Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

1 SAMUEL 25:29KJV
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1 Samuel 25:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 25:29 mean?

1 Samuel 25:29 says that even though someone is trying to harm David, his life is safe and secure with God, while the lives of his enemies will be thrown away like stones from a sling. The verse uses vivid language to show the difference between God’s protection over David and the fate of those who oppose him.

In this scene, Abigail is speaking to David, who is angry and on his way to take revenge on her husband, Nabal. Abigail reassures David that God will keep his life (his "soul") safe, describing it as being “bound in the bundle of life” with God, while his enemies will be cast away. This is a poetic way of saying that David’s life is precious and guarded by God, but those who seek to harm him will be removed and have no lasting place.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 25:29

  • "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This word appears several times and means "life" or "self." Abigail speaks of David’s nephesh as being protected, highlighting the personal care God gives.
  • "Bound" (צָרַר, tsarar) and "bundle" (צְרוֹר, tseror): These words together give the image of something valuable being tied up safely, like precious items kept together. Abigail uses this picture to describe David’s life as something God keeps close and secure.
  • "Sling" (קָלַע, qela‘): The word for sling refers to the weapon used to hurl stones. Abigail’s mention of enemies being “slung out” suggests they will be forcefully removed, just as a stone is hurled far away.

Why 1 Samuel 25:29 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that Abigail is not just flattering David, but making a deep statement about God’s protection and justice—David’s life is safe with God, but his enemies are not.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing Abigail’s wisdom and her role in preventing David from acting rashly, which later helps David’s reputation.
  • The imagery of being “bound in the bundle of life” is unique in the Old Testament and gives a memorable picture of God’s care, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H7049 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 1 Kings 6:35 And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

“bundle” Hebrew H6872 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 42:35 And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
  • Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.
  • Song of Solomon 1:13 A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

“sling” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.
  • Numbers 4:26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

“bound” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.