1 Samuel 25:12
1 Samuel 25:12 in Multiple Translations
So David’s men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words.
So David’s young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.
So David’s young men turned on their way, and went back, and came and told him according to all these words.
So David's young men, turning away, went back and gave him an account of everything he had said.
So David's men turned around and went back the way they came. When they got back they told David everything Nabal had said.
So Dauids seruants turned their way, and went againe, and came, and tolde him all those things.
And the young men of David turn on their way, and turn back, and come in, and declare to him according to all these words.
So David’s young men turned on their way and went back, and came and told him all these words.
So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all these sayings.
So the servants of David went back their way, and returning came and told him all the words that he said.
Then David’s men returned and told him what Nabal had said.
So they went back to tell David what Nabal said.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 25:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּהַפְכ֥וּ
נַעֲרֵֽי
דָוִ֖ד
לְ/דַרְכָּ֑/ם
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֨בוּ֙
וַ/יָּבֹ֔אוּ
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
ל֔/וֹ
כְּ/כֹ֖ל
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
וַ/יַּהַפְכ֥וּ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נַעֲרֵֽי
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-mp
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
לְ/דַרְכָּ֑/ם
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֨בוּ֙
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּבֹ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:12
וַ/יַּהַפְכ֥וּ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
נַעֲרֵֽי
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לְ/דַרְכָּ֑/ם
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֨בוּ֙
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וַ/יָּבֹ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail
10But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.
11Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?”
12So David’s men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words.
13And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 14Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 36:21–22 | But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.” Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 24:13 | So Gad went and said to David, “Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.” |
| 3 | Hebrews 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. |
1 Samuel 25:12 Summary
[In this verse, David's men returned to him after being rejected by Nabal, showing their obedience and loyalty to David. This is a great example of how we should respond to difficult situations, by trusting in God and following His lead, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can also learn from David's men's actions that it's important to be faithful and report back to God, even when things don't go as planned, just like the disciples did in Luke 10:17. By following their example, we can grow in our faith and trust in God's goodness, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the response of David's men after being rejected by Nabal?
David's men turned around and went back to him, relaying all the words Nabal had spoken, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:12. This shows that they were obedient to David and reported back to him about their encounter with Nabal.
Why did Nabal reject David's men?
Nabal rejected David's men because he did not know David and did not want to give them his food and supplies, as stated in 1 Samuel 25:10-11. This rejection was based on Nabal's lack of knowledge and his selfishness, which is similar to the selfishness warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10.
How did David's men know to return to David after being rejected?
David's men knew to return to him because they were under his leadership and were sent by him to greet Nabal, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:4-9. This shows that David's men were loyal to him and followed his instructions, much like the disciples followed Jesus' instructions in Matthew 10:5-15.
What can we learn from David's men's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of obedience and loyalty from David's men's actions, as they returned to David and reported back to him after being rejected by Nabal. This is similar to the obedience and loyalty shown by the apostles in Acts 5:29, where they chose to obey God rather than men.
Reflection Questions
- What would I have done if I were in David's men's shoes and was rejected by Nabal?
- How can I show obedience and loyalty to God, even when faced with rejection or difficulty?
- What can I learn from Nabal's example of selfishness and rejection, and how can I apply that to my own life?
- How can I be more like David's men, who chose to return to David and report back to him, rather than giving up or becoming discouraged?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:12
So David's young men turned their way,.... Their backs on him, without making any reply; and though they did not return railing for railing, they treated him with silent contempt; and though they did
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:12
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:12
1 Samuel 25:12 So David’ s young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. Ver. 12. So David’ s young men turned their way.] Being neither importunate nor insolent, as some in their condition would have been; but they liked not to engage in those ignoble quarrels - ubi et vincere inglorium est, et atteri sordidum - to wash off dirt with dirt.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dating Sermon by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls |
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Fruitbearing by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the Christian life. They share a story about a woman who kept a secret and was consumed by guilt. The spea |
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Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an |
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Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8) by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the impo |
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Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's |
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(Basics) 71. Submission to Authority by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority as instructed in the Bible. He references Romans 13:1, which states that all souls should be subje |
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The Cost to Leadership by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of leadership and the qualities that mark a true leader. He emphasizes the importance of character, conduct, and commitment in lea |