1 Samuel 25:38
1 Samuel 25:38 in Multiple Translations
About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead.
And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.
And it came to pass about ten days after, that Jehovah smote Nabal, so that he died.
And about ten days after, the Lord sent disease on Nabal and death came to him.
About ten days later the Lord struck Nabal down and he died.
And about ten dayes after, the Lord smote Nabal, that he dyed.
And it cometh to pass, [in] about ten days, that Jehovah smiteth Nabal, and he dieth,
About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal, so that he died.
And it came to pass about ten days after , that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.
And after ten days had passed, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died.
About ten days later Yahweh struck him again and he died.
After 10 days, God hit him properly, and he died.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:38
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 25:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֖י
כַּ/עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת
הַ/יָּמִ֑ים
וַ/יִּגֹּ֧ף
יְהוָ֛ה
אֶת
נָבָ֖ל
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַּ/עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Prep | Adj
הַ/יָּמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-mp
וַ/יִּגֹּ֧ף
nâgaph
H5062
to strike
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נָבָ֖ל
Nâbâl
H5037
Nabal
N-proper
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:38
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
כַּ/עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
הַ/יָּמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | 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.
וַ/יִּגֹּ֧ף
nâgaph
H5062
"to strike"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נָבָ֖ל
Nâbâl
H5037
"Nabal"
N-proper
Nabal was an Israelite who lived during King David's time, known for being foolish and spurning David's messengers. His wife Abigail intervened on his behalf, later becoming David's wife after Nabal's death. Nabal means 'fool' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.25.3; married to Abigail (H0026) § Nabhal or Nabal = "fool" a man of Carmel who spurned David's messengers, then died of shock when he realised it might cause his death; his case was pleaded by his wife Abigail who became David's wife after his death
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Nabal. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; 1 Samuel 25:34; 2 Samuel 3:3.
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 25:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:38
Context — Abigail Intercedes for Nabal
36When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.
37In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him, and he became like a stone.
38About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead.
39On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. 40When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 26:10 | David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 15:5 | And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 6:9 | but keep watching it. If it goes up the road to its homeland, toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has brought on us this great disaster. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that punished us and that it happened by chance.” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 6:7 | And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:33 | Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 10:15 | So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from God, in order that the LORD might fulfill the word that He had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 19:35 | And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 8 | Exodus 12:29 | Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. |
| 9 | Acts 12:23 | Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
1 Samuel 25:38 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 25:38, shows us that God is a just and righteous God who will judge those who refuse to repent and turn to Him. Nabal's death was a result of his own wickedness and lack of kindness to David, as seen in the surrounding verses. We can learn from this that God is patient and gives us time to turn to Him, but He will not tolerate wickedness forever, as described in 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 2:4. We should strive to live lives of kindness, humility, and repentance, trusting in God's mercy and justice, as seen in Psalms 37:28 and Proverbs 11:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the LORD strike Nabal dead in 1 Samuel 25:38?
The LORD struck Nabal dead as a judgment for his wickedness and refusal to show kindness to David, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:3-12, which is a demonstration of God's justice and righteousness, similar to what is described in Psalms 37:28 and Proverbs 11:21.
What is the significance of the ten-day period before Nabal's death?
The ten-day period may have been a time of God's patience and waiting for Nabal to repent, similar to the pattern seen in Genesis 6:3, where God waits before bringing judgment, and it also allows for Abigail's words to sink in and Nabal's condition to become apparent, as described in 1 Samuel 25:37.
Is this verse teaching that God strikes people dead for being mean or rude?
While 1 Samuel 25:38 does show God's judgment on Nabal, it is essential to understand the broader context, including Nabal's long-standing wickedness and lack of repentance, as well as God's mercy and patience, as seen in Romans 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9, which emphasize God's desire for all to come to repentance.
How should we respond to God's judgment, as seen in this verse?
We should respond with humility, acknowledging God's righteousness and justice, as described in Isaiah 61:8 and Revelation 15:3-4, and recognizing that His judgments are always fair and according to His holy character, which is revealed throughout Scripture, including in Exodus 34:6-7 and Deuteronomy 32:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be inviting God's judgment, and how can I repent and turn to Him?
- How can I balance the truth of God's judgment with the reality of His mercy and patience, as seen in this verse and in Scripture as a whole?
- In what ways can I demonstrate kindness and generosity to those around me, as David did, and trust God to vindicate me, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:39?
- What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the lives and deaths of individuals, as described in Psalms 135:6 and Daniel 4:35?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:38
And it came to pass, about ten days [after],.... After he had lain in this stupid and senseless manner for ten days: that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died; with some disease or increased the grief
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:38
And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
God either inflicted some other stroke or disease upon him, or increased his grief and fear to such a height as killed him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
1 Samuel 25:38 And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.Ver. 38. About ten days after.] All which time he lay like a block in his bed, without repentance or confidence in God; but condemned of his own conscience, he went to his place without noise. Let this be a warning to drunkards. The Lord smote Nabal, that he died.] Deadly diseases are God’ s strokes; and especially if they be sudden, and soon make an end of men. Hippocrates calleth the pestilence τοθειον, the divine disease; and another is called morbus sacer.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
(38) The Lord smote Nabal.—That is to say, that after ten days had passed the Lord put an end to the base life by a second apoplectic stroke. Although the death was a sequel to the selfishness, the passion, and the intemperance, it does not appear that anything more than the operation of natural causes occasioned the end here. In the language of these old divinely inspired writers, disease and sickness are often spoken of as the special “shafts” aimed by the Most High, as in fact they are.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:38
38. the Lord smote Nabal] His death was a divine judgment none the less that a partly natural cause may be assigned for it in his intemperance and passion. For “smote” comp. the use of the same word in ch. 1 Samuel 26:10, and 2 Chronicles 13:20 (E. V. struck).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:38
38. The Lord smote Nabal — With another stroke, similar in nature to the first, but much more terrible, and which resulted in putting an end to his life.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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For It Was Brought About of God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the revolt against the young king, though appearing to be a mistake driven by human folly, was ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purpo |
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A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 7 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the seven levels of judgment found in the Bible, highlighting instances where God's wrath was poured out on individuals, cities, and nations due to disobedi |
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Hezekiah's Prayer by Bill Barratt | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection in the face of attacks from the enemy. He warns against believing the lies of the de |
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The Lies of the Enemy by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the deceptive lies of the enemy during trials, illustrating how Satan attempts to instill fear and doubt in our hearts, as seen in the story of Hezekiah. |
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:29-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the last judgment and the final plague that was coming upon the land of Egypt. The land of Goshen had previously escaped the last three plagu |