1 Samuel 25:16
1 Samuel 25:16 in Multiple Translations
They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.
They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
they were a wall unto us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
But day and night they were like a wall round us while we were with them, looking after the sheep.
They were like a protective wall to us, both day and night, during the whole time we were with them looking after the sheep.
They were as a wall vnto vs both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping sheepe.
a wall they have been unto us both by night and by day, all the days of our being with them, feeding the flock.
They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
They protected us during the daytime and during the night. They were like a wall [MET] around us to protect us while we were taking care of our sheep.
Day and night they watched over us whenever we looked after the sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:16
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 25:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חוֹמָה֙
הָי֣וּ
עָלֵ֔י/נוּ
גַּם
לַ֖יְלָה
גַּם
יוֹמָ֑ם
כָּל
יְמֵ֛י
הֱיוֹתֵ֥/נוּ
עִמָּ֖/ם
רֹעִ֥ים
הַ/צֹּֽאן
חוֹמָה֙
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fs
הָי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָלֵ֔י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לַ֖יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
יוֹמָ֑ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יְמֵ֛י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
הֱיוֹתֵ֥/נוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עִמָּ֖/ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
רֹעִ֥ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
הַ/צֹּֽאן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:16
חוֹמָה֙
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
הָי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עָלֵ֔י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לַ֖יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
יוֹמָ֑ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
יְמֵ֛י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הֱיוֹתֵ֥/נוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִמָּ֖/ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
רֹעִ֥ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
הַ/צֹּֽאן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 25:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:16
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:16
Context — David, Nabal, and Abigail
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.
15Yet these men were very good to us. When we were in the field, we were not harassed, and nothing of ours went missing the whole time we lived among them.
16They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.
17Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” 18Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeysCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 1:10 | Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. |
| 2 | Exodus 14:22 | and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. |
| 3 | Zechariah 2:5 | For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 15:20 | Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD. |
1 Samuel 25:16 Summary
This verse means that David's men were like a protective wall around the shepherds, keeping them safe from harm, and it reminds us that God often uses other people to care for us and keep us safe, just like a parent watches over their child, as seen in Matthew 18:10. We can trust that God is always looking out for us, even when we feel alone or scared, and we can be grateful for the people in our lives who help keep us safe, just as the shepherds were grateful for David's men, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:16. By trusting in God's protection, we can have peace and feel secure, knowing that He is our rock and shield, as mentioned in Psalm 18:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for David's men to be a wall around the shepherds?
It means they provided protection and safety, just like a wall would, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:16, and this is similar to how God protects His people, as promised in Psalm 91:4.
Why did the shepherds need protection?
The shepherds needed protection because they were vulnerable to attacks from wild animals or other hostile groups, and David's men served as a shield, much like how Jesus Christ is our protector and shield, as mentioned in Psalm 28:7.
What can we learn from the shepherds' experience with David's men?
We can learn that God often provides for our needs through other people, such as friends, family, or even strangers, and we should be grateful for their presence in our lives, just as the shepherds were grateful for David's men, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:14-17.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that we are not alone, and God can use others to be a source of protection, comfort, and strength in our lives, just as He used David's men to protect the shepherds, and we can trust in His providence, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- How has God protected me in the past, and how can I be more aware of His presence in my life?
- Who are the 'walls' in my life, the people who provide support and protection, and how can I show appreciation for them?
- What are some ways I can be a 'wall' for others, providing protection and care for those around me, and what does 1 Samuel 25:16 teach me about being a good neighbor?
- How can I trust in God's protection, even when I feel vulnerable or alone, and what promises can I hold onto, such as Psalm 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:16
They were a wall unto us both by night and day,.... Protecting and defending them against the Philistines, who, as they robbed the threshing floors of Keilah, would have plundered the flocks of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:16
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:16
A wall, i.e. a defence against wild beasts, and robbers, and enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:16
1 Samuel 25:16 They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.Ver. 16. They were a wall unto us.] A guard against unreasonable men and wild beasts; and therefore we owe them maintenance.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:16
16. a wall unto us] A defence against the predatory tribes of the desert. See Job 1:15; Job 1:17.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 25:16
A wall - To protect them from the attacks of the Bedouins, etc. They had been as safe with David’s men around them as if they had been dwelling in a walled town.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:16
16. A wall unto us both by night and day — This shows that David used his men not for purposes of plunder, but for the protection of the helpless.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
That They Much Dispose Persons With Their Mouths to Praise and Glorify God, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses how the mere act of praising and glorifying God with our mouths is not a certain indicator of true religious affections, as even those without grace can |
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Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at w |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
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Light on Satan's Tactics - Satan's Tactic With Job by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and highlights the godly character of Job, who was also a wealthy man and a father of ten children. The preacher emphasizes |
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Satan Must Find Nothing in Us by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Satan's tactics and the need to be a testimony to Satan by living a life free from pride, rebellion, discontent, lying, and m |
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The God Who Is Over All by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the supremacy of God as the Father who is above all, encouraging believers to trust in His power and presence that protects them from the enemy. He il |
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Hedged In by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the purpose of trials and hardships in the lives of believers, emphasizing that God hedges in His own to preserve them, even though they may not al |