### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nâbâl**, represented by `{{H5037}}`, is primarily used as the proper name for a specific Israelite man whose character is defined by the word's base meaning: **dolt**. It appears 22 times across 18 unique verses, with its usage concentrated entirely within the narrative of his interaction with the future King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5037}}` is introduced as the name of a wealthy but ill-tempered man, described as "churlish and evil in his doings" [[1 Samuel 25:3]]. When David's men approach him for provisions, Nabal insults them, dismissively asking, "Who is David?" [[1 Samuel 25:10]]. His own wife, Abigail, confirms his character by telling David, "as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him" [[1 Samuel 25:25]]. The story concludes with Nabal's death, which David recognizes as divine judgment, declaring that "the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head" [[1 Samuel 25:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used in the narrative to describe Nabal's character and actions:
* `{{H7186}}` **qâsheh** (churlish): This word, meaning severe or harsh, is used to directly describe Nabal's difficult and cruel temperament [[1 Samuel 25:3]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): Nabal is characterized as "evil in his doings," a term that also defines the "wickedness" God ultimately repays, signifying his moral corruption and harmful nature [[1 Samuel 25:3]].
* `{{H5039}}` **nᵉbâlâh** (folly): This feminine variant of Nabal's name means foolishness or wickedness. His wife Abigail explicitly connects him to this concept, showing his name is a descriptor of his character [[1 Samuel 25:25]].
* `{{H1100}}` **bᵉlîyaʻal** (Belial, worthlessness): Abigail urges David not to regard her husband, calling him a "man of Belial," which identifies him as a worthless and wicked individual [[1 Samuel 25:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5037}}` is demonstrated through the narrative's key themes:
* **Embodiment of Folly:** The story of Nabal serves as a powerful illustration of folly. His name is explicitly linked to his actions when his wife says, "Nabal is his name, and folly is with him" [[1 Samuel 25:25]], making him a biblical archetype of a foolish and wicked man.
* **Divine Retribution:** Nabal’s fate demonstrates the theme of divine judgment. Rather than being struck down by David, "the LORD smote Nabal, that he died" [[1 Samuel 25:38]]. This is presented as God returning Nabal's own "wickedness" upon him, reinforcing that God judges the arrogant [[1 Samuel 25:39]].
* **Wisdom vs. Folly:** The narrative creates a stark contrast between Nabal, the foolish man, and his wife Abigail, a woman of "good understanding" [[1 Samuel 25:3]]. His arrogant behavior nearly leads to the destruction of his household, which is averted only by her wise and timely intervention.
* **Consequences of Arrogance:** Nabal's downfall is triggered by his churlish and insulting refusal to provide for David's men [[1 Samuel 25:10]]. While feasting "like the feast of a king," his pride and inhospitality are shown to be moral failings that lead directly to his ruin [[1 Samuel 25:36]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5037}}` is more than a simple proper name; it is a label for a character defined by foolishness and wickedness. The story of Nabal is a concentrated biblical case study on the consequences of being "churlish and evil in his doings" [[1 Samuel 25:3]]. His life and death serve as a potent reminder of divine judgment and stand in sharp contrast to the wisdom of his wife, Abigail. Ultimately, the name **Nâbâl** becomes a byword for a foolish person whose character seals his own ruin, to the point that being "as Nabal" is wished upon one's enemies [[1 Samuel 25:26]].
TRV