1 Samuel 25:14
New International Version
One of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and told her, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed insults at them.

English Standard Version
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

New King James Version
Now one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he reviled them.

New American Standard Bible
Now one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he spoke to them in anger.

NASB 1995
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he scorned them.

NASB 1977
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he scorned them.

Legacy Standard Bible
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he rushed at them angrily.

Amplified Bible
But one of Nabal’s young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Listen, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless (greet) our master, and he shouted at them [in contempt].

Christian Standard Bible
One of Nabal’s young men informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One of Nabal’s young men informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife: “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he yelled at them.

American Standard Version
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them.

English Revised Version
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he flew upon them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, "David sent messengers from the desert to greet our master, who yelled at them.

Good News Translation
One of Nabal's servants said to Nabal's wife Abigail, "Have you heard? David sent some messengers from the wilderness with greetings for our master, but he insulted them.

International Standard Version
Now, one of the young men told Nabal's wife Abigail: "Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our lord, but he screamed insults at them.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
But one of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail, "David sent messengers from the desert to greet our lord, but he screamed at them.

New Heart English Bible
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, "Look, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; and he railed at them.

Webster's Bible Translation
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers from the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them.

World English Bible
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; and he insulted them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And one young man of the youths has declared [it] to Abigail wife of Nabal, saying, “Behold, David has sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless our lord, and he flies on them;

Young's Literal Translation
And to Abigail wife of Nabal hath one young man of the youths declared, saying, 'Lo, David hath sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless our lord, and he flieth upon them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And one boy of the boys announced to Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers from the desert to bless my lord; and he will fly upon them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But one of the servants told Abigail the wife of Nabal, saying: Behold David sent messengers out of the wilderness, to salute our master: and he rejected them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it was reported to Abigail, the wife of Nabal, by one of his servants, saying: “Behold, David has sent messengers from the desert, so that they might speak kindly to our lord. But he turned them away.

New American Bible
Abigail, Nabal’s wife, was informed of this by one of the servants, who said: “From the wilderness David sent messengers to greet our master, but he screamed at them.

New Revised Standard Version
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he shouted insults at them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to bless our master; and he railed at them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a young man, one of the young men, told Abigal the wife of Nabal, and he said: “David sent Messengers from the wilderness for his blessing to our Lord, and he himself was careless toward them!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying: 'Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he flew upon them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And one of the servants reported to Abigaia the wife of Nabal, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our lord; but he turned away from them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David, Nabal, and Abigail
13And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 14Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them. 15Yet these men were very good to us. When we were in the field, we were not harassed, and nothing of ours went missing the whole time we lived among them.…

Cross References
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Romans 12:18
If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.

Proverbs 12:16
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:20-21
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

Proverbs 20:3
It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.

Luke 6:27-28
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.


Treasury of Scripture

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

railed on them [heb] flew upon them

Mark 15:29
And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

Jump to Previous
Abigail Ab'igail Bless David Declared Desert Hurled Insulted Kind Master Messengers Nabal Nabal's Railed Rough Salute Scorned Servants Waste Wife Wilderness Young Youths
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Abigail Ab'igail Bless David Declared Desert Hurled Insulted Kind Master Messengers Nabal Nabal's Railed Rough Salute Scorned Servants Waste Wife Wilderness Young Youths
1 Samuel 25
1. Samuel dies
2. David in Paran sends to Nabal
10. Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him
14. Abigail understanding thereof
18. takes a present
23. and by her wisdom
32. pacifies David
36. Nabal hearing thereof, dies
39. David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives
44. Michal is given to Phalti














Meanwhile
This word indicates a transition and suggests simultaneous events. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "וְהִנֵּה" (vehineh), which often serves to draw attention to a significant development. It sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the urgency and importance of the message being delivered to Abigail. This word underscores the providential timing in God's plan, as Abigail's intervention becomes crucial in the unfolding events.

one of Nabal’s young men
The phrase refers to a servant or a member of Nabal's household. In the Hebrew context, "נַעַר" (na'ar) can mean a young man or servant, indicating someone of lower status but with enough awareness and concern to act. This young man's initiative reflects the biblical theme of God using seemingly insignificant individuals to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that wisdom and courage are not confined to those in positions of power.

informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife
Abigail is introduced as Nabal's wife, a woman of intelligence and discernment. Her role is crucial, as she becomes the mediator between David and Nabal. The Hebrew name "אֲבִיגַיִל" (Avigayil) means "my father is joy," which contrasts with her husband's foolishness. This highlights the biblical principle that God often places wise and righteous individuals in positions to avert disaster and bring about His will.

Look
The Hebrew word "הִנֵּה" (hinneh) is an interjection used to draw attention, similar to "behold." It emphasizes the urgency and importance of the message. This word serves as a call to action, urging Abigail to recognize the gravity of the situation and respond appropriately. It reflects the biblical theme of vigilance and readiness to act in accordance with God's guidance.

David sent messengers from the wilderness
David, the anointed future king of Israel, is in the wilderness, a place of testing and preparation. The wilderness often symbolizes a place of trial and divine encounter in Scripture. David's sending of messengers reflects his initial peaceful intentions and respect for Nabal's household. This action underscores the biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation before resorting to conflict.

to greet our master
The phrase indicates a gesture of goodwill and respect. In the Hebrew text, "לְבָרֵךְ" (levarekh) means "to bless" or "to greet," suggesting a desire for peaceful relations. This reflects the biblical value of hospitality and the expectation of reciprocal kindness, which Nabal fails to uphold. It serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and honor.

but he scolded them
Nabal's response is one of harshness and disrespect. The Hebrew word "וַיָּעַט" (vayya'at) implies a rebuke or insult. This reaction reveals Nabal's character as foolish and arrogant, contrasting with David's humility and Abigail's wisdom. It highlights the biblical theme of the consequences of pride and the importance of responding to others with grace and understanding.

(14) But one of the young men told Abigail.--The servant of Nabal--accustomed, no doubt, to his master's wild and ungovernable displays of temper had heard the insulting words which Nabal spoke to the armed messenger of the famous outlaw captain; and probably gathering from the angry demeanour of these warlike followers of David how deadly was the insult--aware, too, how great was the power of the man thus insulted--came at once, and recounted to his mistress what had taken place. Abigail had, no doubt, often acted as peace-maker between her intemperate husband and his neighbours, and on hearing the story and how imprudently her husband had behaved, saw that no time must be lost, for with a clever woman's wit she saw that grave consequences would surely follow the churlish refusal and the rash words, which betrayed at once the jealous adherent of Saul and the bitter enemy of the powerful outlaw.

Verses 14-17. - One of the young men. Hebrew, "a lad of the lads," i.e. one of the servants (see on the word 1 Samuel 1:24); when used in this sense it has no reference to age (see 1 Samuel 2:17). This man was probably some old and confidential servitor. To salute. Hebrew, "to bless" (see 1 Samuel 13:10; 2 Kings 4:29). He railed on them. Literally, "flew upon them like a bird of prey." We were not hurt. Literally, "not put to shame" (see on ver. 7). The language of a people always bears witness to their character, and it is a mark of the high spirit of the Israelites that they thought less of the loss than of the disgrace of an injury. As long as we were conversant with them. Hebrew, "as long as we went about with them." In the fields. Really, "in the field," the wilderness, the common pasture land. A wall. I.e. a sure protection both against wild beasts and Amalekite and other plunderers. A son of Belial. A worthless, bad man (see on 1 Samuel 1:16), so coarse and violent that it is hopeless to expostulate with him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Meanwhile, one
אֶחָ֛ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of Nabal’s
נַֽעַר־ (na·‘ar-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

young men
מֵהַנְּעָרִ֖ים (mê·han·nə·‘ā·rîm)
Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

informed
הִגִּ֧יד (hig·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

Nabal’s
נָבָ֔ל (nā·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel

wife
אֵ֣שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

Abigail,
וְלַאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙ (wə·la·’ă·ḇî·ḡa·yil)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 26: Abigail -- 'my father is joy', two Israelite women

“Look,
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

David
דָּוִ֨ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

sent
שָׁלַח֩ (šā·laḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
מַלְאָכִ֧ים ׀ (mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

from the wilderness
מֵֽהַמִּדְבָּ֛ר (mê·ham·miḏ·bār)
Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech

to greet
לְבָרֵ֥ךְ (lə·ḇā·rêḵ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

our master,
אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ (’ă·ḏō·nê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

but he scolded them.
וַיָּ֥עַט (way·yā·‘aṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5860: To swoop down upon


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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:14 But one of the young men told (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 25:13
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