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1 Samuel 25:9

1 Samuel 25:9 in Multiple Translations

When David’s young men arrived, they relayed all these words to Nabal on behalf of David. Then they waited.

And when David’s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

And when David’s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

And when David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal, in David's name, and said nothing more.

David's young men arrived, gave Nabal this message from David, and waited for his reply.

And when Dauids yong men came, they tolde Nabal all those wordes in the name of Dauid, and helde their peace.

And the young men of David come in, and speak unto Nabal according to all these words, in the name of David — and rest.

When David’s young men came, they spoke to Nabal all those words in the name of David, and waited.

And when David's young men came, they spoke to Nabal in the name of David, according to all these words, and ceased.

And when David’s servants came, they spoke to Nabal all these words in David’s name: and then held their peace.

When David’s men arrived where Nabal was, they gave David’s message to him, and they waited for him to reply. But Nabal spoke harshly to them.

The young men went to Nabal’s place and told him David’s message. But at first Nabal did not answer.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:9

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 25:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ נַעֲרֵ֣י דָוִ֔ד וַ/יְדַבְּר֧וּ אֶל נָבָ֛ל כְּ/כָל הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם דָּוִ֑ד וַ/יָּנֽוּחוּ
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נַעֲרֵ֣י naʻar H5288 youth N-mp
דָוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וַ/יְדַבְּר֧וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
נָבָ֛ל Nâbâl H5037 Nabal N-proper
כְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms
דָּוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וַ/יָּנֽוּחוּ nûwach H5117 to rest Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:9

וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
נַעֲרֵ֣י naʻar H5288 "youth" N-mp
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.
דָוִ֔ד 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.
וַ/יְדַבְּר֧וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נָבָ֛ל 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.
כְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" Prep | 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.
דָּוִ֑ד 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.
וַ/יָּנֽוּחוּ nûwach H5117 "to rest" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 2:15 When the sons of the prophets who were facing him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.
2 2 Chronicles 14:7 So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.
3 Genesis 8:4 On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.

1 Samuel 25:9 Summary

[In this verse, David's young men went to Nabal to ask for food and supplies, and they waited for his response. This shows that David was willing to ask for help when he needed it, and he was patient and respectful in his approach, as seen in Proverbs 12:26 and Matthew 7:7-8. We can learn from David's example by being humble and courteous in our own interactions with others, even when we're not sure how they'll respond, remembering that God is our ultimate provider, as promised in Philippians 4:19 and 2 Corinthians 9:8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of David's young men visiting Nabal?

The purpose of their visit was to relay David's message, asking for food and supplies in return for the protection they had provided to Nabal's shepherds, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 25:7-8. This was a common practice in those times, as seen in Genesis 12:16 and 1 Samuel 30:16.

Why did David's young men wait after relaying the message?

They waited for Nabal's response, expecting him to provide the requested food and supplies, as was the custom in those days, similar to how Abraham's servant waited for a response from Rebekah's family in Genesis 24:33-54.

What can we learn from the way David's young men interacted with Nabal?

We can learn the importance of being respectful and courteous, even when interacting with those who may not be receptive to our message, as David's young men were, reflecting the teachings of Proverbs 15:1 and 1 Peter 3:15-16.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 25?

This verse sets the stage for Nabal's response, which will reveal his character and lead to the consequences that follow, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:10-11 and 1 Samuel 25:32-38, highlighting the importance of responding to God's messengers with humility and generosity, as seen in Isaiah 55:1-3 and Matthew 25:31-46.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would I have done if I were in David's shoes, sending my young men to ask for help from someone who may not be willing to give it?
  2. How can I apply the principle of showing kindness and respect to others, even if they may not deserve it, as David's young men did in this verse?
  3. What are some ways I can wait patiently for a response, like David's young men, when I have made a request or taken a step of faith, trusting in God's sovereignty as seen in Psalm 37:7 and Isaiah 40:31?
  4. In what ways can I reflect the character of David's young men in my own interactions with others, especially when faced with difficult or unfriendly people, remembering the example of Jesus in Luke 6:27-36?
  5. How can I trust God to work out the details, even when I face uncertainty or rejection, as David did in this situation, looking to the promise of Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:9

And when David's young men came,.... To Carmel: they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David; they delivered their message punctually and exactly, in the very words, or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:9

And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:9

1 Samuel 25:9 And when David’ s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.Ver. 9. And ceased.] Heb., And rested; quiete se continuerunt, they patiently heard Nabal inveighing against themselves and David, and replied not; this was excellent. "Incessunt, taceo: culpant, fero; crimina spargunt, Dissimulo: mordent, absque dolore meo. Obtrectant, sileo: ringuntur, rideo: vulgo Traducunt, patior: dant mihi damna, sino. Exagitant, non exagitor: vexant, neque vexor: Laedunt, non laedor: probra refutat honos." - Buchler., Gnomolog. Jun.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:9

(9) And ceased.—Better rendered, and they sat down. The Hebrew word here has been variously translated. Bunsen suggests, “and they waited modestly for an answer;” the Vulg., followed by some scholars, has “and they were silent.”

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:9

9. Ceased — Rather, as the margin has it, they rested. They sat down to wait the fulfilment of their request.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:9

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1 by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and
T. Austin-Sparks Spiritual Enlargement Unto the Maintaining of the Testimony of Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of spiritual enlargement through the biblical account of Elisha succeeding Elijah, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy S
Joshua Daniel Young People Who Walk in the Will of God Make History by Joshua Daniel Joshua Daniel preaches about the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His plans through individuals who obediently follow His Word, like Mary, Elisabeth, Joseph, and Zacharias. These
Richard Owen Roberts Seek My Face by Richard Owen Roberts This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and surrendering to the Lord, highlighting the need for continuous seeking of God's face, repentance, and faith. It warns against c
D.L. Moody The Ark by D.L. Moody D.L. Moody's sermon 'The Ark' draws parallels between Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing their symbolic representation of Christ's humanity and atoning work. He hi

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