1 Samuel 25:3
1 Samuel 25:3 in Multiple Translations
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.
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail; and the woman was of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
Now this man was named Nabal, and his wife's name was Abigail: she was a woman of good sense and pleasing looks: but the man was cruel and evil in his ways; he was of the family of Caleb.
The man's name was Nabal, and his wife's name was Abigail. She was a wise and beautiful woman, but her husband was cruel and treated people badly. He was a descendant of Caleb.
The name also of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail, and she was a woman of singular wisdome, and beautifull, but the man was churlish, and euil conditioned, and was of the familie of Caleb.
And the name of the man [is] Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail, and the woman [is] of good understanding, and of fair form, and the man [is] hard and evil [in] doings; and he [is] a Calebite.
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail. This woman was intelligent and had a beautiful face; but the man was surly and evil in his doings. He was of the house of Caleb.
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
Now the name of the man was Nabal: and the name of his wife was Abigail. And she was a prudent and very comely woman, but her husband was churlish, and very bad and ill natured: and he was of the house of Caleb.
His name was Nabal; he was a descendant of Caleb. His wife Abigail was a wise and beautiful woman, but Nabal was very cruel and treated people very unkindly [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:3
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 25:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֵׁ֤ם
הָ/אִישׁ֙
נָבָ֔ל
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
אֲבִגָ֑יִל
וְ/הָ/אִשָּׁ֤ה
טֽוֹבַת
שֶׂ֨כֶל֙
וִ֣/יפַת
תֹּ֔אַר
וְ/הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
קָשֶׁ֛ה
וְ/רַ֥ע
מַעֲלָלִ֖ים
וְ/ה֥וּא
כ/לב/ו
כָלִבִּֽי
וְ/שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
נָבָ֔ל
Nâbâl
H5037
Nabal
N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
אֲבִגָ֑יִל
ʼĂbîygayil
H26
Abigail
N-proper
וְ/הָ/אִשָּׁ֤ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | Art | N-fs
טֽוֹבַת
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
שֶׂ֨כֶל֙
sekel
H7922
understanding
N-ms
וִ֣/יפַת
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Conj | Adj
תֹּ֔אַר
tôʼar
H8389
appearance
N-ms
וְ/הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Art | N-ms
קָשֶׁ֛ה
qâsheh
H7186
severe
Adj
וְ/רַ֥ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Conj | Adj
מַעֲלָלִ֖ים
maʻălâl
H4611
deed
N-mp
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
כ/לב/ו
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כָלִבִּֽי
Kâlibbôw
H3614
Calebite
Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:3
וְ/שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | 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.
נָבָ֔ל
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.
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֲבִגָ֑יִל
ʼĂbîygayil
H26
"Abigail"
N-proper
Abigail was an Israelite woman, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:25, known for her wisdom and kindness. She was the daughter of Nahash and married to Jether, and later to King David. Abigail is also the name of another Israelite woman.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.17.25; daughter of: Nahash (H5176I) and Nahash (H5176I)(?); sister of: David (H1732)(?), Eliab (H0446I)(?), Abinadab (H0041I)(?), Shimeah (H8093)(?), Nethanel (H5417H)(?), Raddai (H7288)(?), Ozem (H0684)(?), Zeruiah (H6870)(?), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J)(?); married to Jether (H3500H); mother of: Amasa (H6021) § Abigail = "my father is joy" sister of David
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Abigal. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; 1 Samuel 25:42; 1 Chronicles 3:1.
וְ/הָ/אִשָּׁ֤ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
טֽוֹבַת
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
שֶׂ֨כֶל֙
sekel
H7922
"understanding"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means understanding or intelligence, implying success. It involves prudence and insight, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean cunning or craft.
Definition: 1) prudence, insight, understanding 1a) prudence, good sense 1b) insight, understanding 1c) cunning, craft (bad sense) Aramaic equivalent: sokh.le.ta.nu (שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ "insight" H7924)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 3:4.
וִ֣/יפַת
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Conj | Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
תֹּ֔אַר
tôʼar
H8389
"appearance"
N-ms
This word refers to someone's appearance or figure, describing their shape or form. It can also mean beautiful or comely, conveying a sense of attractiveness. The KJV translates it as beautiful or fair.
Definition: shape, form, outline, figure, appearance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage. See also: Genesis 29:17; 1 Samuel 25:3; Isaiah 52:14.
וְ/הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Art | 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.
קָשֶׁ֛ה
qâsheh
H7186
"severe"
Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
וְ/רַ֥ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Conj | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
מַעֲלָלִ֖ים
maʻălâl
H4611
"deed"
N-mp
Maalal means a deed or act, which can be good or bad, such as a practice or invention. It is used in the Bible to describe human actions and their consequences. This term is found in various biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) deed, practice 1a) practice (usually bad) 1b) deeds 1c) acts
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: doing, endeavour, invention, work. See also: Deuteronomy 28:20; Jeremiah 21:12; Psalms 28:4.
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כ/לב/ו
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כָלִבִּֽי
Kâlibbôw
H3614
"Calebite"
Ngmsa
A Calebite is a descendant of Caleb, a prominent Israelite leader. The term refers to someone from the family or tribe of Caleb, who was known for his faith and bravery. Calebites are mentioned in the books of Numbers and 1 Samuel.
Definition: Someone descended from Caleb who was a man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness and Israel before the Monarchy, first mentioned at Num.13.6; son of: Jephunneh (H3312); brother of: Kenaz (H7073I); father of: Achsah (H5915), Iru (H5900), Elah (H0425J), Naam (H5277) Group of ka.lev (כָּלֵב "Caleb" H3612) § Calebite, of Caleb "dog" a descendant of Caleb
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: of the house of Caleb. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 25:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:3
Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail
1When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.
2Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel.
3His 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.
4While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5So David sent ten young men and instructed them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel. Greet him in my nameCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:1 | Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. |
| 2 | Proverbs 31:10 | A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. |
| 3 | Isaiah 32:5–7 | No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected. For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. 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. |
| 4 | Proverbs 31:30–31 | Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates. |
| 5 | Psalms 10:3 | For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
| 6 | Proverbs 31:26 | She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:17 | Now 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!” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 25:10–11 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. 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?” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 30:14 | We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.” |
| 10 | Joshua 15:13 | According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) |
1 Samuel 25:3 Summary
This verse tells us about a man named Nabal, who was very wealthy, but also very mean and evil in the way he treated others. His wife, Abigail, was a kind and beautiful woman, who is a great example of how we should strive to live our lives, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31. We can learn from their contrast that our actions and character are what truly define us, not just our wealth or status, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. By trusting in God and following His ways, we can become people of integrity and kindness, like Abigail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nabal mean and what can we learn from it?
The name Nabal means 'fool' in Hebrew, which is fitting given his actions in the passage, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:3, and it serves as a warning to us to examine our own behavior in light of scripture like Proverbs 10:23.
Why is Abigail described as intelligent and beautiful, while Nabal is harsh and evil?
The contrast between Abigail and Nabal highlights the importance of character, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4, where a woman's beauty is not just physical, but also spiritual, and in Proverbs 31:10, which describes a virtuous woman.
What can we learn from the fact that Nabal is a Calebite, yet described as harsh and evil?
The fact that Nabal is a Calebite, but acts in a way that is contrary to God's character, reminds us that our actions, not just our heritage or background, define us, as seen in Romans 2:28-29 and Matthew 3:9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the passage and David's story?
This verse sets the stage for the conflict between David and Nabal, and ultimately, the role that Abigail plays in resolving the situation, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:4-42, and it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and protection, as seen in Psalm 37:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Abigail, can be a positive influence in my family or community, despite difficult circumstances?
- How can I, like Nabal, be unaware of the 'sheep' in my life that need care and attention, and what can I do to change that?
- In what ways can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even in the midst of uncertainty or conflict?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more like Abigail, who is described as intelligent and beautiful, and less like Nabal, who is harsh and evil?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:3
Now the name of the man [was] Nabal,.... Which signifies a "fool"; one would think his parents should not give him this name, though it is a name proper enough to men in common; and Kimchi thinks
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:3
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
This is added to aggravate his crime, that he was a degenerate branch of that noble stock of Caleb, and consequently of the tribe of Judah, as David was.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man [was] Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and [she was] a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man [was] churlish and evil in his doings; and he [was] of the house of Caleb.Ver. 3. Now the name of the man was Nabal.] Nebulo; a man in whom all grace and good nature is faded and dried up; a sapless fellow, not a natural fool, but worse; an Atheist, a Mammonist. Conveniunt rebus nomina saepe suis, Nabal had not his name for naught. And the name of his wife Abigail,] i.e., My father’ s joy. But what meant her father to match her to such an ill-conditioned churl? It is likely he married her to the wealth, not to the man. Many a child is cast away upon riches. Of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance.] Not fair and foolish, but καληκαισοφη, as was Aspasia Milesia, beautiful and wise; this was a sweet mixture. But the man was churlish.] Durus, inhumanus, a hardhead, a miser. And he was of the house of Caleb.] But nothing like him.
Virtue is not, as lands, heritable. Aelian,
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
(3) Nabal.—The word “Nabal” means “fool,” connected with naval, to fade away. The name was probably a nickname given him on account of his well-known stubborn folly. Abigail.—The famous beautiful woman who afterwards became David’s wife seems to have been, as Stanley calls her, “the good angel of the household” of the ill-starred, boorish southern chieftain. Her name, too, which signifies “whose father is joy,” was most likely given her by the villagers on her husband’s estate, as expressive of her sunny, gladness-bringing presence. Her early training, and the question respecting the sources whence she derived her wisdom and deep, far-sighted piety—apparently far in advance of her age—is discussed further on in the chapter. The house of Caleb.—In the original Kalibi, i.e., of the house or family of Caleb. Thus the word is read in the Hebrew Bible. There is, however, an alternative reading—K’libi—with different vowel-points in the written text, which would be read “according to his heart.” Josephus, the LXX., and the Arabic and Syriac Versions understand it as derived from kelev, a dog, and render—“and he was a cynical man” (that is, “one of a dog-like character”—anthrôpos keunikos). The Chaldee “e domo Caleb,” and Vulgate “de genero Caleb,” follow the text which is read in the Hebrew Bible, and translated in our version, “of the house of Caleb,” which seems, on the whole, the preferable and most likely meaning.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
Verse 3. The name of the man was Nabal] The word נבל nabal signifies to be foolish, base, or villanous; and hence the Latin word nebulo, knave, is supposed to be derived. The name of his wife Abigail] The joy or exultation of my father. A woman of sense and beauty, married to the boor mentioned above, probably because he was rich. Many women have been thus sacrificed. Of the house of Caleb] והוא כלבי vehu Chalibbi, "he was a Calebite." But as the word caleb signifies a dog, the Septuagint have understood it as implying a man of a canine disposition, and translate it thus, καιὁανθρωποςκυνικος, he was a doggish man. It is understood in the same way by the Syriac and Arabic.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:3
3. Nabal] The name means Fool. It is the word used in Psalms 14:1; Proverbs 30:22; &c. churlish] Lit. hard. Cp. Matthew 25:24, where the same Greek word is used as in the Sept. here (σκληρός). of the house of Caleb] Who settled at Hebron (Joshua 15:13). Cp. “the south of Caleb” in ch. 1 Samuel 30:14. The Sept. rendering “dog-like” (κυνικός), referring to his character, is not to be followed.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:3
3. Churlish — Harsh, stern, cross, and surly. Of the house of Caleb — Who inherited Hebron. Joshua 14:13; Joshua 15:13. The Septuagint renders λμαι, Calebite, by κυνικος, doggish.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:3
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(Genesis) Genesis 1:26-31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the law of recurrence or recapitulation in the preaching of the word of God. He explains that this law involves stating important facts and t |
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The Blueprint of Your Home by Abner Kauffman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible to show oneself approved by God. He encourages listeners to not neglect learning about their homes and t |
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Sisters Blessing the Body of Christ by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the body of Christ as women in the church. It discusses the significance of having a meek and quiet spirit, forgiving others, bein |
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To Build or Not to Build by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories from their family history to illustrate the challenges and trials they faced. The first story is about their grandmother, who experie |
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Major Misunderstanding the Girls Have - I by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of what women can do in the context of spreading the gospel. They emphasize the importance of believing in the work of raising aw |
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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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Husband and Wife - Like Christ and the Church by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of husband-wife relationships in the New Testament, highlighting the need for love, humility, and mutual respect within families. It contrasts |