1 Samuel 25:25

KJV

Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, [even] Nabal: for as his name [is], so [is] he; Nabal [is] his name, and folly [is] with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {H7760} not my lord {H113}, I pray thee, regard {H3820} this man {H376} of Belial {H1100}, even Nabal {H5037}: for as his name {H8034} is, so is he; Nabal {H5037} is his name {H8034}, and folly {H5039} is with him: but I thine handmaid {H519} saw {H7200} not the young men {H5288} of my lord {H113}, whom thou didst send {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please! My lord shouldn't pay any attention to this worthless fellow Naval, because he's just like his name -'Naval' means 'boor,' and his boorishness stays with him. But I, your servant, did not see my lord's men, whom you sent.

Berean Standard Bible

My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

American Standard Version

Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this worthless fellow, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thy handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 25:25, Abigail, the discerning wife of the churlish Nabal, makes a profound and strategic plea to David. Her aim is to de-escalate David's righteous anger and prevent him from shedding innocent blood in retribution for Nabal's egregious insult. Within this crucial verse, Abigail masterfully employs rhetoric to diminish Nabal's significance and emphasize his inherent, almost eponymous, foolishness, thereby providing David with a dignified path away from vengeance and allowing divine justice to prevail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of David's life as a fugitive from King Saul, a period marked by both divine protection and human vulnerability. David and his 600 men, having provided a protective "wall" around Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness of Paran, sent a polite request for provisions during the joyous sheep-shearing festival—a time traditionally associated with generosity and feasting. Nabal, a wealthy but "surly and mean" man, not only refused David's legitimate request but also insulted him and his men, questioning David's identity and legitimacy. Enraged by this profound disrespect and ingratitude, David vowed to annihilate Nabal and every male in his household. Unbeknownst to Nabal, his wife Abigail, renowned for her "good understanding and beautiful appearance," quickly intervened. She prepared an elaborate gift of provisions and, without her husband's knowledge, rode out to meet David. Her eloquent and humble appeal, of which 1 Samuel 25:25 is a central part, serves as a pivotal turning point, preventing David from committing a rash act of vengeance and incurring bloodguilt. The verse sets the stage for David's ultimate decision to heed Abigail's wisdom and allow God to execute justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness of Judah, a harsh environment where protection for livestock was paramount. David, operating as a chieftain with a band of loyal followers, often provided such protection to local communities in exchange for sustenance, a common practice in that semi-nomadic society. Sheep-shearing was a significant annual event, akin to a harvest festival, where landowners would typically show hospitality and generosity to their laborers and those who had provided services. Nabal's refusal was not merely a lack of generosity but a grave insult, a direct challenge to David's honor and authority, especially given the protection David's men had afforded Nabal's vast flocks. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such an insult, particularly from a wealthy man to a powerful warrior, often demanded a violent response to restore honor. Furthermore, the concept of "bloodguilt" was extremely serious; shedding innocent blood brought divine judgment upon the individual and potentially the community. Abigail's plea, therefore, was not only for Nabal's household but also for David's spiritual well-being, urging him to avoid a sin that would stain his future kingship. Her actions reflect the cultural expectation that a wise woman could, and sometimes should, intervene to prevent disaster caused by a foolish man.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel and broader biblical theology. It starkly highlights the contrast between **Folly and Wisdom**, personified by Nabal's destructive foolishness and Abigail's life-saving discernment. Nabal's actions, driven by his inherent depravity, nearly brought ruin upon his entire household, while Abigail's quick thinking and humble wisdom averted catastrophe, demonstrating that "wisdom is better than weapons of war" as seen in [the wisdom literature](/ecclesiastes/9-18 "Ecclesiastes 9:18 - Wisdom is Better than Weapons"). The passage also underscores the profound connection between **Character and Name**, as Abigail explicitly links Nabal's nature to his very name, which means "fool." This emphasizes the Hebrew understanding that names often reflected or foreshadowed a person's essence or destiny, a concept echoed in passages like [Jacob's renaming to Israel](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel"). Furthermore, Abigail acts as a remarkable **Intercessor and Peacemaker**, standing between David's righteous anger and Nabal's deserving fate. Her actions exemplify the power of wise counsel and humility in de-escalating conflict and preventing sin, aligning with the principle that "[a soft answer turns away wrath](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")". Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Restraint and Divine Justice**. Abigail's plea encourages David to restrain his personal vengeance and trust God to administer justice, rather than taking matters into his own hands, a principle later articulated in the New Testament, "[Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is God's")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nabal (Hebrew, _Nâbâl'_):** This proper noun, which is also a common noun, literally means "fool," "senseless," "worthless," or "withered." Abigail's statement, "as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him," is a direct and poignant play on words. She is not merely insulting him but stating a profound truth about his character as embodied by his very name. The term denotes not just a lack of intelligence, but a moral and spiritual deficiency, someone who disregards God and acts impiously.
* **man of Belial (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyaʻal'_):** This strong Hebrew idiom refers to a worthless, wicked, or rebellious person. The term "Belial" (from _beli_ "without" and _ya'al_ "profit" or "worth") implies one who is beyond redemption or usefulness, often associated with moral depravity, lawlessness, and opposition to God's will. It is a severe condemnation, suggesting Nabal's character is utterly depraved and without any redeeming quality, reinforcing his foolishness as a moral failing rather than a mere intellectual one.
* **folly (Hebrew, _nᵉbâlâh'_):** This feminine noun, closely related to "Nabal," signifies foolishness, moral wickedness, or a criminal act. When Abigail states that "folly is with him," she is not only connecting Nabal's actions to his name but also underscoring that his foolishness is an active, inherent part of his being, leading to morally reprehensible behavior. It is a state of mind and heart that results in actions that are both senseless and sinful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, [even] Nabal:"** Abigail begins her plea by humbly addressing David as "my lord" and immediately seeks to diminish Nabal's importance. By calling him a "man of Belial," she uses a culturally understood term for a truly worthless individual, suggesting that Nabal is beneath David's notice and certainly not worth David's righteous anger or the shedding of blood. This is a strategic move to disarm David's wrath by presenting Nabal as insignificant and his offense as beneath David's dignity.
* **"for as his name [is], so [is] he; Nabal [is] his name, and folly [is] with him:"** This is the core of Abigail's argument, a powerful and direct wordplay. She asserts that Nabal's character perfectly matches his name, which means "fool." This statement is not just an insult but a profound theological observation: Nabal's actions are not an aberration but a consistent expression of his inherent, God-dishonoring foolishness. By highlighting this, Abigail offers David a rationalization for Nabal's behavior, implying that one should not be surprised or provoked by the actions of a true fool, and thus, vengeance would be beneath David's character and calling.
* **"but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send."** With this final clause, Abigail humbly takes personal responsibility for the perceived slight, even though she was not at fault. She implies that if she had been aware of David's messengers, she would have ensured they were treated properly. This serves to deflect David's anger from her household, to distance herself from Nabal's folly, and to present herself as a loyal and respectful servant, worthy of David's consideration and mercy. It also implicitly suggests that Nabal's actions were done without proper counsel or oversight, further underscoring his independent, destructive foolishness.

#### Literary Devices
Abigail's speech in 1 Samuel 25:25 is rich with rhetorical and literary devices, demonstrating her remarkable wisdom and persuasive skill. The most prominent is **Wordplay**, specifically on Nabal's name. By stating "as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him," Abigail leverages the literal meaning of "Nabal" (fool) to underscore his inherent character. This isn't merely an insult but a profound observation that his actions are a direct manifestation of his nature, making his foolishness almost a predestined reality. This also functions as a form of **Irony**, as Nabal's name, given at birth, perfectly encapsulates the man he became. Furthermore, Abigail employs **Euphemism** and **Understatement** by referring to Nabal as a "man of Belial" and urging David not to "regard" him. While "man of Belial" is a strong condemnation, her overall tone seeks to diminish Nabal's importance in David's eyes, suggesting he is too insignificant to warrant David's powerful wrath. This strategic downplaying serves to provide David with an honorable way to back down without appearing weak. Her humble self-identification as "thine handmaid" and her feigned ignorance ("I...saw not the young men") are elements of **Rhetorical Appeal** (specifically, an appeal to ethos and pathos), designed to soften David's heart, present herself as blameless, and subtly shift the focus from Nabal's offense to her own respectful submission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abigail's plea in 1 Samuel 25:25 serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine justice and human responsibility. Her wisdom stands in stark contrast to Nabal's folly, illustrating the biblical principle that true wisdom is not merely intellectual acuity but a moral and spiritual orientation that leads to life, while foolishness leads to destruction. By urging David not to "regard" Nabal, she implicitly calls David to elevate his perspective beyond personal offense and to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over justice. This episode underscores that vengeance belongs to God, and human attempts to exact it often lead to further sin and defilement. Abigail's intercession becomes a microcosm of how God often uses unexpected instruments to steer His chosen ones away from sin and toward His righteous path, preserving their integrity for His purposes and demonstrating His providential care.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath") - "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Abigail's gentle and wise words exemplify this proverb, successfully de-escalating David's furious intent.
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is God's") - "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" This New Testament injunction finds a powerful Old Testament illustration in Abigail's counsel to David.
* [Proverbs 26:4](/proverbs/26-4 "Proverbs 26:4 - Do Not Answer a Fool According to His Folly") - "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." Abigail's approach is nuanced; she acknowledges Nabal's folly but strategically advises David not to stoop to Nabal's level by reacting with proportionate violence, thereby preserving David's honor and preventing him from becoming like Nabal in his rashness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abigail's intervention in 1 Samuel 25:25 offers profound lessons for believers navigating conflict and seeking to live wisely in a fallen world. Her actions remind us that even when faced with profound disrespect or injustice, our immediate reaction should not be fueled by unchecked anger or a desire for personal vengeance. David, though provoked, was on the verge of incurring bloodguilt, highlighting the destructive potential of rash decisions made in the heat of the moment. We are called to exercise self-control, seeking wisdom and counsel before acting impulsively, remembering that "the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" ([James 1:20](/james/1-20 "James 1:20 - The Anger of Man")). Furthermore, Abigail's example underscores the transformative power of humble and wise words. Her ability to speak truth in love, even to a powerful leader like David, turned him from a path of sin. This challenges us to consider how our words can be used to build up, reconcile, and bring peace, rather than to tear down or inflame. Finally, the stark contrast between Nabal's folly and Abigail's wisdom compels us to examine our own character. Are we allowing our inherent nature to be shaped by God's wisdom, or are we succumbing to the foolishness of self-centeredness and pride? Ultimately, the narrative teaches us to trust in God's perfect justice, knowing that He sees all and will repay according to His righteous timing and methods, freeing us from the burden of taking matters into our own hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with insult or injustice, what is my immediate, natural reaction, and how can I intentionally choose a more godly response?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to take "vengeance" into my own hands, and how can I better trust God's timing and methods for justice?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of wisdom and discernment that Abigail exhibited, enabling me to speak words that bring peace and prevent sin?**
* **Does my character truly reflect the wisdom of God, or are there areas where folly, like Nabal's, still holds sway?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for Nabal to be a "man of Belial"?**

Answer: To be called a "man of Belial" (Hebrew: _bᵉlîyaʻal'_) is a severe condemnation in the Old Testament, signifying a person who is utterly worthless, wicked, and rebellious. The term implies a moral depravity and a disregard for all that is good, often associated with lawlessness and opposition to God's will. It's not merely an insult but a descriptor of Nabal's inherent character as someone beyond redemption or usefulness, whose actions are consistently evil or foolish. This phrase is used elsewhere in scripture to describe the sons of Eli ([1 Samuel 2:12](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - Sons of Eli as Sons of Belial")), wicked men of Gibeah ([Judges 19:22](/judges/19-22 "Judges 19:22 - Men of Belial in Gibeah")), and those who stir up rebellion against the Lord ([Deuteronomy 13:13](/deuteronomy/13-13 "Deuteronomy 13:13 - Worthless Fellows Stirring Up Idolatry")).

**Why did Abigail emphasize that she "saw not the young men of my lord"?**

Answer: Abigail's claim that she "saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send" serves multiple strategic purposes. First, it humbly acknowledges David's messengers and implicitly validates their mission, subtly contrasting with Nabal's dismissive attitude. Second, it serves as an apology and an explanation for the insult, suggesting that if she had been present and aware, the situation would have been handled with proper hospitality and respect. This deflects David's anger from her and her household, presenting her as blameless and respectful, unlike her husband. Third, it subtly distances her from Nabal's foolishness, implying that his actions were done without her knowledge or counsel, further underscoring his independent, destructive folly. This rhetorical move helps to soften David's heart and open the door for her intercession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abigail and Nabal, culminating in 1 Samuel 25:25, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Abigail, in her role as an intercessor who stands between a deserving fool and impending wrath, foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. Just as Abigail averted David's righteous anger from Nabal's household, Christ, the perfect mediator, stands between humanity and God's holy wrath against sin. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment we deserve, thereby making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Making Peace Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, Nabal's folly, a moral and spiritual worthlessness, stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ as Our Wisdom")). While Nabal's name signified his foolish nature, Jesus' name, "Savior," perfectly reflects His mission and character, demonstrating His perfect obedience and righteousness [even unto death](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). The narrative's emphasis on leaving vengeance to God is fully realized in the New Covenant, where believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), trusting that God alone is the righteous judge who will ultimately bring all things to justice ([Hebrews 10:30](/hebrews/10-30 "Hebrews 10:30 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")). Thus, Abigail's wise intervention points to the greater wisdom and perfect peace offered through Christ's atoning work, saving us not just from human vengeance, but from eternal condemnation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 25:17

Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot speak to him.

Malachi 2:2

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay [it] to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay [it] to heart.

2 Samuel 13:33

Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

Isaiah 42:25

Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid [it] not to heart.

1 Samuel 25:26

Now therefore, my lord, [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.