the same as נָבָל; dolt; Nabal, an Israelite; Nabal.
Transliteration:Nâbâl
Pronunciation:naw-bawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5037}}`, Nâbâl (נָבָל), functions primarily as a proper noun, specifically naming an individual in the biblical narrative. Its base definition explicitly links it to, or identifies it with, the Hebrew adjective/noun `{{H5036}}` (נָבָל), which carries the core meaning of "fool," "senseless," "worthless," or "impious." Thus, the name "Nabal" is not merely an arbitrary designation but a descriptive epithet, intrinsically conveying the character's inherent nature. The semantic range of the underlying root suggests a moral and spiritual deficiency rather than a mere lack of intellectual capacity. It denotes one who is morally corrupt, devoid of discernment, and ultimately worthless in the eyes of God and discerning individuals. The English translation "dolt" captures the sense of a dull-witted, boorish individual, but the Hebrew carries a deeper theological implication of one who acts impiously and without regard for wisdom or divine principles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent and defining occurrence of `{{H5037}}` in the biblical text is found in the narrative of 1 Samuel 25, where Nabal is introduced as a wealthy man from Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel. His wife is Abigail, a woman described as intelligent and beautiful. The text immediately characterizes Nabal as "churlish and evil in his deeds" (literally, "hard and evil in his doings," [[1 Samuel 25:3]]). This initial description aligns perfectly with the semantic weight of his name.
The narrative unfolds when David, while fleeing from Saul, sends messengers to Nabal, requesting provisions in exchange for the protection David's men had afforded Nabal's shepherds. Nabal responds with extreme insolence and contempt, refusing to acknowledge David's legitimate request or his status as God's anointed, mockingly asking, "Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse?" [[1 Samuel 25:10]]. This act is a profound display of his "folly" (derived from `{{H5036}}`), demonstrating a lack of wisdom, hospitality, and respect for a divinely appointed leader, even though David's anointing was not yet widely recognized.
Nabal's actions provoke David's wrath, leading David to prepare for a retaliatory attack. However, Abigail, Nabal's wife, intervenes with great wisdom and humility, pacifying David and averting bloodshed. Upon Abigail's return, she finds Nabal feasting boisterously, "like the feast of a king" [[1 Samuel 25:36]], further illustrating his self-indulgence and unawareness. When Abigail recounts her encounter with David, Nabal's "heart died within him, and he became as a stone" [[1 Samuel 25:37]], likely a stroke or severe shock. Approximately ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died [[1 Samuel 25:38]].
Nabal's demise is presented as divine judgment, a direct consequence of his foolishness, arrogance, and refusal to show kindness to God's anointed. His life serves as a stark illustration that character, as reflected in one's name, can indeed be a prophetic indicator of destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H5037}}` is its root, `{{H5036}}` (נָבָל), which functions as an adjective or noun meaning "foolish," "senseless," "impious," or "worthless." This foundational connection is critical for understanding the proper noun.
Other Hebrew words conveying the concept of "fool" or "folly" include:
* `{{H191}}` ('ĕwîl): Often denotes a stubborn, thick-headed fool, resistant to instruction.
* `{{H3684}}` (kesîl): A dull, obstinate fool, frequently associated with moral depravity and a lack of wisdom.
* `{{H5528}}` (sāḵal): A verb meaning "to be foolish" or "to act foolishly," often implying a lack of practical wisdom or discernment.
* `{{H200}}` ('ivveleth): A noun meaning "folly" or "foolishness," referring to the state or act of being foolish.
The narrative of Nabal also brings into focus several important biblical concepts:
* **Wisdom vs. Folly:** Nabal perfectly embodies folly, contrasting sharply with Abigail's wisdom and discernment.
* **Hospitality:** Nabal's refusal of hospitality to David was a grave offense in ancient Near Eastern culture, highlighting his lack of social and moral responsibility.
* **Divine Justice:** Nabal's death is presented as God's righteous judgment against his wickedness and insolence.
* **Respect for God's Anointed:** Nabal's contempt for David, God's chosen king, underscores a deeper rebellion against divine order.
### Theological Significance
The character of Nabal, named `{{H5037}}`, serves as a profound theological archetype of the "fool" in biblical wisdom literature. His "folly" is not merely intellectual deficiency but a moral and spiritual rebellion against God's established order and the principles of righteousness. He is a *nābāl* (`{{H5036}}`) in the fullest sense: one who lacks spiritual discernment, acts impiously, and ultimately disregards the divine.
Nabal's story powerfully illustrates the consequences of such spiritual foolishness. His arrogance, greed, and contempt for David – God's anointed – lead directly to his downfall and death, a clear demonstration of divine retribution. This narrative underscores the theological truth that "the fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (cf. [[Psalm 14:1]], [[Psalm 53:1]]), which often manifests not as explicit atheism, but as practical godlessness, a life lived without regard for divine principles or the people God has chosen.
Furthermore, Nabal's narrative highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, protecting His servants and executing justice. His death paves the way for David to marry Abigail, bringing a wise and discerning woman into the lineage of the future king, contrasting sharply with the foolishness Nabal represented. Thus, Nabal's life and death serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the critical importance of wisdom, humility, and reverence for God's ways, and the destructive path of the impious fool.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5037}}`, Nabal (נָבָל), is a proper noun designating an individual whose character is intrinsically defined by the very meaning of his name. Derived from or identical to `{{H5036}}`, meaning "fool," "senseless," or "worthless," Nabal's life in 1 Samuel 25 vividly portrays the destructive nature of spiritual and moral folly. His churlishness, refusal of hospitality, and contempt for David – God's anointed – exemplify the biblical concept of the "fool" as one who acts without spiritual discernment or regard for divine principles. His ultimate demise, struck down by the Lord, serves as a powerful testament to divine justice against such impious arrogance. Nabal stands as a timeless cautionary figure, emphasizing the profound theological contrast between the path of wisdom, humility, and reverence for God, and the self-destructive course of the "dolt" or "fool."
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