1 Samuel 25:21 Now David had just finished saying, "In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 25 > Verse 21

◄ 1 Samuel 25:21 ►

New International Version
David had just said, “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the wilderness so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good.

New Living Translation
David had just been saying, “A lot of good it did to help this fellow. We protected his flocks in the wilderness, and nothing he owned was lost or stolen. But he has repaid me evil for good.

English Standard Version
Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good.

Berean Standard Bible
Now David had just said, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good.

King James Bible
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

New King James Version
Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good.

New American Standard Bible
Now David had said, “It is certainly for nothing that I have guarded everything that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing has gone missing of all that belonged to him! For he has returned me evil for good.

NASB 1995
Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have guarded all that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has returned me evil for good.

NASB 1977
Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have guarded all that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has returned me evil for good.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now David had said, “Surely for a lie I have guarded all that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has returned me evil for good.

Amplified Bible
Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have protected and guarded all that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missing of all that belonged to him; and he has repaid me evil for good.

Christian Standard Bible
David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good.

American Standard Version
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath returned me evil for good.

Contemporary English Version
David had just been saying, "I surely wasted my time guarding Nabal's things in the desert and keeping them from being stolen! I was good to him, and now he pays me back with insults.

English Revised Version
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath returned me evil for good.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David had thought, "I guarded this man's stuff in the desert for nothing! Not one of his possessions was missing. Yet, he has paid me back with evil when I was good to him.

Good News Translation
David had been thinking, "Why did I ever protect that fellow's property out here in the wilderness? Not a thing that belonged to him was stolen, and this is how he pays me back for the help I gave him!

International Standard Version
Now David had said, "Surely it was for nothing that I protected everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness, and nothing was missing of all that belonged to him. But he has repaid me with evil for good!

Majority Standard Bible
Now David had just said, ?In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good.

NET Bible
Now David had been thinking, "In vain I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the desert. I didn't take anything from him. But he has repaid my good with evil.

New Heart English Bible
Now David had said, "Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him. He has returned me evil for good.

Webster's Bible Translation
(Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this man hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

World English Bible
Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him. He has returned me evil for good.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And David said, “Surely in vain I have kept all that this [one] has in the wilderness, and nothing has been looked after of all that he has, and he turns back to me evil for good;

Young's Literal Translation
And David said, 'Only, in vain I have kept all that this one hath in the wilderness, and nothing hath been looked after of all that he hath, and he turneth back to me evil for good;

Smith's Literal Translation
(And David said, Surely in vain did I watch all which was to this one in the desert, and not any thing was missed from all which was to him; and he will turn back to me evil for good.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said: Truly in vain have I kept all that belonged to this man in the wilderness, and nothing was lost of all that pertained unto him: and he hath returned me evil for good.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said: “Truly, in vain have I preserved all that was his in the wilderness, so that nothing perished out of all that belonged to him. And he has repaid evil to me for good.

New American Bible
David had just been saying: “Indeed, it was in vain that I guarded all this man’s possessions in the wilderness, so that nothing of his was missing. He has repaid good with evil.

New Revised Standard Version
Now David had said, “Surely it was in vain that I protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; but he has returned me evil for good.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now David had said, Surely in vain have we guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missing of all that belonged to him; and he has rewarded us evil for good.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said: “For nothing we protected everything that he had in the wilderness, and we did not allow a thing to be lost of all that he had, and he paid us evil for the sake of good

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now David had said: 'Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him; and he hath returned me evil for good.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said, Perhaps I have kept all his possessions in the wilderness that he should wrong me, and we did not order the taking anything of all his goods; yet he has rewarded me evil for good.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Abigail Intercedes for Nabal
…20As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. 21Now David had just finished saying, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good. 22May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 34:25-31
Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. / They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. / Jacob’s other sons came upon the slaughter and looted the city, because their sister had been defiled. ...

Genesis 27:41
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

2 Samuel 16:5-13
As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! ...

2 Samuel 20:1-2
Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 21:4
So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat.

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

Proverbs 24:29
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

Matthew 5:39-41
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

Luke 6:27-29
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. / If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.

Luke 9:54-56
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” / But Jesus turned and rebuked them. / And He and His disciples went on to another village.

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.

Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.

Treasury of Scripture

Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him: and he has requited me evil for good.

Surely

1 Samuel 25:13
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.

Job 30:8
They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.

Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

he hath requited

Genesis 44:4
And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

Psalm 35:12
They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.

Psalm 38:20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

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Belonged Care David Desert Evil Kept Loss Missed Missing Paid Pertained Property Requited Surely Use Useless Vain Waste Watching Wilderness

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Belonged Care David Desert Evil Kept Loss Missed Missing Paid Pertained Property Requited Surely Use Useless Vain Waste Watching Wilderness

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

Now David had just said
This phrase sets the stage for understanding David's mindset and emotional state. David, the anointed future king of Israel, is in a moment of frustration and anger. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a deep, reflective thought process, indicating that David is contemplating his actions and the perceived injustice he faces. This moment of introspection is crucial as it reveals the internal struggle between his human emotions and his divine calling.

In vain have I guarded
The word "vain" (שָׁוְא, shav) in Hebrew conveys a sense of emptiness or futility. David feels that his efforts to protect Nabal's property have been worthless. This reflects a common biblical theme where human efforts, when not aligned with God's will, can seem futile. The act of "guarding" (שָׁמַר, shamar) is significant, as it denotes a diligent and faithful protection, akin to a shepherd's care for his flock, which David, a former shepherd, would understand deeply.

all that this man has in the wilderness
The "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) is often symbolic in Scripture of a place of testing and reliance on God. David's reference to "this man," Nabal, highlights the personal nature of the grievance. The wilderness setting underscores the isolation and vulnerability of David's position, both physically and spiritually, as he navigates his role as a leader and protector.

so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him
This phrase emphasizes David's integrity and thoroughness in his protection of Nabal's possessions. The Hebrew concept of "nothing was missed" (לֹא נֶעְדַּר, lo ne'edar) suggests a complete and careful stewardship. David's actions reflect a commitment to righteousness and responsibility, qualities that are essential for his future kingship.

and he has paid me back evil for good
The contrast between "evil" (רָעָה, ra'ah) and "good" (טוֹב, tov) is a recurring biblical motif, highlighting the moral and ethical dimensions of human interactions. David's lament here echoes the broader biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as well as the call to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). This moment of betrayal by Nabal serves as a test of David's character and his reliance on God's justice rather than personal vengeance.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) Now David had said.--This verse and the following (22nd) must be understood as a kind of parenthesis in the narrative. They express what David felt, and, as it were, his justification in his own mind for the violent and vengeful act he was about to carry out. The argument was, Nabal had returned indeed evil for good. For a long time David's band had guarded faithfully his vast scattered flocks, and had preserved them safely, and now, when he asked a small favour in return, the churl repaid him by throwing in his teeth the taunt that he was a rebel and a runaway slave.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 21, 22. - David justifies his fierce anger by referring to the services he had rendered Nabal, and which had been requited so shabbily. For the phrase so do God unto the enemies of David see on 1 Samuel 20:16. A superstitious feeling probably lay at the root of this substitution of David's enemies for himself when thus invoking a curse.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now David
וְדָוִ֣ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

had just
אַךְ֩ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

finished saying,
אָמַ֗ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“In vain
לַשֶּׁ֨קֶר (laš·še·qer)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood

I have protected
שָׁמַ֜רְתִּי (šā·mar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

belonged to this man
לָזֶה֙ (lā·zeh)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

in the wilderness
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר (bam·miḏ·bār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech

so that nothing
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

was missed
נִפְקַ֥ד (nip̄·qaḏ)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

of all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

[belongs] to him,
ל֖וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

yet he has paid me back
וַיָּֽשֶׁב־ (way·yā·šeḇ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

evil
רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

for
תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

good.
טוֹבָֽה׃ (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:21 Now David had said Surely in vain (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)