1 Samuel 25:25 My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord's young men whom you sent.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 25 > Verse 25

◄ 1 Samuel 25:25 ►

New International Version
Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him. And as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my lord sent.

New Living Translation
I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent.

English Standard Version
Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

Berean Standard Bible
My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

King James Bible
Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

New King James Version
Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him! But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.

New American Standard Bible
Please do not let my lord pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and stupidity is with him; but I your slave did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.

NASB 1995
“Please do not let my lord pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name and folly is with him; but I your maidservant did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.

NASB 1977
“Please do not let my lord pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name and folly is with him; but I your maidservant did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.

Legacy Standard Bible
Please do not let my lord pay attention to this vile man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and wicked foolishness is with him; but I your maidservant did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.

Amplified Bible
Please do not let my lord pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal (fool) is his name and foolishness (stupidity) is with him; but I your maidservant did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

Christian Standard Bible
My lord should pay no attention to this worthless fool Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means ‘stupid,’ and stupidity is all he knows. I, your servant, didn’t see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My lord should pay no attention to this worthless man Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name is Nabal, and stupidity is all he knows. I, your servant, didn’t see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

American Standard Version
Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this worthless fellow, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thy handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

Contemporary English Version
Don't pay any attention to that good-for-nothing Nabal. His name means "fool," and it really fits him! I didn't see the men you sent,

English Revised Version
Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: hut I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You shouldn't take this worthless person Nabal seriously. He is like his name. His name is Nabal [Godless Fool], and he's foolish. But I didn't see the young men you sent.

Good News Translation
Please, don't pay any attention to Nabal, that good-for-nothing! He is exactly what his name means--a fool! I wasn't there when your servants arrived, sir.

International Standard Version
Please, your majesty, don't pay attention to this worthless man Nabal, for he's just like his name. Nabal is his name and folly is his constant companion. But I, your servant, didn't see your majesty's young men whom you sent.

Majority Standard Bible
My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord?s young men whom you sent.

NET Bible
My lord should not pay attention to this wicked man Nabal. He simply lives up to his name! His name means 'fool,' and he is indeed foolish! But I, your servant, did not see the servants my lord sent.

New Heart English Bible
Please do not let my lord regard this worthless fellow, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men whom you sent.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thy handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

World English Bible
Please don’t let my lord pay attention to this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, didn’t see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Please do not let my lord set his heart to this man of worthlessness, on Nabal, for as his name [is] so [is] he; Nabal [is] his name, and folly [is] with him; and I, your handmaid, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent;

Young's Literal Translation
Let not, I pray thee, my lord set his heart to this man of worthlessness, on Nabal, for as his name is so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; and I, thine handmaid, did not see the young men of my lord whom thou didst send;

Smith's Literal Translation
Now my lord shall not set his heart to this man of Belial upon Nebel: for as his name, so is he: Nabal his name, and folly with him: and I thy servant saw not the boys of my lord which thou sentest.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Let not my lord the king, I pray, regard this naughty man Nabal: for according to his name, he is a fool, and folly is with him: but I thy handmaid did not see thy servants, my lord, whom thou sentest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Let not my lord, the king, I beseech you, set his heart upon this iniquitous man, Nabal. For in accord with his name, he is senseless, and foolishness is with him. But I, your handmaid, did not see your servants, my lord, whom you had sent.

New American Bible
My lord, do not pay any attention to that scoundrel Nabal, for he is just like his name. His name means fool, and he acts the fool. I, your maidservant, did not see the young men whom my lord sent.

New Revised Standard Version
My lord, do not take seriously this ill-natured fellow, Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and his folly is with him; but I, your handmaid, did not see the young men whom my lord sent.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this base fellow, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and churlishness is with him; but I thy handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Let not my lord, I pray thee, take to heart this pestilent man, for according to his name, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thy handmaid saw not the servants of my lord whom thou didst send.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Abigail Intercedes for Nabal
…24She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. 25My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. 26Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 12:16
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

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

James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Romans 12:19
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.”

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

2 Timothy 2:24
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Treasury of Scripture

Let not my lord, I pray you, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I your handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom you did send.

regard [heb] lay it to his heart

2 Samuel 13:33
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

Isaiah 42:25
Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.

Malachi 2:2
If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

man of Belial

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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

My lord
This phrase is a respectful address used by Abigail, the wife of Nabal, as she speaks to David. In Hebrew, "Adoni" is a term of respect and submission, acknowledging David's authority and future kingship. Abigail's use of this term reflects her wisdom and discernment, recognizing David's anointed status by God, even though he was not yet king.

should pay no attention
Abigail advises David to disregard Nabal's actions. The Hebrew root here, "shith," implies setting or placing one's focus. Abigail is urging David to redirect his attention away from Nabal's foolishness, suggesting that it is unworthy of his concern. This reflects a biblical principle of not being easily provoked or distracted by the folly of others.

this worthless man
The term "worthless" translates from the Hebrew "belial," often used in the Old Testament to describe someone who is morally corrupt or wicked. Abigail's description of her husband as "worthless" underscores the severity of his character flaws and the danger of associating with such individuals. It serves as a reminder of the biblical call to discernment in relationships.

Nabal
The name "Nabal" itself means "fool" in Hebrew. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often reflective of one's character or destiny. Nabal's actions and demeanor are consistent with his name, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of wisdom and the consequences of folly.

He lives up to his name
This phrase highlights the alignment between Nabal's character and his name. In biblical literature, the concept of living up to one's name is significant, as it often reflects divine insight or prophetic truth. Nabal's life exemplifies the destructive nature of foolishness, reinforcing the biblical theme that wisdom is a vital attribute for a godly life.

for his name means 'Fool,'
Abigail explicitly states the meaning of Nabal's name, emphasizing the connection between identity and behavior. The Hebrew word "nabal" denotes not just a lack of intelligence, but a moral deficiency and a rejection of God. This serves as a stark warning against the spiritual dangers of pride and self-reliance.

and folly goes with him
The phrase suggests that foolishness is an inherent part of Nabal's character. The Hebrew word "iwwelet" for folly implies not just simple-mindedness, but a willful disregard for wisdom and righteousness. This highlights the biblical teaching that folly is not merely an intellectual failing, but a moral and spiritual one.

But I, your maidservant
Abigail refers to herself as a "maidservant," using the Hebrew "amah," which denotes humility and service. Her self-identification as a servant underscores her humility and willingness to intercede on behalf of her household. It reflects the biblical virtue of humility and the power of intercession.

did not see the young men my lord sent
Abigail explains her absence during the initial encounter between David's men and Nabal. Her statement implies a missed opportunity for hospitality and reconciliation. In the biblical context, hospitality was a sacred duty, and Abigail's regret highlights the importance of seizing opportunities to show kindness and prevent conflict.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

My lord
אֲדֹנִ֣י ׀ (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

should pay no
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

attention
יָשִׂ֣ים (yā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

this
הַזֶּ֜ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

worthless
הַבְּלִיַּ֨עַל (hab·bə·lî·ya·‘al)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness

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

Nabal,
נָבָ֗ל (nā·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel

for
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

lives up to his name:
כִשְׁמוֹ֙ (ḵiš·mōw)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

His name
שְׁמ֔וֹ (šə·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

means Fool,
נָבָ֣ל (nā·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel

and folly
וּנְבָלָ֖ה (ū·nə·ḇā·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5039: Foolishness, wickedness, a crime, punishment

accompanies him.
עִמּ֑וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

I,
וַֽאֲנִי֙ (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

your servant,
אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ (’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave

did not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see
רָאִ֛יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

my lord’s
אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

young men
נַעֲרֵ֥י (na·‘ă·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

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

you sent.
שָׁלָֽחְתָּ׃ (šā·lā·ḥə·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:25 Please don't let my lord regard this (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)