Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?” New Living Translation Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I’ve slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?” English Standard Version Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” Berean Standard Bible Why 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?” Berean Literal Bible And shall I take my bread and my water and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men whom I do not know where they are from?” King James Bible 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? New King James Version Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?” New American Standard Bible Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?” NASB 1995 “Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?” NASB 1977 “Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?” Legacy Standard Bible Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?” Amplified Bible So should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?” Berean Annotated Bible Why 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?” Christian Standard Bible Am I supposed to take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t know where they are from.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Am I supposed to take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t know where they are from.” American Standard Version Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they are? Contemporary English Version What makes you think I would take my bread, my water, and the meat that I've had cooked for my own servants and give it to you? Besides, I'm not sure that David sent you! English Revised Version Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they be? GOD'S WORD® Translation Should I take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to men coming from who knows where?" Good News Translation I'm not going to take my bread and water, and the animals I have butchered for my sheepshearers, and give them to people who come from I don't know where!" International Standard Version Should I take my food, my water, and my meat that I've slaughtered for my shearers and give it to men who came from who knows where?" NET Bible Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don't even know where they came from!" New Heart English Bible Shall I then take my bread, and my wine, and my meat that I have slaughtered for the shearers of my sheep, and give it to men who I do not know where they come from?" Webster's Bible Translation Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men, whom I know not whence they are? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy 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?” World English Bible Shall I then take my bread, my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men who I don’t know where they come from?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd have I taken my bread, and my water, and my flesh, which I slaughtered for my shearers, and have given [it] to men whom I have not known where they [are] from?” Berean Literal Bible And shall I take my bread and my water and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men whom I do not know where they are from?” Young's Literal Translation and I have taken my bread, and my water, and my flesh, which I slaughtered for my shearers, and have given it to men whom I have not known whence they are!' Smith's Literal Translation And took I my bread and my water, and my slaughter which I slaughtered for my shearers, and gave to men whom I knew not from whence they are? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShall I then take my bread, and my water, and the flesh of my cattle, which I have killed for my shearers, and give to men whom I know not whence they are? Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, shall I take my bread, and my water, and the meat of the cattle that I have slain for my shearers, and give it to men, when I do not know where they are from?” New American Bible Must I take my bread, my wine, my meat that I have slaughtered for my own shearers, and give them to men who come from who knows where?” New Revised Standard Version Shall I take my bread and my water and the meat that I have butchered for my shearers, and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleShall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men whom I know not whence they are? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated My bread and water and the meat are for my Shearers, and shall I give to men of whom I do not know from where they are?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know not whence they are?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And shall I take my bread, and my wine, and my beasts that I have slain for my shearers, and shall I give them to men of whom I know not whence they are? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible 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.… Cross References Why should I take my bread and water Genesis 18:4-5 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” 1 Kings 17:11-12 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” Isaiah 33:16 he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, 2 Samuel 13:23-24 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. / And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” Genesis 38:12-13 After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. / When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. and give them to these men Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. whose origin I do not know?” John 9:29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” John 8:14 Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. John 7:27 But we know where this man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He is from.” Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? Luke 12:19-21 Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” 1 John 3:17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Treasury of Scripture Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men, whom I know not from where they be? Shall I then 1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. 1 Samuel 24:13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. Deuteronomy 8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. flesh [heb] slaughter Ecclesiastes 11:1,2 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days… Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. whom 1 Samuel 25:14,15 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… John 9:29,30 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is… 2 Corinthians 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; Jump to Previous Bread Idea Killed Meat Origin Ready Shearers Slaughtered Water Whence Wool-CuttersJump to Next Bread Idea Killed Meat Origin Ready Shearers Slaughtered Water Whence Wool-Cutters1 Samuel 25 1. Samuel dies2. David in Paran sends to Nabal 10. Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him 14. Abigail understanding thereof 18. takes a present 23. and by her wisdom 32. pacifies David 36. Nabal hearing thereof, dies 39. David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives 44. Michal is given to Phalti Why should I take my bread and water This phrase reflects Nabal's selfishness and lack of hospitality, which was a significant cultural expectation in ancient Israel. Bread and water symbolize basic sustenance, and withholding them from travelers or those in need was seen as inhospitable. In the broader biblical context, hospitality is a recurring theme, as seen in Genesis 18 with Abraham's welcome of the three visitors. Nabal's refusal contrasts with the generosity expected of God's people. and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers and give them to these men whose origin I do not know? Persons / Places / Events 1. NabalA wealthy but harsh and surly man from Maon, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew. He is the central figure in this verse, refusing to help David and his men. 2. David The future king of Israel, who at this time is fleeing from King Saul. He and his men have been protecting Nabal's shepherds and are now seeking provisions. 3. Abigail Nabal's wise and discerning wife, who later intervenes to prevent David from taking vengeance on Nabal. 4. Carmel The location where Nabal's business operations, including sheep shearing, are taking place. It is a place of wealth and prosperity. 5. Shearers The workers involved in the shearing of sheep, a time of festivity and abundance, which makes Nabal's refusal even more egregious. Teaching Points The Danger of SelfishnessNabal's refusal to share his resources highlights the destructive nature of selfishness. As Christians, we are called to be generous and to share our blessings with others. Wisdom in Relationships Abigail's later intervention shows the importance of wisdom and discernment in dealing with difficult situations and people. We should seek to be peacemakers in our interactions. Recognizing God's Provision Nabal's failure to recognize God's provision through David's protection of his shepherds serves as a reminder to acknowledge and be grateful for God's blessings in our lives. The Consequences of Foolishness Nabal's account warns us of the potential consequences of foolishness and pride. We should strive to live humbly and wisely, seeking God's guidance in our decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:11?2. How does Nabal's response in 1 Samuel 25:11 reflect a selfish attitude? 3. What can we learn about generosity from Nabal's refusal to share provisions? 4. How does 1 Samuel 25:11 contrast with biblical teachings on hospitality? 5. In what ways can we avoid Nabal's mistake in our daily interactions? 6. How does Nabal's attitude in 1 Samuel 25:11 challenge our view of stewardship? 7. Why did Nabal refuse to share provisions with David in 1 Samuel 25:11? 8. How does Nabal's response in 1 Samuel 25:11 reflect his character and values? 9. What cultural norms influenced Nabal's decision in 1 Samuel 25:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25? 11. Why did David seek revenge against Nabal? 12. How does the portrayal of Saul's triumphant leadership in 1 Samuel 11 align or conflict with his later portrayal as a flawed or rejected king? 13. In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is 'casting bread upon the waters' supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink? 14. Why does the list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 differ from similar lists in other biblical passages like 2 Samuel 23, and can both be historically accurate? What Does 1 Samuel 25:11 Mean Why should I take my bread and water- Nabal speaks as though everything he owns is exclusively his, ignoring that “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness” (Psalm 24:1). - His self-focus contrasts with the generosity God expects: “If there is a poor man among your brothers… you are to open your hand to him” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). - By withholding provisions from David’s hungry men, Nabal disregards the principle later echoed by Jesus: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers - Sheep-shearing time was a festive season of abundance (2 Samuel 13:23-24), making Nabal’s stinginess even more striking. - David’s request was reasonable, since his men had protected Nabal’s flocks (1 Samuel 25:15-16). Refusing hospitality violated the cultural norm seen when Abraham fed strangers (Genesis 18:1-8). - Proverbs 3:27 warns, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is within your power to act.” and give them to these men - Nabal reduces David’s loyal warriors to faceless beggars, ignoring their service. - Scripture commends honoring those who labor for our benefit: “The worker is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7). - His attitude mirrors the rich fool who hoarded wealth instead of sharing (Luke 12:16-21). whose origin I do not know? - The slight is intentional; Nabal knows David’s identity (v. 10) yet chooses contempt. - By branding God’s anointed as a nobody, he positions himself against the Lord’s purposes, echoing Pharaoh’s “Who is the LORD, that I should obey Him?” (Exodus 5:2). - Hebrews 13:2 urges, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Nabal’s rejection forfeits blessing and invites judgment (v. 38). summary Nabal’s question exposes a heart ruled by selfishness, ingratitude, and contempt for God’s chosen servant. At a moment of plenty he withholds what is rightfully due, violating biblical commands to recognize God as provider, share generously, and honor those who work for our good. His words warn us that hoarding what the Lord has entrusted invites divine discipline, while openhanded generosity aligns us with God’s character and blessing. (11) Unto men, whom I know not.--In other words, "Shall I give largesse to the enemies of my king--to a band of rebel freebooters?"My water.--The LXX., instead of "water," read "wine." This is one of the countless alterations this version arbitrarily makes in the original sacred text. The Greek translators were puzzled at Nabal's enumeration of "water" as one of the demands of David. Its mention, however, is a mark of the accuracy of the record. Water in many parts of the East is exceedingly precious. The words of Joshua 15:19 clearly indicate the especial want of this district of Palestine, when Caleb's daughter Achsah specially prayed her father for springs of water. Its mention, however, can scarcely, as Dean Payne Smith observes, "mark the abstemious habits of the people," considering in the same chapter we find the owner of all these flocks prostrate through intoxication. Hebrew Why should I takeוְלָקַחְתִּ֤י (wə·lā·qaḥ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take my bread לַחְמִי֙ (laḥ·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain and וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case water מֵימַ֔י (mê·may) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen and the meat טִבְחָתִ֔י (ṭiḇ·ḥā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 2878: Thing slaughtered, slaughtered meat, slaughter I have slaughtered טָבַ֖חְתִּי (ṭā·ḇaḥ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2873: To slaughter, butcher, slay for my shearers, לְגֹֽזְזָ֑י (lə·ḡō·zə·zāy) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 1494: To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemy and give וְנָֽתַתִּי֙ (wə·nā·ṯat·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them to these men לַֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (la·’ă·nā·šîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person whose origin אֵ֥י (’ê) Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? I do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know?” יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know Links 1 Samuel 25:11 NIV1 Samuel 25:11 NLT 1 Samuel 25:11 ESV 1 Samuel 25:11 NASB 1 Samuel 25:11 KJV 1 Samuel 25:11 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 25:11 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 25:11 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 25:11 French Bible 1 Samuel 25:11 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 25:11 Shall I then take my bread (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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