1 Samuel 25:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thus shall ye say {H559} to him that liveth {H2416} in prosperity, Peace {H7965} be both to thee, and peace {H7965} be to thine house {H1004}, and peace {H7965} be unto all that thou hast.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say, 'Long life and shalom to you, shalom to your household, and shalom to everything that is yours!

Berean Standard Bible

and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you.

American Standard Version

and thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 25:6 records the meticulously crafted greeting David instructed his young men to deliver to Nabal, a wealthy but ill-tempered sheep owner. This formal salutation, deeply rooted in the comprehensive Hebrew concept of _shalom_ (peace), served as a respectful overture before David's request for provisions, subtly acknowledging Nabal's prosperity and setting a tone of expected reciprocity. It highlights the critical role of social protocol and honorable communication in ancient Near Eastern society, foreshadowing the dramatic conflict that arises from Nabal's subsequent insolent refusal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a significant juncture in David's life as a fugitive, immediately following the somber news of the prophet Samuel's death in [1 Samuel 25:1](/1_samuel/25-1 "1 Samuel 25:1 - Death of Samuel"). David, accompanied by his formidable band of 600 loyal men, had relocated to the wilderness of Paran, bordering the productive lands of Maon, where Nabal, a man of immense wealth, resided. The entire narrative of [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail") functions as a crucial interlude, vividly illustrating David's evolving character, his profound reliance on divine providence, and his burgeoning capacity for leadership, particularly his remarkable restraint in the face of provocation. The polite and comprehensive greeting articulated in [1 Samuel 25:6](/1_samuel/25-6 "1 Samuel 25:6 - David's Greeting of Peace to Nabal") stands in stark contrast to Nabal's subsequent rude and dismissive response, thereby escalating the narrative tension and meticulously setting the stage for David's near-retaliation and Abigail's timely and wise intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of sheep-shearing in ancient Israel was far more than a mere agricultural activity; it was a time of immense celebration, feasting, and often, a display of magnanimous generosity, akin to a grand harvest festival. Affluent landowners, such as Nabal, were expected to host lavish banquets for their laborers and the local community. It was a deeply ingrained custom for those who had provided protection or rendered a valuable service to be honored with provisions. David's men had, in fact, acted as an uncompensated protective barrier for Nabal's vast flocks and numerous shepherds against the pervasive threat of marauders in the desolate wilderness, a service explicitly acknowledged in [1 Samuel 25:7](/1_samuel/25-7 "1 Samuel 25:7 - David's Men Protect Nabal's Flocks"). The formal greeting, with its triple emphasis on "peace" and its recognition of Nabal's prosperity, was a standard, sophisticated social protocol meticulously designed to establish goodwill and facilitate a respectful request. It appealed directly to the host's deeply held sense of honor and obligation within the prevailing social customs of hospitality and reciprocity.
* **Key Themes:** The preeminent theme embedded within [1 Samuel 25:6](/1_samuel/25-6 "1 Samuel 25:6 - The Comprehensive Greeting of Peace") is the profound and multifaceted nature of "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_). This concept extends far beyond the mere absence of conflict, encompassing a holistic state of well-being, completeness, soundness, and flourishing in every conceivable dimension of life. This verse also powerfully underscores the critical significance of **social protocol and respectful communication** in ancient Near Eastern society, where formalized greetings were not superficial pleasantries but vital mechanisms for establishing relationships, conveying intent, and setting the appropriate tone for interactions. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **acknowledging prosperity as a prelude to a request for aid**. David's message artfully recognizes Nabal's considerable wealth while subtly appealing to his expected generosity, a common and accepted practice in a culture where social standing and reciprocal acts of kindness were intrinsically linked, as exemplified in other biblical narratives where favor or assistance was sought, such as Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Abraham's Servant and Rebekah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) signifies "to say," but with immense latitude, encompassing concepts like commanding, declaring, expressing, or even intending. In this context, David's instruction to his young men to "say" this greeting is not merely a suggestion but a directive, emphasizing the precise and intentional nature of the message to be conveyed. It highlights David's strategic foresight in choosing his words carefully to establish a specific tone and expectation.
* **Liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** The word _chay_ (H2416), meaning "alive" or "living," when applied to Nabal, is more than a statement of his existence. The KJV's interpretive addition "[in prosperity]" accurately captures the cultural nuance. In ancient Israel, a vibrant, flourishing life, especially one marked by wealth and abundance, was often perceived as a tangible sign of divine blessing. To address Nabal as "him that liveth" is to acknowledge his vitality, success, and flourishing status, particularly in terms of his material wealth, thereby subtly setting the stage for David's expectation of a generous response from a man so blessed.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The repeated word _shâlôwm_ (H7965) is profoundly richer than its common English translation. It denotes not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of wholeness, completeness, soundness, welfare, and prosperity across all dimensions of life—physical health, material abundance, harmonious social relationships, and spiritual tranquility. To wish someone _shalom_ was to invoke a holistic blessing of well-being, harmony, and flourishing. In David's greeting, it is a deep, layered wish for Nabal's total welfare, designed to be both respectful and persuasive.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** The term _bayith_ (H1004) refers not exclusively to Nabal's physical dwelling but, more broadly, to his entire household. This encompasses his immediate family, his numerous servants, and all individuals and possessions under his authority and care. In the societal structure of the ancient Near East, the household was the foundational unit, and its collective welfare was paramount. Wishing peace upon the "house" was an expansive wish for the well-being, stability, and prosperity of Nabal's entire extended family and all his dependents, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the _shalom_ greeting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thus shall ye say to him that liveth [in prosperity]":** This opening clause establishes the formal, deliberate, and respectful nature of David's instructions to his young messengers. The deferential phrase "him that liveth [in prosperity]" is a culturally appropriate way of addressing Nabal, acknowledging his significant status and wealth. It meticulously sets a polite tone, indicating that David is approaching Nabal not as a desperate suppliant but as one who understands and respects established social hierarchy and custom.
* **"Peace [be] both to thee":** This is the initial, direct invocation of _shalom_ specifically upon Nabal himself. It expresses a heartfelt wish for his individual well-being, encompassing his health, personal flourishing, and overall prosperity. The immediate emphasis on "peace" serves as a clear signal of David's intent to engage in a non-hostile, respectful manner, seeking a cooperative rather than confrontational interaction.
* **"and peace [be] to thine house":** The scope of the _shalom_ blessing deliberately expands here to encompass Nabal's entire household. This reflects the deeply communal nature of ancient society, where the well-being and stability of the individual were inextricably linked to the collective well-being of their family, dependents, and extended kin. It is a comprehensive wish for harmony, prosperity, and security for everyone associated with Nabal's domestic sphere.
* **"and peace [be] unto all that thou hast":** The final and broadest extension of the _shalom_ blessing encompasses all of Nabal's vast possessions, including his extensive flocks, numerous servants, and considerable material wealth. This demonstrates the truly comprehensive nature of the Hebrew concept of peace, which explicitly includes material prosperity and the secure enjoyment of one's assets. It also subtly but powerfully acknowledges Nabal's immense resources, reinforcing the cultural expectation that he is exceptionally well-positioned to share.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Repetition** and **Anaphora** with the word "peace" (_shalom_), meticulously emphasizing the holistic and all-encompassing nature of the blessing David intends for Nabal. The threefold repetition of "peace" ("Peace [be] both to thee, and peace [be] to thine house, and peace [be] unto all that thou hast") constructs a powerful crescendo of well-wishing, underscoring the profound depth of the desired _shalom_. This deliberate repetition also functions as a potent rhetorical device, designed to establish a tone of sincere goodwill and profound respect, which stands in stark and dramatic contrast to Nabal's subsequent churlish and disrespectful response. Furthermore, there is a subtle but poignant **Irony** at play; David's men deliver a message of comprehensive well-being and flourishing to a man whose very name, Nabal, literally means "fool" or "senseless," and who will soon act in a manner entirely antithetical to the spirit of peace, wisdom, and generosity that the greeting embodies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound concept of _shalom_ articulated in 1 Samuel 25:6 transcends a mere social greeting, reflecting a deeply theological understanding of holistic well-being that ultimately originates from God. It encompasses not simply the absence of conflict, but a state of flourishing, completeness, and harmony across all facets of life—spiritual vitality, physical health, social cohesion, and material abundance. This comprehensive vision of _shalom_ aligns perfectly with God's overarching desire for His people's flourishing, often presented in Scripture as conditional upon their obedience and faithfulness. David's men, in extending this expansive blessing, are operating within a worldview where true prosperity and peace are ultimately divine gifts, even when mediated through human interaction. The subsequent narrative, where Nabal defiantly rejects this overture of peace, serves as a stark theological illustration of the detrimental consequences of spurning God-ordained principles of generosity, hospitality, and respectful interaction, highlighting how human foolishness and self-centeredness can severely disrupt the very _shalom_ that God desires for His creation.

* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24-26 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing")
* [Psalm 29:11](/psalms/29-11 "Psalm 29:11 - The Lord Blesses His People with Peace")
* [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The instruction to deliver such a comprehensive and intentional greeting of "peace" to Nabal, despite his established reputation as a difficult and ungracious individual, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It powerfully underscores the paramount importance of intentional, respectful, and grace-filled communication, even when engaging with challenging or inherently ungracious individuals. David, though a hunted fugitive and the anointed future king, models a posture of seeking peace and extending blessings before articulating a request, thereby demonstrating remarkable wisdom, strategic foresight, and a profound desire to avert unnecessary conflict. For us, this translates into a call to approach others with a genuine and comprehensive desire for their holistic well-being, actively seeking to construct bridges of goodwill rather than erecting walls of antagonism. It challenges us to critically examine how our words and initial interactions can meticulously set the tone for all subsequent relationships, compelling us to reflect a Christ-like attitude of grace and peace, even when confronted with potential opposition or hostility. Our desire for others' _shalom_ should be expansive and inclusive, encompassing their spiritual, physical, social, and material flourishing, thereby mirroring God's own profound desire for the well-being of all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive meaning of "shalom" challenge your current understanding of peace in your own life and interactions with others?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally extend a "peace" (_shalom_) greeting, through both your words and your actions, to those within your sphere of influence, particularly those who might be difficult or ungracious?**
* **How does David's strategic and respectful approach to Nabal inform your own strategy for making requests or engaging in potentially sensitive or challenging conversations with others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the repeated word "peace" in this verse?**

Answer: The repeated word "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) is profoundly significant because it conveys a much broader and deeper meaning than merely the absence of conflict. In biblical thought, _shalom_ encompasses a state of holistic well-being, completeness, soundness, prosperity, and harmony across all aspects of life—physical health, material flourishing, stable social relationships, and spiritual tranquility. By repeating it three times, David's greeting emphasizes a comprehensive blessing upon Nabal personally, his entire household, and all his possessions, signifying a desire for total flourishing and divine order. This powerful repetition also functions as a formal and deeply respectful overture, meticulously intended to establish a positive and receptive tone for the subsequent request, much like other formal blessings and greetings found throughout scripture, such as the comprehensive Aaronic blessing in [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24-26 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 25:6 describes a human attempt to establish peace and secure provision, rooted in ancient social customs, it ultimately serves as a poignant shadow pointing to the greater, divine _shalom_ brought by Jesus Christ. David's comprehensive greeting, though meticulously crafted, was ultimately and foolishly rejected by Nabal, leading to a near-violent conflict. In stark contrast, Jesus is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace"), who not only offers but perfectly embodies the ultimate _shalom_. He is our peace, who has decisively broken down the formidable dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between estranged peoples, making peace through the sacrificial blood of His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciliation")). Unlike Nabal, who senselessly rejected a genuine overture of peace and the opportunity for provision, humanity, in its sin, had fundamentally rejected God's offer of peace and reconciliation. Yet, Christ came to reconcile all things to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). The peace that David's men wished upon Nabal was temporal, contingent, and ultimately dependent on human reception; the peace offered by Christ is eternal, spiritual, and freely given to all who believe, a profound peace that surpasses all human understanding and divinely guards our hearts and minds in Him ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of _shalom_, providing true spiritual wholeness, reconciliation with God, and lasting peace for all eternity.

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 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Psalms 122:7

Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces.

1 Timothy 5:6

But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

Matthew 10:12

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.