And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

1 SAMUEL 25:10KJV
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1 Samuel 25:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 25:10 mean?

1 Samuel 25:10 shows Nabal rudely dismissing David’s messengers, questioning David’s importance and suggesting that David is just another runaway servant. Nabal refuses to recognize David’s reputation or his connection to Jesse, treating him as insignificant and unworthy of respect.

Nabal is speaking to the servants sent by David, who had asked for provisions after David’s men had protected Nabal’s shepherds. Instead of responding with gratitude or generosity, Nabal insults David by pretending not to know who he is and comparing him to any common servant who abandons his master. This sets the stage for the conflict that follows in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 25:10

  • נָבָל (Nabal): This name means "fool" or "senseless," which fits the way he acts in this story—showing a lack of wisdom and respect.
  • עָנָה (anah, "answered"): This word often carries the sense of a direct or even confrontational reply, highlighting Nabal’s dismissive and disrespectful tone.
  • פָּרַץ (parats, "break away"): Used here for "break away," this word can mean to burst out or rebel, emphasizing how Nabal views David as just another rebellious servant rather than a leader or hero.

Why 1 Samuel 25:10 matters

  • This verse explains why David is so offended and angry later in the story—Nabal’s words are not just a refusal but a public insult.
  • Nabal’s attitude contrasts sharply with the respect David receives from others, highlighting Nabal’s foolishness and the tension between the two men.
  • Understanding Nabal’s insult helps clarify Abigail’s later actions and the importance of her wise intervention in preventing bloodshed.

Where else these words appear

“many” Hebrew H7231 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
  • Psalms 38:19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
  • Isaiah 22:9 Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

“Nabal” Hebrew H5037 · used in 18 verses

  • 1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
  • 1 Samuel 25:19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.
  • 1 Samuel 25:38 And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

“Jesse” Hebrew H3448 · used in 39 verses

  • Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
  • 1 Samuel 16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
  • 2 Samuel 20:1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

“away” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:38 These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.