1 Samuel 25:31
1 Samuel 25:31 in Multiple Translations
then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your maidservant.”
That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid.
that this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood without cause, or that my lord hath avenged himself. And when Jehovah shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thy handmaid.
Then you will have no cause for grief, and my lord's heart will not be troubled because you have taken life without cause and have yourself given punishment for your wrongs: and when the Lord has been good to you, then give a thought to your servant.
you won't have feelings of remorse or a guilty conscience over unnecessary bloodshed or of taking your own revenge. And when the Lord has done these good things for you, sir, please remember me, your maidservant.”
Then shall it be no griefe vnto thee, nor offence of minde vnto my lord, that he hath not shed blood causelesse, nor that my lorde hath not preserued him selfe: and when the Lord shall haue dealt well with my lorde, remember thine handmaide.
that this is not to thee for a stumbling-block, and for an offence of heart to my lord — either to shed blood for nought, or my lord's restraining himself; and Jehovah hath done good to my lord, and thou hast remembered thy handmaid.'
that this shall be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. When the LORD has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.”
That this will be no grief to thee, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that thou hast shed blood without cause, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thy handmaid.
This shall not be an occasion of grief to thee, and a scruple of heart to my lord, that thou hast shed innocent blood, or hast revenged thyself: and when the Lord shall have done well by my lord, thou shalt remember thy handmaid.
When that happens, you will be glad that you did not kill any people in Nabal’s household. You will not think that you deserve to be punished for having taken revenge yourself and killed innocent people. And when Yahweh enables you to successfully become the king, please do not forget to be kind to me.”
So here today do not do payback to us. Do not kill us just for nothing. If you kill us, you will bring big shame on yourself. If you kill people now that are not guilty, it will be a problem for you later. But if you don’t kill us, that will be good. I know that God will make you the big boss one day. At that time, please do not forget me, but be good to me.” That’s the story Abigail told David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:31
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 25:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֣א
תִהְיֶ֣ה
זֹ֣את
לְ/ךָ֡
לְ/פוּקָה֩
וּ/לְ/מִכְשׁ֨וֹל
לֵ֜ב
לַ/אדֹנִ֗/י
וְ/לִ/שְׁפָּךְ
דָּם֙
חִנָּ֔ם
וּ/לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ל֑/וֹ
וְ/הֵיטִ֤ב
יְהוָה֙
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֔/י
וְ/זָכַרְתָּ֖
אֶת
אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
לְ/ךָ֡
Prep | Suff
לְ/פוּקָה֩
pûwqâh
H6330
staggering
Prep | N-fs
וּ/לְ/מִכְשׁ֨וֹל
mikshôwl
H4383
stumbling
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לֵ֜ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
לַ/אדֹנִ֗/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/לִ/שְׁפָּךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
דָּם֙
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
חִנָּ֔ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
וּ/לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/הֵיטִ֤ב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/זָכַרְתָּ֖
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:31
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, 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 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
לְ/ךָ֡
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/פוּקָה֩
pûwqâh
H6330
"staggering"
Prep | N-fs
This word describes something that causes staggering or stumbling, like a grief that makes someone totter. It can also refer to a qualm of conscience that causes spiritual stumbling.
Definition: 1) tottering, staggering, stumbling 1a) of qualm of conscience (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: grief. See also: 1 Samuel 25:31.
וּ/לְ/מִכְשׁ֨וֹל
mikshôwl
H4383
"stumbling"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a stumbling block or obstacle, literal or figurative. It can refer to an idol or something that causes someone to sin, as seen in the books of Leviticus and Matthew. The word is often associated with things that lead people astray.
Definition: 1) a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block 1a) stumbling, fall 1b) means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: caused to fall, offence, [idiom] (no-) thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block. See also: Leviticus 19:14; Ezekiel 7:19; Psalms 119:165.
לֵ֜ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
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.
לַ/אדֹנִ֗/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
וְ/לִ/שְׁפָּךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
דָּם֙
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
חִנָּ֔ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
וּ/לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/הֵיטִ֤ב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
וְ/זָכַרְתָּ֖
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
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.
אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
N-fs | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 25:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:31
Context — Abigail Intercedes for Nabal
29And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.
30When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,
31then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your servant.”
32Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! 33Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 40:14 | But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. |
| 2 | Romans 12:19 | 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.” |
| 3 | Luke 23:42 | Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” |
| 4 | Psalms 94:1 | O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 1:12 | And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:33 | Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. |
| 7 | Proverbs 5:12–13 | and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 25:40 | When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:15 | May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.” |
| 10 | Romans 14:21 | It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble. |
1 Samuel 25:31 Summary
In 1 Samuel 25:31, Abigail is asking David to trust in the Lord and not take revenge on Nabal, because she knows that the Lord will take care of David and bless him, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 37:3-7. She wants David to remember her and be kind to her when the Lord blesses him, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:30. This verse teaches us to trust in the Lord's goodness and timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Galatians 5:22-23. By waiting on the Lord and trusting in His plan, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and pain, and instead experience His peace and joy, as promised in John 14:27 and Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Abigail trying to accomplish with her words in 1 Samuel 25:31?
Abigail is attempting to persuade David to reconsider his actions and avoid taking revenge, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:31, and instead trust in the Lord's sovereignty and promise, as stated in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 20:22.
How does Abigail's statement about the Lord dealing well with David relate to her request?
Abigail's statement is a polite way of asking David to remember her and possibly reward her for her intervention, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:31, and is rooted in her faith in the Lord's plan for David's life, as expressed in 1 Samuel 25:30 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What does Abigail mean by 'needless bloodshed and revenge' in this verse?
Abigail is referring to the fact that David was planning to take revenge on Nabal, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:13-17 and 1 Samuel 25:21-22, which would have been a sinful act, as stated in Romans 12:19 and Leviticus 19:18.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of 1 Samuel?
This verse highlights David's character development, as he learns to trust in the Lord and wait for His timing, rather than taking matters into his own hands, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:10-11 and Psalm 27:14, which is a central theme throughout the book of 1 Samuel, particularly in 1 Samuel 24:12-13 and 1 Samuel 26:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Abigail, trust in the Lord's sovereignty and timing in my own life, and avoid taking matters into my own hands, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to take revenge or seek my own justice, and how can I instead trust in the Lord's plan, as expressed in Romans 12:14-21 and Matthew 5:38-42?
- How can I, like David, learn to wait on the Lord and trust in His goodness, even when faced with difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Lamentations 3:22-23?
- What are some ways I can, like Abigail, use my words to bring peace and wisdom to those around me, as seen in Proverbs 15:1-2 and James 1:26, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and kindness in my interactions with others, as taught in Colossians 3:12-14 and Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:31
This shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord,.... It would give him no trouble, nor distress of mind, or sit uneasy on his conscience: either that thou hast shed blood
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:31
And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
Nor offence of heart unto my lord; thy mind and conscience will be free from all the torment which the guilt and shame of such an action would cause in thee. By which, she cunningly insinuates what a blemish this would be to his glory, what a disturbance to his peace and felicity, if he proceeded to execute his purpose; and withal implies how sweet and comfortable it would be to him to remember, that he had for conscience to God denied himself, and restrained his passions. That thou hast shed blood causeless; which she signifies would be done if he should go on. For though Nabal had been guilty of abominable rudeness, uncharitableness, and ingratitude; yet he had done nothing worthy of death, by the laws of God or of man. And whatsoever he had done, the rest of his family were innocent. That my lord hath avenged himself; which is directly contrary to God’ s law, , compared with . When the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid; when God shall make thee king, and I shall have occasion to apply myself to time for justice or relief, let me find grace in thy sight, and so let me do at this time. Or, and the Lord will bless my lord, and recompense thee for this mortification of thy passion, and thou wilt remember thine hand-maid, i.e. thou wilt remember my counsel with satisfaction to thyself; and thankfulness to me.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
1 Samuel 25:31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid.Ver. 31. That this shall be no grief unto thee.] No terror or torment to thy conscience, for shedding innocent blood, which is a crying sin, and lieth heavy upon the soul. The Hebrew word rendered grief signifieth staggering or stumbling: such is the guilt of sin. The Latin rendereth it singultum, sighing. One drop of it may trouble a whole sea of outward comforts. Then remember thine handmaid.] For the good counsel I have now given thee; and befriend me accordingly.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
(31) Then remember thine handmaid.—With exquisite grace Abigail wound up her earnest simple words to the king of the future with a reference to the period when those happy days, to which she looked forward with such certainty, should have arrived—then David must have no deeds of violence, of furious passion, and of shed blood to look back upon. When that golden time should have come—as come it surely would—he must remember then that Abigail, who was now speaking to him, had saved him from the commission of a wild and sinful act, and, in grateful memory for the good service, must then look kindly on her from his throne.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:31
31. grief] The Heb. word, which occurs nowhere else, probably means stumbling-block. Such a crime as David had meditated would have remained as an obstacle in the way of his enjoying a clear conscience.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:31
31. This… no grief unto thee — An act of cruel bloodshed might have been an occasion of anguish to him at a later day, but an act of forgiveness and mercy never.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
This Shall Be No Grief Unto Thee. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the wisdom of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:31, emphasizing her ability to avert disaster for David by encouraging him to consider the future and the consequences o |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 40:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph is in prison and is put in charge of two men, the butler and the baker, who have offended |
|
Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-03 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God uses both trivial and important circumstances to fulfill His purposes. He references the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, where Pharaoh |
|
The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 34:31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Romans 12 for Christians today. He explains that seeking revenge or taking vengeance goes again |
|
Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging |
|
Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees represent |