1 Samuel 25:11
New International Version
Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

New Living Translation
Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I’ve slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?”

English Standard Version
Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?”

Berean Standard Bible
Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?”

King James Bible
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

New King James Version
Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?”

New American Standard Bible
Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?”

NASB 1995
“Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?”

NASB 1977
“Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?”

Amplified Bible
So should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?”

Christian Standard Bible
Am I supposed to take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t know where they are from.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Am I supposed to take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t know where they are from.”

American Standard Version
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they are?

Contemporary English Version
What makes you think I would take my bread, my water, and the meat that I've had cooked for my own servants and give it to you? Besides, I'm not sure that David sent you!

English Revised Version
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they be?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Should I take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to men coming from who knows where?"

Good News Translation
I'm not going to take my bread and water, and the animals I have butchered for my sheepshearers, and give them to people who come from I don't know where!"

International Standard Version
Should I take my food, my water, and my meat that I've slaughtered for my shearers and give it to men who came from who knows where?"

Majority Standard Bible
Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know??

NET Bible
Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don't even know where they came from!"

New Heart English Bible
Shall I then take my bread, and my wine, and my meat that I have slaughtered for the shearers of my sheep, and give it to men who I do not know where they come from?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men, whom I know not whence they are?

World English Bible
Shall I then take my bread, my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men who I don’t know where they come from?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And have I taken my bread, and my water, and my flesh, which I slaughtered for my shearers, and have given [it] to men whom I have not known where they [are] from?”

Young's Literal Translation
and I have taken my bread, and my water, and my flesh, which I slaughtered for my shearers, and have given it to men whom I have not known whence they are!'

Smith's Literal Translation
And took I my bread and my water, and my slaughter which I slaughtered for my shearers, and gave to men whom I knew not from whence they are?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and the flesh of my cattle, which I have killed for my shearers, and give to men whom I know not whence they are?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, shall I take my bread, and my water, and the meat of the cattle that I have slain for my shearers, and give it to men, when I do not know where they are from?”

New American Bible
Must I take my bread, my wine, my meat that I have slaughtered for my own shearers, and give them to men who come from who knows where?”

New Revised Standard Version
Shall I take my bread and my water and the meat that I have butchered for my shearers, and give it to men who come from I do not know where?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men whom I know not whence they are?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
My bread and water and the meat are for my Shearers, and shall I give to men of whom I do not know from where they are?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they are?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And shall I take my bread, and my wine, and my beasts that I have slain for my shearers, and shall I give them to men of whom I know not whence they are?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David, Nabal, and Abigail
10But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. 11Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” 12So David’s men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words.…

Cross References
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Luke 12:19-21
Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Matthew 25:42-45
For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ / And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ...

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Isaiah 32:6-8
For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. / The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. / But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Ezekiel 16:49
Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.


Treasury of Scripture

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men, whom I know not from where they be?

Shall I then

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 24:13
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Deuteronomy 8:17
And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

flesh [heb] slaughter

Ecclesiastes 11:1,2
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days…

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

whom

1 Samuel 25:14,15
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…

John 9:29,30
We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is…

2 Corinthians 6:9
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

Jump to Previous
Bread Idea Killed Meat Origin Ready Shearers Slaughtered Water Whence Wool-Cutters
Jump to Next
Bread Idea Killed Meat Origin Ready Shearers Slaughtered Water Whence Wool-Cutters
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














Why should I take my bread and water
This phrase reflects Nabal's selfishness and lack of hospitality, which was a significant cultural expectation in ancient Israel. Bread and water symbolize basic sustenance, and withholding them from travelers or those in need was seen as inhospitable. In the broader biblical context, hospitality is a recurring theme, as seen in Genesis 18 with Abraham's welcome of the three visitors. Nabal's refusal contrasts with the generosity expected of God's people.

and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers
The mention of meat slaughtered for shearers indicates a time of celebration and abundance, as sheep shearing was a festive occasion. This was a time when generosity was expected, especially towards those who had provided protection or service, as David's men had done for Nabal's shepherds. The cultural expectation was to share the abundance, as seen in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:23), where a feast is prepared to celebrate.

and give them to these men
Nabal's reference to "these men" shows his disdain and lack of recognition for David and his men. In the historical context, David was already anointed as the future king of Israel, and his men were not mere wanderers but warriors who had protected Nabal's flocks. This phrase highlights Nabal's ignorance or willful disregard of David's status and the protection provided.

whose origin I do not know?
This phrase underscores Nabal's dismissive attitude and lack of discernment. In the cultural context, knowing someone's origin was important for establishing trust and social connections. However, Nabal's claim of ignorance is likely disingenuous, as David's reputation was well-known. This echoes the rejection of Jesus in John 1:10-11, where He came to His own, but they did not receive Him. Nabal's failure to recognize David's identity and role foreshadows the rejection of Christ by those who did not understand His true origin and mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nabal
A wealthy but harsh and surly man from Maon, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. He is the central figure in this verse, refusing to help David and his men.

2. David
The future king of Israel, who at this time is fleeing from King Saul. He and his men have been protecting Nabal's shepherds and are now seeking provisions.

3. Abigail
Nabal's wise and discerning wife, who later intervenes to prevent David from taking vengeance on Nabal.

4. Carmel
The location where Nabal's business operations, including sheep shearing, are taking place. It is a place of wealth and prosperity.

5. Shearers
The workers involved in the shearing of sheep, a time of festivity and abundance, which makes Nabal's refusal even more egregious.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Selfishness
Nabal's refusal to share his resources highlights the destructive nature of selfishness. As Christians, we are called to be generous and to share our blessings with others.

Wisdom in Relationships
Abigail's later intervention shows the importance of wisdom and discernment in dealing with difficult situations and people. We should seek to be peacemakers in our interactions.

Recognizing God's Provision
Nabal's failure to recognize God's provision through David's protection of his shepherds serves as a reminder to acknowledge and be grateful for God's blessings in our lives.

The Consequences of Foolishness
Nabal's account warns us of the potential consequences of foolishness and pride. We should strive to live humbly and wisely, seeking God's guidance in our decisions.(11) Unto men, whom I know not.--In other words, "Shall I give largesse to the enemies of my king--to a band of rebel freebooters?"

My water.--The LXX., instead of "water," read "wine." This is one of the countless alterations this version arbitrarily makes in the original sacred text. The Greek translators were puzzled at Nabal's enumeration of "water" as one of the demands of David. Its mention, however, is a mark of the accuracy of the record. Water in many parts of the East is exceedingly precious. The words of Joshua 15:19 clearly indicate the especial want of this district of Palestine, when Caleb's daughter Achsah specially prayed her father for springs of water. Its mention, however, can scarcely, as Dean Payne Smith observes, "mark the abstemious habits of the people," considering in the same chapter we find the owner of all these flocks prostrate through intoxication.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Why should I take
וְלָקַחְתִּ֤י (wə·lā·qaḥ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3947: To take

my bread
לַחְמִי֙ (laḥ·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

water
מֵימַ֔י (mê·may)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

and the meat
טִבְחָתִ֔י (ṭiḇ·ḥā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2878: Thing slaughtered, slaughtered meat, slaughter

I have slaughtered
טָבַ֖חְתִּי (ṭā·ḇaḥ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2873: To slaughter, butcher, slay

for my shearers,
לְגֹֽזְזָ֑י (lə·ḡō·zə·zāy)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1494: To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemy

and give
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙ (wə·nā·ṯat·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them to these men
לַֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (la·’ă·nā·šîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

whose origin
אֵ֥י (’ê)
Interrogative
Strong's 335: Where?, how?

I do not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

know?”
יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know


Links
1 Samuel 25:11 NIV
1 Samuel 25:11 NLT
1 Samuel 25:11 ESV
1 Samuel 25:11 NASB
1 Samuel 25:11 KJV

1 Samuel 25:11 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 25:11 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 25:11 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 25:11 French Bible
1 Samuel 25:11 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 25:11 Shall I then take my bread (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 25:10
Top of Page
Top of Page