙ lechem H3899 food N-cs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

מֵימַ֔/י mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp | Suff

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

טִבְחָתִ֔/י ṭibchâh H2878 slaughtered N-fs | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

טָבַ֖חְתִּי ṭâbach H2873 to slaughter V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לְ/גֹֽזְזָ֑/י gazâz H1494 to shear Prep | V-Qal | Suff

וְ/נָֽתַתִּי֙ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs

לַֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֵ֥י ʼay H335 where? Part

מִ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:11

וְ/לָקַחְתִּ֤י lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

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.

לַחְמִ/י֙ lechem H3899 "food" N-cs | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

מֵימַ֔/י mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp | Suff

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

טִבְחָתִ֔/י ṭibchâh H2878 "slaughtered" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means something that has been slaughtered, like an animal for food. It is used to describe meat or a place of slaughter. In the Bible, it is translated as 'flesh' or 'slaughter'.

Definition: slaughtered meat, a slaughter, flesh, meat, thing slaughtered

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: flesh, slaughter. See also: 1 Samuel 25:11; Psalms 44:23; Jeremiah 12:3.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.

טָבַ֖חְתִּי ṭâbach H2873 "to slaughter" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to slaughter or kill animals or people, often in a ruthless manner, as seen in violent battles or sacrifices. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament. This concept is also used figuratively to describe spiritual slaughter.

Definition: 1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter, butcher 1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: kill, (make) slaughter, slay. See also: Genesis 43:16; Proverbs 9:2; Psalms 37:14.

לְ/גֹֽזְזָ֑/י gazâz H1494 "to shear" Prep | V-Qal | Suff

This verb means to shear or cut something, like sheep or hair. It can also mean to destroy an enemy, as seen in some psalms. The KJV Bible translates it as 'cut off' or 'shear'.

Definition: 1) to shear, mow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shear 1a2) shearer (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be cut off, be destroyed

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er). See also: Genesis 31:19; 1 Samuel 25:11; Isaiah 53:7.

וְ/נָֽתַתִּי֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

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.

לַֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-mp

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.

אֲשֶׁר֙ 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.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

אֵ֥י ʼay H335 "where?" Part

The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.

Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.

מִ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:11
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:11
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:11
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:11
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 25:11
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:11

Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail

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. 13And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 8:6	But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?”
2	Galatians 6:10	Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
3	2 Corinthians 6:9	as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;
4	1 Samuel 24:13	As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
5	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.
6	Ecclesiastes 11:1–2	Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.
7	1 Samuel 25:3	His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.
8	1 Peter 4:9	Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
9	John 9:29–30	We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.
10	1 Samuel 25:14–15	Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them. Yet 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.

1 Samuel 25:11 Summary

In 1 Samuel 25:11, Nabal is hesitant to provide for David's men because he doesn't know where they come from, which shows his lack of trust and generosity. This verse reminds us that God calls us to be generous and hospitable towards others, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:28-29, and to trust in His provision, just like the Israelites in Exodus 16:3. By trusting in God's sovereignty and caring for the needs of others, we can reflect God's character and experience His blessings, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7. As we consider Nabal's response, we can ask ourselves how we can demonstrate generosity and trust in God's provision in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Nabal's response in 1 Samuel 25:11?

Nabal's response is in reaction to David's men asking for provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:9, and his skepticism towards David's identity, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 25:10, which reflects his lack of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, similar to the Israelites' behavior in Exodus 16:3.

Why does Nabal question the origin of David's men in 1 Samuel 25:11?

Nabal questions their origin because he is uncertain about David's intentions and is hesitant to provide for strangers, which is a natural human response, but also reveals his lack of generosity and hospitality, unlike the example of Abraham in Genesis 18:1-8.

How does Nabal's response in 1 Samuel 25:11 relate to the concept of generosity in the Bible?

Nabal's refusal to provide for David's men is in contrast to the biblical principle of generosity and hospitality, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:28-29 and Acts 2:44-45, which emphasizes the importance of caring for the needs of others and trusting in God's provision.

What can we learn from Nabal's mistake in 1 Samuel 25:11?

We can learn the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and being generous towards others, as Nabal's mistake led to severe consequences, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:38, and serves as a reminder to trust in God's goodness and provision, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate generosity and hospitality towards others, just like God has shown me?
How can I balance being wise and discerning with being generous and open-hearted, like the example in 1 Samuel 25:11?
What are some areas in my life where I may be withholding resources or support from others, and how can I trust God to provide for me as I give to others?
In what ways can I show appreciation and gratitude for the blessings and provisions I have received from God, and how can I use them to bless others?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:11

Shall I then take my bread, and my water,.... Which include all food and liquors, everything eatable and drinkable; and "water" may be particularly mentioned, because very scarce in the wilderness,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:11

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:11

My water; he speaketh thus, either because in those hot and dry parts water was scarce and precious; or water is here put for any kind of drink, as bread is oft taken for all sorts of meat.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:11

1 Samuel 25:11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give [it] unto men, whom I know not whence they [be]?Ver. 11. Shall I then take my bread.] All Nahal’ s logic was little enough to conclude for himself and his sheep shearers: as those envious Athenians would sacrifice for none but themselves and their neighbours of Chios. Selfish people had as gladly part with their blood as with their goods: it is not the lack, but the love of money that maketh men churls.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:11

(11) Unto men, whom I know not.—In other words, “Shall I give largesse to the enemies of my king—to a band of rebel freebooters?” My water.—The LXX., instead of “water,” read “wine.” This is one of the countless alterations this version arbitrarily makes in the original sacred text. The Greek translators were puzzled at Nabal’s enumeration of “water” as one of the demands of David. Its mention, however, is a mark of the accuracy of the record. Water in many parts of the East is exceedingly precious. The words of Jos 15:19 clearly indicate the especial want of this district of Palestine, when Caleb’s daughter Achsah specially prayed her father for springs of water. Its mention, however, can scarcely, as Dean Payne Smith observes, “mark the abstemious habits of the people,” considering in the same chapter we find the owner of all these flocks prostrate through intoxication.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:11

11. my water] Perhaps water is specially mentioned because it is scarce in the district. Cp. Joshua 15:19. The Sept. however has “wine.”

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 25:11

The mention of water indicates a country where water was scarce (compare Joshua 15:19). Or “bread and water” may be equivalent to “meat and drink.”

Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:11

	Sermon	Description
	Of the Practice of Covetousness in Spending by William Gouge	William Gouge preaches about the manifestation of covetous practices in spending, highlighting two ways: being too sparing and niggardly in all things, neglecting necessities for o
	Justification by Works by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before
	(Last Days) Being Ready for Christs Coming by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared for the second coming of Christ. It highlights the need to have a hidden life filled with the Holy Spirit, love,
	Be Sure, Your Sin Will Find You Out by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors. He shares the story of a man who questioned who his neighbor was,
	The Power of Kindness by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of kindness in our lives as Christians. He mentions that while people may know the Bible, speak in tongues, or preach, they ma
	(Galatians) Ch5:14-Ch6:18 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Galatians 6:4, which encourages individuals to examine their own work and assess their standing before God. The preacher emphasizes the impo
	What God Requires - Mercy by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being merciful and treating others with kindness and dignity, highlighting the need to show mercy and be fair to those around us. It delves