And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

1 SAMUEL 25:38KJV
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1 Samuel 25:38 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 25:38 mean?

1 Samuel 25:38 says that about ten days after a certain event, the LORD struck Nabal, and he died. This verse describes a direct act of God bringing about Nabal’s death, following a period of time after his encounter with David and Abigail.

In the story, Nabal is a wealthy but harsh man who insulted David, and Abigail, Nabal’s wife, intervened to prevent David from taking revenge. After Abigail told Nabal what had happened, he became very afraid or possibly suffered a medical episode. Ten days later, the text says the LORD (the God of Israel) caused Nabal’s death, showing a divine response to Nabal’s actions.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 25:38

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of the God of Israel, emphasizing that it was not a random event but a specific act attributed to God’s will and authority.
  • smote (נָגַף, nāgaph): This word means to strike or to inflict, often used in the Hebrew Bible for acts of divine judgment or punishment. Here, it highlights that Nabal’s death was not by accident or natural causes alone, but seen as a direct intervention.
  • ten (עֶשֶׂר, ‘eser) and days (יֹום, yōm): The mention of “about ten days” gives a sense of a waiting period, possibly showing a time for reflection or repentance, but the outcome did not change.

Why 1 Samuel 25:38 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Nabal’s death was not simply a result of his own health or David’s actions, but was understood as a judgment from God, reinforcing the seriousness of Nabal’s offense.
  • The timing (“about ten days after”) connects Nabal’s fate directly to the events with David and Abigail, showing a clear cause and effect in the narrative.
  • It highlights a turning point in the story, paving the way for David and Abigail’s future, and underscores the theme that God can act on behalf of those who trust in Him.

Where else these words appear

“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 25:14 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.
  • 1 Samuel 25:37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.

“smote” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;