1 Samuel 25:13 And David said to his men, "Strap on your swords!" So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 25 > Verse 13

◄ 1 Samuel 25:13 ►

New International Version
David said to his men, “Each of you strap on your sword!” So they did, and David strapped his on as well. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

New Living Translation
“Get your swords!” was David’s reply as he strapped on his own. Then 400 men started off with David, and 200 remained behind to guard their equipment.

English Standard Version
And David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.

Berean Standard Bible
And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

King James Bible
And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

New King James Version
Then David said to his men, “Every man gird on his sword.” So every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.

New American Standard Bible
Then David said to his men, “Each of you strap on his sword.” So each man strapped on his sword. And David also strapped on his sword, and about four hundred men went up behind David, while two hundred stayed with the baggage.

NASB 1995
David said to his men, “Each of you gird on his sword.” So each man girded on his sword. And David also girded on his sword, and about four hundred men went up behind David while two hundred stayed with the baggage.

NASB 1977
And David said to his men, “Each of you gird on his sword.” So each man girded on his sword. And David also girded on his sword, and about four hundred men went up behind David while two hundred stayed with the baggage.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David said to his men, “Each of you gird on his sword.” So each man girded on his sword. And David also girded on his sword, and about four hundred men went up behind David, and two hundred stayed with the baggage.

Amplified Bible
David said to his men, “Each man put on your sword.” So each man put on his sword. David also put on his sword, and about four hundred men went up behind David while two hundred stayed back with the provisions and supplies.

Christian Standard Bible
He said to his men, “All of you, put on your swords! ” So each man put on his sword, and David also put on his sword. About four hundred men followed David while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said to his men, “All of you, put on your swords!” So David and all his men put on their swords. About 400 men followed David while 200 stayed with the supplies.

American Standard Version
And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the baggage.

Contemporary English Version
"Everybody get your swords!" David ordered. They all strapped on their swords. Two hundred men stayed behind to guard the camp, but the other 400 followed David.

English Revised Version
And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Each of you put on your swords!" David told his men. And everyone, including David, put on his sword. About four hundred men went with David, while two hundred men stayed with the supplies.

Good News Translation
"Buckle on your swords!" he ordered, and they all did. David also buckled on his sword and left with about four hundred of his men, leaving two hundred behind with the supplies.

International Standard Version
David told his men, "Put on your swords." They put on their swords, and David put on his sword. Then about 400 men followed David, while 200 stayed with the supplies.

Majority Standard Bible
And David said to his men, ?Strap on your swords!? So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

NET Bible
Then David instructed his men, "Each of you strap on your sword!" So each one strapped on his sword, and David also strapped on his sword. About four hundred men followed David up, while two hundred stayed behind with the equipment.

New Heart English Bible
David said to his men, "Every man put on his sword." So every man put on his sword. David also put on his sword. About four hundred men followed David; and two hundred stayed by the baggage.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said to his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the goods.

World English Bible
David said to his men, “Every man put on his sword!” Every man put on his sword. David also put on his sword. About four hundred men followed David, and two hundred stayed by the baggage.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And David says to his men, “Each gird on his sword”; and they each gird on his sword, and David also girds on his sword, and about four hundred men go up after David, and two hundred have remained by the vessels.

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith to his men, 'Gird ye on each his sword;' and they gird on each his sword, and David also girdeth on his sword, and there go up after David about four hundred men, and two hundred have remained by the vessels.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to his men, Gird ye on, each his sword; and they will gird on each his sword, and also David will gird on his sword: and there will go up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred will sit down by the vessels.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then David said to his young men: Let every man gird on his sword. And they girded on every man his sword. And David also girded on his sword: and there followed David about four hundred men: and two hundred remained with the baggage.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then David said to his servants, “Let each one gird his sword.” And each one girded his sword. And David also girded his sword. And about four hundred men followed David. But two hundred remained behind with the supplies.

New American Bible
Thereupon David said to his men, “Let everyone strap on his sword.” And everyone did so, and David put on his own sword. About four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.

New Revised Standard Version
David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every one of them strapped on his sword; David also strapped on his sword; and about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And David said to the men who were with him, Gird you on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword; and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred remained with the baggage.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to the men who were with him: “Bind each man his sword!” And they bound their swords; also David bound his sword and about four hundred men went up after David, and two hundred stayed with the cargo

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said unto his men: 'Gird ye on every man his sword.' And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword; and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the baggage.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said to his men, Gird on every man his sword. And they went up after David, about four hundred men: and two hundred abode with the stuff.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David, Nabal, and Abigail
…12So David’s men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words. 13And David said to his men, “ Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 14Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 23:13
Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.

1 Samuel 24:2
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

2 Samuel 2:3
David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

2 Samuel 15:18
and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.

2 Samuel 18:1-2
Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of thousands and of hundreds. / He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”

1 Chronicles 12:22
For at that time men came to David day after day to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God.

1 Chronicles 12:33
From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David.

1 Chronicles 12:37
And from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh there: 120,000 armed with every kind of weapon of war.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Judges 20:17
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

Matthew 26:47
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:55
At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

Mark 14:43
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.

Mark 14:48
Jesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw?

Luke 22:47
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.

Treasury of Scripture

And David said to his men, Gird you on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred stayed by the stuff.

Gird ye

Joshua 9:14
And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

David also

1 Samuel 24:5,6
And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt…

Romans 12:19-21
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord…

two hundred

1 Samuel 30:9,10,21-24
So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed…

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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

Berean Study Bible

And David said to his men
This phrase introduces us to David, the anointed future king of Israel, who is currently in a period of exile and leadership over a band of men. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a decisive or authoritative command, reflecting David's role as a leader. Historically, David's men were a group of loyal followers, often described as mighty warriors, who supported him during his time of fleeing from King Saul. This context highlights David's leadership and the loyalty he commanded.

Strap on your swords!
The command "Strap on your swords" is a call to arms, indicating preparation for battle or defense. The Hebrew word for "sword" (חֶרֶב, chereb) is often used in the Old Testament to symbolize warfare and judgment. This phrase reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation, as David prepares to confront Nabal, who has insulted him. It also underscores the reality of living in a fallen world where conflict and defense are sometimes necessary.

So David and all his men strapped on their swords
This repetition emphasizes the obedience and readiness of David's men to follow his command. The phrase "all his men" suggests unity and solidarity among David's followers. The act of strapping on swords signifies a collective commitment to action, reflecting the loyalty and discipline within David's ranks. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of David's encounter with Abigail, Nabal's wise and discerning wife.

and about four hundred men went up with David
The number "four hundred" is significant, indicating a substantial force. In the context of ancient Israel, such a number would represent a formidable group capable of exerting considerable influence or force. The phrase "went up" suggests movement towards a higher elevation, possibly indicating a strategic advantage or the geographical setting of the narrative. This mobilization of men underscores the seriousness of David's intent and the potential for conflict.

while two hundred stayed with the supplies
The decision to leave "two hundred" men with the supplies demonstrates strategic wisdom and foresight. In ancient military campaigns, protecting resources was crucial for sustaining an army. This division of forces reflects David's leadership skills and his ability to balance aggression with prudence. It also highlights the importance of logistics and support roles within any organized effort, a principle applicable to both ancient and modern contexts.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(13) Gird ye on every man his sword.--The formal preparation and the largeness of the force told off for the work showed how terribly David was in earnest, and how bent he was on wiping out the insult of Nabal in blood. From the view we have taken of the transaction above, David's anger is quite to be accounted for, though not to be excused.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And David
דָּוִ֨ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

said
וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to his men,
לַאֲנָשָׁ֜יו (la·’ă·nā·šāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

“Each of you,
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

put on
חִגְר֣וּ ׀ (ḥiḡ·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2296: To gird, gird on, gird oneself

your swords!”
חַרְבּ֗וֹ (ḥar·bōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

So David
דָּוִ֖ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

all his men
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

put on
וַֽיַּחְגְּרוּ֙ (way·yaḥ·gə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2296: To gird, gird on, gird oneself

their swords,
חַרְבּ֔וֹ (ḥar·bōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

and about four
כְּאַרְבַּ֤ע (kə·’ar·ba‘)
Preposition-k | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 702: Four

hundred
מֵאוֹת֙ (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

men
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

followed
וַֽיַּעֲל֣וּ ׀ (way·ya·‘ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

David,
דָוִ֗ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

while two hundred
וּמָאתַ֖יִם (ū·mā·ṯa·yim)
Conjunctive waw | Number - fd
Strong's 3967: A hundred

stayed
יָשְׁב֥וּ (yā·šə·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the supplies.
הַכֵּלִֽים׃ (hak·kê·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:13 David said to his men Gird you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)