King James Version
1 Samuel 25:4 in the King James Version says “And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.”
1 Samuel 25:4 · KJV
And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. possessions: or, business
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: greet: Heb. ask him in my name of peace
And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“in the wilderness”
H4057a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“did shear”
H1494to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“his sheep”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
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.
1 Samuel 25:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 25:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge