1 Samuel 25:17
New International Version
Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.”

New Living Translation
You need to know this and figure out what to do, for there is going to be trouble for our master and his whole family. He’s so ill-tempered that no one can even talk to him!”

English Standard Version
Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him.”

New American Standard Bible
Now then, be aware and consider what you should do, because harm is plotted against our master and against all his household; and he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him.”

NASB 1995
“Now therefore, know and consider what you should do, for evil is plotted against our master and against all his household; and he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him.”

NASB 1977
“Now therefore, know and consider what you should do, for evil is plotted against our master and against all his household; and he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So now, know and see what you should do, for evil is decided against our master and against all his household; and he is such a vile man that no one can speak to him.”

Amplified Bible
Now then, know this and consider what you should do, for evil is [already] planned against our master and against all his household; but he is such a worthless and wicked man that one cannot speak [reasonably] to him.”

Christian Standard Bible
Now consider carefully what you should do, because there is certain to be trouble for our master and his entire family. He is such a worthless fool nobody can talk to him! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now consider carefully what you must do, because there is certain to be trouble for our master and his entire family. He is such a worthless fool nobody can talk to him!”

American Standard Version
Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house: for he is such a worthless fellow, that one cannot speak to him.

Contemporary English Version
He's a bully who won't listen to anyone. Isn't there something you can do? Please think of something! Or else our master and his family and everyone who works for him are all doomed.

English Revised Version
Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house: for he is such a son of Belial, that one cannot speak to him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, consider what you should do because our master and his whole household are doomed. And he's such a worthless man that it's useless to talk to him."

Good News Translation
Please think this over and decide what to do. This could be disastrous for our master and all his family. He is so mean that he won't listen to anybody!"

International Standard Version
Now, be aware of this and consider what you should do. Calamity is being planned against our master and against his entire household. He's such a worthless person that no one can talk to him."

Majority Standard Bible
Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!?

NET Bible
Now be aware of this, and see what you can do. For disaster has been planned for our lord and his entire household. He is such a wicked person that no one tells him anything!"

New Heart English Bible
Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house; for he is such a worthless fellow that one can't speak to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master and against all his house, for he is such a worthless fellow that one can’t speak to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, know and consider what you do; for evil has been determined against our lord, and against all his house, and he [is] too much a son of worthlessness to be spoken to.”

Young's Literal Translation
And, now, know and consider what thou dost; for evil hath been determined against our lord, and against all his house, and he is too much a son of worthlessness to be spoken to.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And now know and see what thou wilt do; for evil was finished against our lord and upon all his house: and he a son of Belial, from speaking to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wherefore consider, and think what thou hast to do: for evil is determined against thy husband, and against thy house, and he is a son of Belial, so that no man can speak to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, consider and realize what you should do. For evil has been decided against your husband and against your house. And he is a son of Belial, so that no one is able to speak to him.”

New American Bible
Now, see what you can do, for you must realize that otherwise disaster is in store for our master and for his whole house. He is such a scoundrel that no one can talk to him.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now therefore know this and consider what you should do; for evil has been decided against our master and against all his house; he is so ill-natured that no one can speak to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master and against all his household; and Nabal was with the shepherds.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Now know and see what you do, because evil is determined against our Master and against all his household!” And Nabal was with the Shepherds
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house; for he is such a base fellow, that one cannot speak to him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now do thou consider, and see what thou wilt do; for mischief is determined against our lord and against his house; and he is a vile character, and one cannot speak to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David, Nabal, and Abigail
16They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. 17Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”

Cross References
Proverbs 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Proverbs 31:10-12
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

2 Samuel 20:1-2
Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 12:13-16
And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders / and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” / So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. ...

Esther 7:4-6
For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” / Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” / Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.

Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 19:13
A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

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

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Luke 16:8
The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.

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

1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.


Treasury of Scripture

Now therefore know and consider what you will 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.

evil

1 Samuel 20:7,9,33
If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him…

2 Chronicles 25:16
And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

Esther 7:7
And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

a son of Belial

1 Samuel 25:25
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.

1 Samuel 2:12
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

Deuteronomy 13:13
Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;

that a man

1 Samuel 20:32,33
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? …

2 Kings 5:13,14
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? …

Jump to Previous
Base Belial Consider Determined Disaster Evil Hanging House Household Ill-Natured Master Plotted Possible Speak Store Talk Think Thought Wilt Worthless
Jump to Next
Base Belial Consider Determined Disaster Evil Hanging House Household Ill-Natured Master Plotted Possible Speak Store Talk Think Thought Wilt Worthless
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














Now consider carefully
The phrase "consider carefully" is a call to deliberate action and thoughtful decision-making. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "yada," which means to know or perceive. This implies a deep understanding and awareness of the situation. The servant is urging Abigail to use wisdom and discernment, reflecting the biblical principle that wisdom is a gift from God (James 1:5). In a broader scriptural context, this call to careful consideration is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis.

what you must do
This phrase emphasizes the necessity of action. The Hebrew word "asah" is used here, meaning to do or make. It suggests not just any action, but the right action, one that aligns with God's will. The urgency in the servant's words highlights the biblical theme of responsibility and stewardship, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Abigail is being called to act wisely and righteously, a reflection of the Proverbs 31 woman who is praised for her wisdom and industriousness.

because disaster is hanging over
The word "disaster" in Hebrew is "ra," which can mean evil, calamity, or distress. The imagery of disaster "hanging over" suggests an imminent threat, much like a storm cloud ready to burst. This reflects the biblical understanding of the consequences of sin and folly, as seen in the account of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). The servant's warning is a call to repentance and intervention, echoing the prophetic tradition of warning against impending judgment.

our master and his whole household
The term "master" refers to Nabal, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. His household is at risk due to his actions, illustrating the biblical principle that the sins of a leader can have dire consequences for those under their care (Proverbs 29:12). This phrase underscores the interconnectedness of community and family in biblical times, where the actions of one could affect many, as seen in the account of Achan (Joshua 7).

He is such a wicked man
The description of Nabal as "wicked" uses the Hebrew word "belial," which denotes worthlessness or lawlessness. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe those who are morally corrupt and opposed to God's ways (Deuteronomy 13:13). Nabal's character is contrasted with that of David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), highlighting the biblical theme of righteousness versus wickedness.

that no one can speak to him
This phrase indicates Nabal's stubbornness and pride, traits that are condemned throughout Scripture (Proverbs 16:18). The inability to receive counsel is a hallmark of folly, as seen in the account of Rehoboam, who rejected wise advice and caused division in Israel (1 Kings 12:1-19). This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and the willingness to listen to wise counsel, a key aspect of biblical wisdom literature.

(17) A son of Belial.--Belial was not a proper name, though it subsequently came to be considered one. It signifies simply worthlessness; here a "son of Belial" is an expression for a bad, worthless fellow.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

consider carefully
דְּעִ֤י (də·‘î)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

what
מַֽה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

you must do,
תַּעֲשִׂ֔י (ta·‘ă·śî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

disaster
הָרָעָ֛ה (hā·rā·‘āh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

looms
כָלְתָ֧ה (ḵā·lə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

over
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

and
וְעַ֣ל (wə·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his household.
בֵּית֑וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

For he [is such]
וְהוּא֙ (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

a scoundrel
בְּלִיַּ֔עַל (bə·lî·ya·‘al)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness

that nobody can speak
מִדַּבֵּ֖ר (mid·dab·bêr)
Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to him!”
אֵלָֽיו׃ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to


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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:17 Now therefore know and consider what you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 25:16
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