1 Samuel 25:13

1 Samuel 25:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And 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.

King James Version KJV

And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David said to his men, Put on your swords, every one of you. And every man put on his sword; and David did the same; and about four hundred men went up with David, and two hundred kept watch over their goods.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Everyone, put on your swords!” David ordered. They all put on their swords, and David did too. About four hundred followed David, while two hundred remained behind to guard their gear.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Dauid said vnto his men, Girde euery man his sword about him. And they girded euery man his sworde: Dauid also girded his sworde. And about foure hundreth men went vp after Dauid, and two hundreth abode by the cariage.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David saith to his men, 'Gird ye on each his sword;' and they gird on each his sword, and David also girdeth on his sword, and there go up after David about four hundred men, and two hundred have remained by the vessels.

World English Bible WEB

David said to his men, “Every man put on his sword!” Every man put on his sword. David also put on his sword. About four hundred men followed David, and two hundred stayed by the baggage.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David said to his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the goods.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then David said to his young men: Let every man gird on his sword. And they girded on every man his sword. And David also girded on his sword: and there followed David about four hundred men: and two hundred remained with the baggage.

Translation for Translators T4T

When David heard that, he told his men, “We are going to kill Nabal; fasten your swords!” So he fastened on his sword and about 400 men fastened on their swords and went with David. There were 200 of his men who stayed with their supplies.

Plain English Version PEV

Then David said to his men, “Get your long knives, you mob. We will go and fight him.” They got their long knives and put them in their belts, and David got his long knife as well. He went off with 400 of his men. His 200 other men stayed behind to watch the camp.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:13

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 25:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ דָּוִ֨ד לַ/אֲנָשָׁ֜י/ו חִגְר֣וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת חַרְבּ֗/וֹ וַֽ/יַּחְגְּרוּ֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת חַרְבּ֔/וֹ וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֥ר גַּם דָּוִ֖ד אֶת חַרְבּ֑/וֹ וַֽ/יַּעֲל֣וּ אַחֲרֵ֣י דָוִ֗ד כְּ/אַרְבַּ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ אִ֔ישׁ וּ/מָאתַ֖יִם יָשְׁב֥וּ עַל הַ/כֵּלִֽים

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

דָּוִ֨ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

לַ/אֲנָשָׁ֜י/ו ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-mp | Suff

חִגְר֣וּ châgar H2296 to gird V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

חַרְבּ֗/וֹ chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff

וַֽ/יַּחְגְּרוּ֙ châgar H2296 to gird Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

חַרְבּ֔/וֹ chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff

וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֥ר châgar H2296 to gird Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

חַרְבּ֑/וֹ chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff

וַֽ/יַּעֲל֣וּ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 after Prep

דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

כְּ/אַרְבַּ֤ע ʼarbaʻ H702 four Prep | Adj

מֵאוֹת֙ mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

וּ/מָאתַ֖יִם mêʼâh H3967 hundred Conj | Adj

יָשְׁב֥וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3cp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/כֵּלִֽים kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:13

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ 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.

דָּוִ֨ד 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.

לַ/אֲנָשָׁ֜י/ו ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-mp | Suff

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.

חִגְר֣וּ châgar H2296 "to gird" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

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.

חַרְבּ֗/וֹ chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וַֽ/יַּחְגְּרוּ֙ châgar H2296 "to gird" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." 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.

חַרְבּ֔/וֹ chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֥ר châgar H2296 "to gird" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

דָּוִ֖ד 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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." 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.

חַרְבּ֑/וֹ chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וַֽ/יַּעֲל֣וּ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

דָוִ֗ד 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.

כְּ/אַרְבַּ֤ע ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Prep | Adj

The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.

Definition: four

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.

מֵאוֹת֙ mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

וּ/מָאתַ֖יִם mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Conj | Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

יָשְׁב֥וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/כֵּלִֽים kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" Art | N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.

Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:13
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:13
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:13
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:13
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:13

Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail

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.

14Meanwhile, 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. 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

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 23:13	Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.
2	Proverbs 25:8	do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
3	1 Samuel 24:5–6	Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”
4	1 Samuel 30:9–10	So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.
5	Proverbs 19:11	A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
6	James 1:19–20	My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
7	1 Samuel 30:21–24	When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him from the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us. Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”
8	Joshua 9:14	Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.
9	Proverbs 14:29	A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
10	Romans 12:19–21	Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On 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.

1 Samuel 25:13 Summary

In this verse, David tells his men to get ready for battle by strapping on their swords. This is because David felt disrespected by Nabal's response to his request for help. David's actions show that he was a strong leader who was not afraid to take a stand, but we must also consider the potential consequences of our actions, as warned in Proverbs 14:29 and Ecclesiastes 7:9. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to balance our emotions and actions, and to seek wisdom from God in our decision-making, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David tell his men to strap on their swords?

David told his men to strap on their swords because he was preparing for battle, as he felt disrespected by Nabal's response to his request for help, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:11-12. This reaction is similar to other instances in the Bible where leaders prepared for battle, such as in 2 Samuel 12:26-27.

How many men followed David in this instance?

About four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies, as stated in 1 Samuel 25:13. This division of men shows that David had a sizable army at his disposal, similar to the armies described in 1 Chronicles 12:23-37.

What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?

We can learn that David was a man of action who was not afraid to take a stand, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:13. However, we must also consider the context and potential consequences of our actions, as David's actions were influenced by his emotions and could have led to harm, as warned in Proverbs 14:29 and Ecclesiastes 7:9.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the chapter, as it sets the stage for the confrontation between David and Nabal, and ultimately leads to the intervention of Abigail, as described in 1 Samuel 25:14-35. This sequence of events highlights the importance of wise decision-making and the potential consequences of our actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:32-34.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I feel like I need to 'strap on my sword' and take a stand, and how can I approach these situations with wisdom and caution?
How can I balance my emotions and actions, like David, to avoid reacting impulsively and instead respond in a way that honors God, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19-20?
What are some ways I can be like the two hundred men who stayed with the supplies, faithfully serving and supporting others even when it's not the most visible or glamorous task, as seen in Mark 9:35 and 1 Corinthians 12:22-24?
How can I learn from David's example to be a leader who takes initiative and makes tough decisions, while also being mindful of the potential consequences and seeking wisdom from God, as described in Proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 10:31?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:13

And David said unto his men,.... Provoked to the last degree to have such a rude churlish answer returned to such a civil and humble message as he had sent: gird you on every man his sword; and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:13

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:13

Gird ye on every man his sword; having resolved and sworn to revenge himself of Nabal, as is expressed, ,22. By the stuff. See 30:24.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:13

1 Samuel 25:13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.Ver. 13. Gird ye on every man his sword.] So subject are God’ s best saints to weak passions; they are men as others are; and man’ s nature is most impatient of contempt and contumely.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:13

(13) Gird ye on every man his sword.—The formal preparation and the largeness of the force told off for the work showed how terribly David was in earnest, and how bent he was on wiping out the insult of Nabal in blood. From the view we have taken of the transaction above, David’s anger is quite to be accounted for, though not to be excused.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:13

13. abode by the stuff] Remained to guard their property. On “stuff” see 1 Samuel 10:22 : cp. 1 Samuel 30:24.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:13

	Sermon	Description
	And David's Heart Smote Him. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of having a tender conscience, as demonstrated by David's remorse after cutting off a piece of Saul's robe. Despite the opportunity to harm Sau
	The Compromising Church by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life free from compromise as a Christian. He urges believers to carefully and prayerfully expose their hearts to
	A Time for Everything by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of one sentence spoken by a carnal Christian. He warns against being a tail bearer or gossip, as revealing secrets can
	A Challenge to All Who Call on the Name of the Lord - Part 1 by Hamp Sirmans	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus in our Christian journey rather than relying on our own strength. He highlights three obstacles that hind
	Why Are You Angry? by Israel Wayne	This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers
	The Overwhelmed Heart by David Rubio	In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of a missionary in Brazil who spoke out against the government's policies and was subsequently imprisoned and tortured. Despite the in
	Reproducing Young Leaders by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects Jesus in order to disciple and encourage younger leaders. He highlights the complexity of life