King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 25:15 Mean?

1 Samuel 25:15 in the King James Version says “But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant wit... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 25:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

The servant confirms David's claims independently. The Hebrew 'tovim...me'od' (very good) describes David's men's conduct. The parallel to David's message—'we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing'—verifies the protection provided. 'As long as we were conversant with them' (Hebrew 'kol yemei hithallakenu ittam') describes extended daily interaction in the fields. This firsthand testimony from Nabal's own employee establishes David's truthfulness and Nabal's ingratitude. The servant's report to Abigail provides her information needed for wise response. Unlike Nabal's contemptuous dismissal, his servants recognized and appreciated David's protection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Shepherds in wilderness regions faced genuine dangers from bandits and wild animals. David's band providing protection rather than exploitation was noteworthy. The servant's detailed confirmation suggests the protection was extensive and appreciated by those who experienced it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the servant's independent confirmation establish the justice of David's request?
  2. What does this testimony reveal about how David's men conducted themselves during their wilderness years?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים1 of 15

But the men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

טֹבִ֥ים2 of 15

good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לָ֖נוּ3 of 15
H0
מְאֹ֑ד4 of 15

were very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְלֹ֤א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָכְלַ֙מְנוּ֙6 of 15

unto us and we were not hurt

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

וְלֹֽא7 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פָקַ֣דְנוּ8 of 15

neither missed

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מְא֔וּמָה9 of 15

we any thing

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

כָּל10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְמֵי֙11 of 15

as long as

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ12 of 15

we were conversant

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אִתָּ֔ם13 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בִּֽהְיוֹתֵ֖נוּ14 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃15 of 15

with them when we were in the fields

H7704

a field (as flat)


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 25:15 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 25:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study