CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 25:26 Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/25-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/09_1Sa_25_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 25:26 - Abigail Intercedes for Nabal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/25-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/25-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/25.htm">Chapter 25</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm" title="1 Samuel 25:25">◄</a> 1 Samuel 25:26 <a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm" title="1 Samuel 25:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/25.htm">New International Version</a> And now, my lord, as surely as the LORD your God lives and as you live, since the LORD has kept you from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, may your enemies and all who are intent on harming my lord be like Nabal. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/25.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies and those who try to harm you be as cursed as Nabal is. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now then, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, because the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/25.htm">King James Bible</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/25.htm">New King James Version</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, since the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then, let your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be as Nabal. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now then, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, since the LORD has restrained you from shedding blood, and from avenging yourself by your own hand, now then, may your enemies and those who seek evil against my lord, be like Nabal. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, since the LORD has restrained you from shedding blood, and from avenging yourself by your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek evil against my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, since the LORD has restrained you from shedding blood, and from avenging yourself by your own hand, now then let your enemies, and those who seek evil against my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “So now, my lord, as Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, since Yahweh has restrained you from shedding blood, and from saving yourself by your own hand, so now, let your enemies and those who seek evil against my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So now, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, since the LORD has prevented you from shedding blood, and from avenging yourself by your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord, be as [self-destructive as] Nabal. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live— it is the LORD who kept you from participating in bloodshed and avenging yourself by your own hand—may your enemies and those who intend to harm my lord be like Nabal. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, it is the LORD who kept you from participating in bloodshed and avenging yourself by your own hand. May your enemies and those who want trouble for my lord be like Nabal. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now therefore, my lord, as Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing Jehovah hath withholden thee from bloodguiltiness, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now therefore let thine enemies, and them that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from bloodguiltiness, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now therefore let thine enemies, and them that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The LORD has kept you from spilling innocent blood and from getting a victory by your own efforts. Now, sir, I solemnly swear, as the LORD and you live, may your enemies and those who are trying to harm you end up like Nabal. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> It is the LORD who has kept you from taking revenge and killing your enemies. And now I swear to you by the living LORD that your enemies and all who want to harm you will be punished like Nabal. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now, your majesty, as the LORD lives and as you live, the LORD has kept you from shedding blood and from delivering yourself by your own actions. Now, may your enemies and those seeking to do evil to your majesty be like Nabal. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. <a href="/net/1_samuel/25.htm">NET Bible</a> "Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and as surely as you live, it is the LORD who has kept you from shedding blood and taking matters into your own hands. Now may your enemies and those who seek to harm my lord be like Nabal. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, since the LORD has withheld you from blood guiltiness, and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now therefore let your enemies, and those who seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withheld thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thy own hand, now let thy enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/web/1_samuel/25.htm">World English Bible</a> Now therefore, my lord, as Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, since Yahweh has withheld you from blood guiltiness and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now therefore let your enemies and those who seek evil to my lord be as Nabal. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now, my lord, YHWH lives, and your soul lives, in that YHWH has withheld you from coming in with blood, and to save your hand from yourself—now let your enemies be as Nabal, even those seeking evil toward my lord. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, my lord, Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, in that Jehovah hath withheld thee from coming in with blood, and to save thy hand to thee -- now let thine enemies be as Nabal, even those seeking evil unto my lord. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now my lord, Jehovah lives and thy soul lives, for Jehovah withheld thee from coming by blood, and saving thy hand to thyself, and now thine enemies shall be as Nabal, they seeking out evil to my lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now therefore, my lord, the Lord liveth, and thy soul liveth, who hath withholden thee from coming to blood, and hath saved thy hand to thee: and now let thy enemies be as Nabal, and all they that seek evil to my lord. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now therefore, my lord, as your soul lives, and as the Lord lives, who has kept your hand to yourself, and has prevented you from coming to blood: now, let your enemies be like Nabal, and like all those who are seeking evil for my lord. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/25.htm">New American Bible</a> Now, therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as you live, the LORD has kept you from shedding blood and from avenging yourself by your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek to harm my lord become as Nabal! <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Now then, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, since the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt and from taking vengeance with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be like Nabal.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, my lord, seeing the LORD has withholden you from coming to shed blood, now, my lord, let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to you be as Nabal. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Now, my Lord, living is LORD JEHOVAH and living is your own soul, my Lord, that you should not come near for blood, and LORD JEHOVAH has saved you! Now, my Lord, your enemies shall be as Nabal, and those who seek evil against you!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from bloodguiltiness, and from finding redress for thyself with thine own hand, now therefore let thine enemies, and them that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And now, my lord, as the Lord lives, and thy soul lives, as the Lord has kept thee from coming against innocent blood, and from executing vengeance for thyself, now therefore let thine enemies, and those that seek evil against my lord, become as Nabal. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/25-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7565" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Abigail Intercedes for Nabal</a> …25My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. 26<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">Now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">as surely as the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">and you</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: wə·ḥê- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">yourself live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4513.htm" title="4513: mə·nā·‘ă·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To withhold, hold back. A primitive root; to debar from benefit or injury.">has held you back</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: mib·bō·w (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">from coming</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: ḇə·ḏā·mîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">to bloodshed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: wə·hō·wō·šê·a‘ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">and avenging</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with your own hand.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive."></a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 2ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">May your enemies</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: wə·ham·ḇaq·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">and those who seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">harm</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be</a> <a href="/hebrew/5037.htm" title="5037: ḵə·nā·ḇāl (Prep-k:: N-proper-ms) -- A man of Carmel. The same as nabal; dolt; Nabal, an Israelite.">like Nabal.</a> 27Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6-7</a> Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. / Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.” <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a> But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a> Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” <a href="/2_samuel/22-48.htm">2 Samuel 22:48</a> the God who avenges me and brings down nations beneath me, <a href="/2_kings/19-7.htm">2 Kings 19:7</a> Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’” <a href="/psalms/7-16.htm">Psalm 7:16</a> His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. <a href="/psalms/18-47.htm">Psalm 18:47</a> the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me, <a href="/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8-9</a> Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. <a href="/psalms/94-1.htm">Psalm 94:1</a> O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a> Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a> Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” <a href="/isaiah/35-4.htm">Isaiah 35:4</a> Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” <a href="/isaiah/59-18.htm">Isaiah 59:18</a> So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, seeing the LORD has withheld you from coming to shed blood, and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now let your enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.as the Lord liveth<a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">1 Samuel 25:34</a> For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.<a href="/1_samuel/22-3.htm">1 Samuel 22:3</a> And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.<a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2</a> And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.and as thy<a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26</a> And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.the Lord hath<a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">1 Samuel 25:33</a> And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.<a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6</a> And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.from<a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19,20</a> Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord… avenging thyself [heb] saving thyself<a href="/psalms/18-47.htm">Psalm 18:47,48</a> It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me… <a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Psalm 44:3</a> For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.now let<a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">2 Samuel 18:32</a> And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.<a href="/jeremiah/29-22.htm">Jeremiah 29:22</a> And of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captivity of Judah which are in Babylon, saying, The LORD make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire;<a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Daniel 4:19</a> Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/5-2.htm">Avenging</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-8.htm">Bloodguiltiness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm">Nabal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-7.htm">Shed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/genesis/11-6.htm">Withholden</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Avenging</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Bloodguiltiness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Nabal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">Shed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Withholden</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 25</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Samuel dies</a> 2. <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">David in Paran sends to Nabal</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him</a> 14. <a href="/1_samuel/25-14.htm">Abigail understanding thereof</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">takes a present</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">and by her wisdom</a> 32. <a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">pacifies David</a> 36. <a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">Nabal hearing thereof, dies</a> 39. <a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives</a> 44. <a href="/1_samuel/25-44.htm">Michal is given to Phalti</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live This phrase reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of making solemn oaths, invoking the life of the LORD as the highest assurance of truth. Abigail addresses David with respect, acknowledging his future kingship. The phrase "as surely as the LORD lives" is a common biblical oath formula, emphasizing God's eternal nature and sovereignty (see <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39</a>, <a href="/2_samuel/4-9.htm">2 Samuel 4:9</a>). It underscores the belief in God's active presence and involvement in human affairs.since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed Abigail recognizes God's providential intervention in preventing David from committing unnecessary violence. This reflects the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the LORD (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>, <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>). David's restraint is seen as a sign of his righteousness and trust in God's justice. The narrative highlights the importance of divine guidance in moral decision-making.and from avenging yourself with your own hand The cultural context of the time often involved personal retribution, but Abigail's words remind David of a higher moral standard. The restraint from personal vengeance aligns with the teachings found in <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a> and <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a>, where believers are encouraged to leave justice to God. This moment foreshadows the New Testament ethic of forgiveness and reliance on divine justice.may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal Abigail's wish for David's enemies to be like Nabal, whose name means "fool," implies that they would meet a similar fate of divine judgment and disgrace. This reflects the biblical theme of the downfall of the wicked (<a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Psalm 37:20</a>, <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Proverbs 10:27</a>). Nabal's fate serves as a warning against foolishness and opposition to God's anointed. The narrative illustrates the protective hand of God over His chosen ones, prefiguring the ultimate victory of Christ over His enemies.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, who is in the wilderness with his men, seeking provisions from Nabal. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abigail.htm">Abigail</a> The wise and discerning wife of Nabal, who intervenes to prevent David from committing bloodshed. 3. <a href="/topical/n/nabal.htm">Nabal</a> A wealthy but foolish man whose name means "fool," who refuses to help David and his men. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who is acknowledged by Abigail as the one who restrains David. 5. <a href="/topical/c/carmel.htm">Carmel</a> The region where Nabal's property is located and where the events unfold.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_restraint.htm">Divine Restraint</a> Recognize God's hand in restraining us from sin. Just as God used Abigail to prevent David from bloodshed, He often places people or circumstances in our lives to guide us away from sin. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_conflict.htm">Wisdom in Conflict</a> Abigail's approach teaches us the importance of wisdom and discernment in resolving conflicts. Her humility and tactful speech are models for us to follow when dealing with difficult situations. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a> Abigail's words remind us to trust in God's justice rather than taking revenge into our own hands. This aligns with the biblical principle of leaving vengeance to God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_peacemakers.htm">The Role of Peacemakers</a> Abigail acts as a peacemaker, showing the value of those who seek to reconcile and prevent violence. We are called to be peacemakers in our own lives, reflecting the character of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a> Nabal's account serves as a warning about the dangers of foolishness and pride. His refusal to help David leads to his downfall, illustrating the biblical truth that pride comes before a fall.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_nabal,_abigail,_estate.htm">1 Samuel 25:3 - Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming Nabal, Abigail, or their estate's existence?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_god's_mercy_shown_in_1_sam_2_25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25 suggests the Lord intended to kill Eli's sons--how does this reconcile with the concept of a merciful, forgiving deity?</a> <a href="/q/1_sam_25_37-38__was_nabal's_death_natural.htm">1 Samuel 25:37-38 - Could Nabal's sudden death be a natural event, and if so, why is it attributed to divine judgment with no additional evidence?</a> <a href="/q/abigail's_role_in_david's_life.htm">What role did Abigail play in David's life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) Seeing the Lord hath withholden.--This passage, as the Speaker's Commentary rightly observes, "since the oath affirmed nothing, should be rendered, 'And now my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, it is the Lord that hath withholden thee.' Literally, As true as that the Lord liveth, so true is it that the Lord hath withholden thee, &c., from coming into blood-guiltiness." So confident is this pious and wise woman that she is doing the Lord's work, and that He is standing by her, that, in presence of the armed band and their angry leader, she speaks as though the danger to her husband's house was a thing of the past, and that David had real cause for thankfulness in that he had been prevented from doing a wanton, wicked act.Now let thine enemies . . . be as Nabal.--Nabal, the insulter of David, she dismisses as too insignificant to be considered; she regards him as utterly powerless to harm one like David; and her prayer is that his other enemies may only be like him--equally harmless.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 26, 27. - Abigail begins her appeal by affirming that it was Jehovah who thus made her come to prevent bloodshed; she next propitiates David with the prayer that his enemies may be as Nabal, insignificant fools; and finally asks him to accept her present, not for himself, - that would be too great an honour, - but as good enough only for his followers. The first of these affirmations is obscured by the rendering in the A.V., and should be translated, "And now, my lord (an ordinary title of respect, like our sir), as Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, so true is it that Jehovah hath withholden thee from blood guiltiness, and from saving thyself with thine own hand; and now let thine enemies," etc. The same words recur in vers. 31, 33. Blessing. I.e. gift, present (see <a href="/1_samuel/30-26.htm">1 Samuel 30:26</a>). This beautiful term shows the deep religiousness of the Hebrew mind. The gift is something that comes not from the donor, but from God, in answer to the donor's prayer. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/25-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now, וְעַתָּ֣ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time my lord, אֲדֹנִ֗י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller as surely as the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and you נַפְשְׁךָ֙ (nap̄·šə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion yourself live, וְחֵֽי־ (wə·ḥê-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has held you back מְנָעֲךָ֤ (mə·nā·‘ă·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4513.htm">Strong's 4513: </a> To debar, from benefit, injury from coming מִבּ֣וֹא (mib·bō·w) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to bloodshed בְדָמִ֔ים (ḇə·ḏā·mîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed and avenging וְהוֹשֵׁ֥עַ (wə·hō·wō·šê·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor yourself לָ֑ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> with your own hand. יָדְךָ֖ (yā·ḏə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand May your enemies אֹיְבֶ֔יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> Hating, an adversary and those who seek וְהַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֥ים (wə·ham·ḇaq·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after harm רָעָֽה׃ (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil for אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to my lord אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller be יִֽהְי֤וּ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be like Nabal. כְנָבָל֙ (ḵə·nā·ḇāl) Preposition-k | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> Nabal -- a man of Carmel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 25:26 Now therefore my lord as Yahweh lives (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 25:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 25:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 25:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 25:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>