1 Samuel 25:11

Modern

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?”

Traditional

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

Literal

And shall I take my bread and my water and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men whom I do not know where they are from?”

Latin

Tollam ergo panes meos, et aquas meas, et carnes pecorum quæ occidi tonsoribus meis, et dabo viris quos nescio unde sint?

Hebrew

English

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?”

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

Judges 8:6
But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?”
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
John 9:29–30
We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.”
Deuteronomy 8:17
You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”
1 Samuel 25:14–15
Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.
2 Corinthians 6:9
…unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;
1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
Job 31:17
…if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless—
Psalm 73:7–8
From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
1 Samuel 24:13
As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
Ecclesiastes 11:1–2
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
1 Samuel 25:3
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.