1 Samuel 25:19
1 Samuel 25:19 in Multiple Translations
and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.
And she said unto her young men, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.
And she said to her young men, Go on in front of me and I will come after you. But she said nothing to her husband Nabal.
She told her men, “Go on ahead. I'll follow you.” But she didn't say anything to her husband Nabal.
Then she said vnto her seruants, Go ye before me: beholde, I will come after you: yet she tolde not her husband Nabal.
And she saith to her young men, 'Pass over before me; lo, after you I am coming;' and to her husband Nabal she hath not declared [it];
She said to her young men, “Go on before me. Behold, I am coming after you.” But she didn’t tell her husband, Nabal.
And she said to her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.
And she said to her servants: Go before me: behold I will follow after you: but she told not her husband Nabal.
Then she told her servants, “Go ahead of me. I will follow you.” But she did not tell her husband what she was going to do.
She said to her workers, “You mob go ahead. I will follow behind you.” She did not say anything to her husband about it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:19
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 25:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
לִ/נְעָרֶ֨י/הָ֙
עִבְר֣וּ
לְ/פָנַ֔/י
הִנְ/נִ֖י
אַחֲרֵי/כֶ֣ם
בָּאָ֑ה
וּ/לְ/אִישָׁ֥/הּ
נָבָ֖ל
לֹ֥א
הִגִּֽידָה
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לִ/נְעָרֶ֨י/הָ֙
naʻar
H5288
youth
Prep | N-mp | Suff
עִבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לְ/פָנַ֔/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
הִנְ/נִ֖י
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
אַחֲרֵי/כֶ֣ם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
בָּאָ֑ה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
וּ/לְ/אִישָׁ֥/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
נָבָ֖ל
Nâbâl
H5037
Nabal
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הִגִּֽידָה
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:19
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
לִ/נְעָרֶ֨י/הָ֙
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
עִבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
לְ/פָנַ֔/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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.
הִנְ/נִ֖י
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אַחֲרֵי/כֶ֣ם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
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.
בָּאָ֑ה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וּ/לְ/אִישָׁ֥/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | 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.
נָבָ֖ל
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
הִגִּֽידָה
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Abigail Intercedes for Nabal
17Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”
18Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys
19and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
20As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. 21Now David had just said, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 32:20 | You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ” |
| 2 | Genesis 32:16 | He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, “Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 31:11–12 | The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. |
| 4 | Proverbs 31:27 | She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. |
1 Samuel 25:19 Summary
In this verse, Abigail is taking a brave step to prevent a conflict between her husband's household and David's men. She knows that her husband Nabal is not a kind or wise man, so she decides to act on her own to protect her household. This shows that Abigail is a wise and courageous woman who trusts in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. By taking initiative and showing kindness, Abigail is able to prevent a disaster and bring peace to the situation, demonstrating that our actions can have a big impact when we trust in God and act with wisdom and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abigail not tell her husband Nabal about her plan to meet David?
Abigail did not tell her husband Nabal because he was a scoundrel and nobody could speak to him, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 25:17, and she knew he would not approve of her actions, so she took matters into her own hands to protect her household.
What can we learn from Abigail's decision to act without telling her husband?
We can learn that sometimes, as believers, we must take initiative and make difficult decisions, even if it means going against the wishes of others, as seen in Acts 5:29, where the apostles obeyed God rather than men.
How does Abigail's actions in this verse demonstrate her character?
Abigail's actions demonstrate her wisdom, courage, and kindness, as she takes the initiative to prevent a conflict and protect her household, showing that she is a woman of great faith and integrity, as also seen in Proverbs 31:10-31.
What role does faith play in Abigail's decision to act in this verse?
Abigail's faith plays a significant role in her decision to act, as she trusts in God's sovereignty and provision, and seeks to honor Him, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to make a difficult decision without the approval of others, and how did I respond?
- How can I demonstrate wisdom and courage in my own life, like Abigail did in this verse?
- What are some ways I can show kindness and generosity to those around me, even if they may not deserve it?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, like Abigail did, in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:19
And she said to her servants, go on before me,.... With the present, the sight of which she wisely considered would in a great measure pacify David, and prepare him to hear patiently what she had to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:19
And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. Go on before me; behold, I come after you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:19
I come after you; for she knew she could quickly over take them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:19
1 Samuel 25:19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.Ver. 19. Behold, I come after you.] For she knew that none of them all could make her apology so well as herself. But she told not her husband Nabal.] Lest that humorist should have crossed her enterprise, and marred all.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:20-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob crossing the brook Jabbok. Jacob is filled with fear and doubt as he prepares to meet his brother Esau, whom he had mistr |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 64 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus as one's Savior and confessing one's sins. He encourages listeners to find a fundamental church that prea |
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Genesis 32 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of stirring oneself up in the faith. He references the story of Charles Wesley's hymn, "Come Thou Traveler Unknown," to illus |
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A Young Man's Attitude Towards Women by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the loss of innocence and beauty in our culture. He laments how the simple act of touching hands can no longer evoke a sense of awe and excite |
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Sex in Marriage by Richard Sipley | Dick Sipley preaches on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of honoring God's design for sexual relationships within marriage. He emphasizes that sex is not shameful when e |
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Crash Course to a Wonderful Family - Part 3 by David Servant | This sermon emphasizes the importance of diligently raising children in the ways of the Lord, highlighting the impact of parental influence on children's faith and righteousness. I |
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On Sundays, Let All Occupy Themselves in Reading by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of occupying oneself in reading and various duties on Sundays, highlighting the need to avoid idleness and negligence. He advises t |