King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 25:14 Mean?

1 Samuel 25:14 in the King James Version says “But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salu...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. railed: Heb. flew upon them”

1 Samuel 25:14 · KJV

Context

12

So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.

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.

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. railed: Heb. flew upon them

15

But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: hurt: Heb. shamed

16

They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

Read 1 Samuel 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

A servant's warning to Abigail initiates her intervention. The Hebrew 'vayit bahem' (railed on them/flew at them) describes Nabal's aggressive verbal attack. The servant contradicts Nabal's feigned ignorance—he knows David 'sent messengers out of the wilderness' for legitimate purpose. The phrase 'to salute' (levarekh—literally 'to bless') emphasizes the peaceful intent of David's approach. This servant's initiative reveals household awareness that Nabal's response created danger. Servants going around their master to his wife indicates desperate circumstances. The information network that failed in Saul's household (servants afraid to speak) functioned in Nabal's—at least regarding his wife.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Household servants often understood situations their masters ignored. Going to the wife when the husband created problems was a recognized avenue for problem-solving in ancient households. The servant's willingness to report Nabal's foolishness to Abigail suggests she was known for wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do wise servants navigate around foolish masters?
  2. What does the servant's trust in Abigail reveal about her reputation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְלַֽאֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙1 of 18

“Abigail”

H26

abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses

אֵ֣שֶׁת2 of 18

“wife”

H802

a woman

נָבָ֔ל3 of 18

“Nabal's”

H5037

nabal, an israelite

הִגִּ֧יד4 of 18

“told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים5 of 18

“of the young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

אֶחָ֛ד6 of 18

“But one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים7 of 18

“of the young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

לֵאמֹ֑ר8 of 18

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֣ה9 of 18
H2009

lo!

שָׁלַח֩10 of 18

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָּוִ֨ד11 of 18

“Behold David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מַלְאָכִ֧ים׀12 of 18

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

מֵֽהַמִּדְבָּ֛ר13 of 18

“out of the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

לְבָרֵ֥ךְ14 of 18

“to salute”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת15 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ16 of 18

“our master”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וַיָּ֥עַט17 of 18

“and he railed”

H5860

to swoop down upon (literally or figuratively)

בָּהֶֽם׃18 of 18
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 25:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 25:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:10Mark 15:29

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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