1 Samuel 25:4
1 Samuel 25:4 in Multiple Translations
While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep.
¶ And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep.
And David had word in the waste land that Nabal was cutting the wool of his sheep.
David was in the wilderness, and he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep.
And Dauid heard in the wildernesse, that Nabal did shere his sheepe.
And David heareth in the wilderness that Nabal is shearing his flock,
David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep.
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep.
And when David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep,
One day while David and his men were in the desert, someone told him that Nabal was cutting the wool from his sheep.
David was in the desert country nearby, and he heard about it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:4
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 25:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
דָּוִ֖ד
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
כִּֽי
גֹזֵ֥ז
נָבָ֖ל
אֶת
צֹאנֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גֹזֵ֥ז
gazâz
H1494
to shear
V-Qal
נָבָ֖ל
Nâbâl
H5037
Nabal
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹאנֽ/וֹ
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:4
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
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.
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.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גֹזֵ֥ז
gazâz
H1494
"to shear"
V-Qal
This verb means to shear or cut something, like sheep or hair. It can also mean to destroy an enemy, as seen in some psalms. The KJV Bible translates it as 'cut off' or 'shear'.
Definition: 1) to shear, mow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shear 1a2) shearer (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be cut off, be destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er). See also: Genesis 31:19; 1 Samuel 25:11; Isaiah 53:7.
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.
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.
צֹאנֽ/וֹ
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail
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 name 6and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and to your house and to all that belongs to you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 38:13 | When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 13:23 | Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. |
1 Samuel 25:4 Summary
This verse tells us that David was living in the wilderness and heard that a man named Nabal was shearing his sheep. This was a significant event because it meant that Nabal had a lot of sheep and was likely to have plenty of food and resources. David, who was living with his men in the wilderness, saw this as an opportunity to ask Nabal for help, similar to how the Israelites would ask for help from their neighbors during harvest time, as seen in Exodus 34:22. By paying attention to what was happening around him, David was able to look for ways to provide for his men and take care of their needs, which is something we can all learn from, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was David in the wilderness?
David was in the wilderness because he was fleeing from King Saul, who was trying to kill him, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:14 and 1 Samuel 24:1-2.
What is the significance of Nabal shearing sheep?
Nabal shearing sheep indicates that it was a time of celebration and abundance for him, similar to the time of harvest in Exodus 34:22 and Leviticus 23:16.
How did David hear about Nabal's sheep shearing?
The Bible does not specify how David heard about Nabal's sheep shearing, but it is likely that his men or other travelers in the wilderness informed him, as David had been living among them for some time, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:1-13.
What can we learn from David's interest in Nabal's sheep shearing?
David's interest in Nabal's sheep shearing shows that he was aware of the customs and activities of the people around him, and was looking for ways to provide for his men, as a good leader, similar to Jesus' teachings on caring for one's flock in John 10:11-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be more aware of the needs and activities of those around me, like David was of Nabal's sheep shearing?
- How can I use my knowledge of others' situations to show kindness and generosity, as David intended to do with Nabal?
- What are some times in my life when I have been in a wilderness experience, like David, and how did God provide for me during that time?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when I am in difficult or uncertain circumstances, like David was in the wilderness?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:4
And David heard in the wilderness,.... In the wilderness of Paran, where he was, and a wilderness it was to him, being in want of food, as the following relation shows: that Nabal did shear his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:4
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep. Nabal did shear his sheep.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:4
Which times were celebrated with feasting and jollity. See ,24.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:4
1 Samuel 25:4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.Ver. 4. That Nabal did shear his sheep.] At which time the Jews used to make great feasts, in remembrance of their forefathers that were shepherds, saith Lyra.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:4
(4) And David heard in the wilderness.—The question of the support of the large band of devoted followers who obeyed David must have been usually a very anxious one. No doubt, contributions from the farmers and sheep-masters materially aided the supplies David and his men derived from their raids across the Philistine borders. It is likely enough that some of these contributions were not always willingly made; still, there is no doubt that the presence of the armed band of David during the latter years of Saul afforded considerable protection to the border land. His position resembled that of a modern Arab sheik of a friendly Bedaween tribe, and it is clear that on the whole his career as head of an army of free lances tended to popularise him among the southern tribes of Israel. Nabal’s conduct appears to have been more than churlish and foolish, for David, according to the showing of Nabal’s own shepherds, had on many occasions been of substantial service to them as they tended their flocks in exposed and dangerous localities. The testimony of these shepherd folk may be accepted generally as the popular estimate of David and his acts during this rough and sorely tried period of his life.