1 Samuel 25:10

David, Nabal, and Abigail · 1 Samuel 25:2–17
Read 1 Samuel 25

Translations

Modern
But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.
Traditional
And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.
Literal
And Nabal answered the servants of David, and said, “Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse? Today there are many servants who break away, a man from the face of his master.
Latin
Respondens autem Nabal pueris David, ait: Quis est David? et quis est filius Isai? hodie increverunt servi qui fugiunt dominos suos.

Original

Hebrew
English
But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.

Notes

son of Jesse: This phrase refers to David. Like Saul, Nabal used this description in a disrespectful way. He avoided using David’s name to show contempt rather than honor (1 Samuel 20:27, 31; 22:7).

This story about Nabal falls between two accounts in which Saul pursued David and David spared Saul’s life. Nabal was similar to Saul.

Theme notes and profiles

David Saul

Events

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jesse: Father of King David Nabal: Wealthy Carmelite; husband of Abigail. He was known for foolishness

Glossary

Abigail Carmel David John the Baptist Meunim, Meunites Nabal Samuel, Books of First and Second Warfare

Topics

Contempt: Nabal Decision: Abigail Ingratitude: Nabal Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Nabal: History of Servant: Bond: David Erroneously Supposed to be a Fugitive Slave Travellers of Distinction: Frequently Extorted Provisions by the Way