Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until daybreak. New Living Translation When Abigail arrived home, she found that Nabal was throwing a big party and was celebrating like a king. He was very drunk, so she didn’t tell him anything about her meeting with David until dawn the next day. English Standard Version And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. Berean Standard Bible When 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. Berean Literal Bible And Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And the heart of Nabal was glad within him, and he was very drunk; therefore she told him not a thing small to great until the morning light. King James Bible And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. New King James Version Now Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was, holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; therefore she told him nothing, little or much, until morning light. New American Standard Bible Then Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was having a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was cheerful within him, for he was very drunk; so she did not tell him anything at all until the morning light. NASB 1995 Then Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she did not tell him anything at all until the morning light. NASB 1977 Then Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she did not tell him anything at all until the morning light. Legacy Standard Bible Then Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she did not tell him anything small or great until the morning light. Amplified Bible Then Abigail came to Nabal, and he was holding a feast in his house [for the shearers], like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s mood was joyous because he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light. Berean Annotated Bible When Abigail (my father is joy) returned to Nabal (fool), 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. Christian Standard Bible Then Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was in his house, holding a feast fit for a king. Nabal’s heart was cheerful, and he was very drunk, so she didn’t say anything to him until morning light. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was in his house, holding a feast fit for a king. Nabal was in a good mood and very drunk, so she didn’t say anything to him until morning light. American Standard Version And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Contemporary English Version Abigail went back home and found Nabal throwing a party fit for a king. He was very drunk and feeling good, so she didn't tell him anything that night. English Revised Version And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Abigail came to Nabal, he was holding a banquet in his home. It was like a king's banquet. He was in a good mood and very drunk, so she didn't tell him anything until dawn. Good News Translation Abigail went back to Nabal, who was at home having a feast fit for a king. He was drunk and in a good mood, so she did not tell him anything until the next morning. International Standard Version Abigail returned to Nabal, and he was there in his house holding a festival like the festival of a king. Nabal's heart was glad, and he was very drunk, so she didn't tell him anything at all until morning. NET Bible When Abigail went back to Nabal, he was holding a banquet in his house like that of the king. Nabal was having a good time and was very intoxicated. She told him absolutely nothing until morning's light. New Heart English Bible Abigail came to Nabal; and look, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. Therefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Webster's Bible Translation And Abigail came to Nabal; and behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: Therefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen 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. World English Bible Abigail came to Nabal; and behold, he held a feast in his house like the feast of a king. Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. Therefore she told him nothing until the morning light. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Abigail comes to Nabal, and behold, he has a banquet in his house, like a banquet of the king, and the heart of Nabal [is] glad within him, and he [is] drunk to excess, and she has not declared anything to him, little or much, until the morning light. Berean Literal Bible And Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And the heart of Nabal was glad within him, and he was very drunk; therefore she told him not a thing small to great until the morning light. Young's Literal Translation And Abigail cometh in unto Nabal, and lo, he hath a banquet in his house, like a banquet of the king, and the heart of Nabal is glad within him, and he is drunk unto excess, and she hath not declared to him anything, less or more, till the light of the morning. Smith's Literal Translation And Abigail will go to Nabal; and behold, to him a drinking in his house as the drinking of a king; and Nabal's heart good with him, and he was intoxicated even greatly; and she announced not to him a word small and great till the light of the morning. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Abigail came to Nabal: and behold he had a feast in his house, like the feast of a king, and Nabal's heart was merry: for he was very drunk: and she told him nothing less or more until morning. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Abigail went to Nabal. And behold, he was holding a feast for himself in his house, like the feast of a king. And the heart of Nabal was cheerful. For he was greatly inebriated. And she did not reveal a word to him, small or great, until morning. New American Bible When Abigail came to Nabal, he was hosting a banquet in his house like that of a king, and Nabal was in a festive mood and very drunk. So she said not a word to him until daybreak the next morning. New Revised Standard Version Abigail came to Nabal; he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abigal came to Nabal, and behold, there was a feast for him in his house like the feast of a King, and the heart of Nabal was happy upon him, and he was very drunk, and she did not tell him the matter until it was dawn OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken; wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abigaia came to Nabal: and, behold, he had a banquet in this house, as the banquet of a king, and the heart of Nabal was merry within him, and he was very drunken: and she told him nothing great or small till the morning light. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abigail Intercedes for Nabal…35Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” 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.… Cross References When Abigail returned to Nabal, Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Genesis 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. there he was in the house, Genesis 19:2-3 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 1 Kings 21:4-7 So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. / Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?” / Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’” … holding a feast fit for a king, Esther 1:3-4 In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. / And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. Matthew 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. Daniel 5:1-4 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. … in high spirits and very drunk. Proverbs 23:29-35 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. … Genesis 19:32-35 Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.” / So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. / The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Look, I slept with my father last night. Let us get him drunk with wine again tonight so you can go in and sleep with him and we can preserve our father’s line.” … Isaiah 28:7-8 These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. / For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. So she told him nothing until morning light. Ruth 3:14 So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” Proverbs 17:27-28 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. Ecclesiastes 3:7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, Luke 12:19 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!”’ Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he ordered the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas— Treasury of Scripture And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: why she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. a feast 2 Samuel 13:23 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. Esther 1:3-7 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: … Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. merry 2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. 1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. she told him 1 Samuel 25:19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. Psalm 112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Jump to Previous Abigail Drunken Heart Held House Less Merry Morning Nabal Nabal's Wherefore WithinJump to Next Abigail Drunken Heart Held House Less Merry Morning Nabal Nabal's Wherefore Within1 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 When Abigail returned to Nabal Abigail's return to Nabal follows her successful intervention with David, preventing him from taking vengeance on Nabal's household. This highlights her wisdom and courage. Abigail's actions can be seen as a type of intercession, similar to how Christ intercedes on behalf of humanity. Her return signifies her commitment to her marriage despite Nabal's foolishness, reflecting the biblical principle of faithfulness. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. AbigailA wise and discerning woman, the wife of Nabal. She plays a crucial role in averting disaster by intervening with David. 2. Nabal A wealthy but foolish man, known for his harsh and surly behavior. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which reflects his character. 3. David The future king of Israel, who is initially angered by Nabal's refusal to provide provisions for him and his men. 4. Feast Nabal is holding a lavish feast, described as "fit for a king," highlighting his wealth and self-indulgence. 5. High Spirits and Drunkenness Nabal's state during the feast, which prevents Abigail from speaking to him about the danger he narrowly avoided. Teaching Points Wisdom in TimingAbigail's decision to wait until morning to speak to Nabal teaches the importance of choosing the right moment to address serious matters. The Dangers of Drunkenness Nabal's drunken state serves as a cautionary tale about the impairing effects of alcohol and the foolishness it can lead to. The Role of a Peacemaker Abigail's actions demonstrate the power of peacemaking and the impact one person can have in preventing conflict. Self-Indulgence vs. Stewardship Nabal's feast "fit for a king" contrasts with the biblical call to use resources wisely and generously. God's Sovereignty and Protection The unfolding events show God's hand in protecting David and using Abigail to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:36?2. How does Nabal's feast in 1 Samuel 25:36 reflect his character and priorities? 3. What lessons can we learn from Abigail's actions before Nabal's feast? 4. How does Nabal's behavior compare to the biblical call for humility and gratitude? 5. In what ways can we avoid Nabal's mistakes in our daily lives? 6. How does 1 Samuel 25:36 illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's wisdom and guidance? 7. Why did Nabal's heart fail him in 1 Samuel 25:36? 8. How does 1 Samuel 25:36 reflect on God's justice? 9. What cultural practices are highlighted in 1 Samuel 25:36? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25? 11. What role did Abigail play in David's life? 12. 1 Samuel 25:39-42 - How do we reconcile David marrying Abigail immediately after Nabal's death with biblical laws and cultural norms on mourning and remarriage? 13. 1 Samuel 25:3 - Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming Nabal, Abigail, or their estate's existence? 14. Who is Ahinoam of Jezreel? What Does 1 Samuel 25:36 Mean When Abigail returned to NabalAbigail had just interceded with David and averted bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:23-34). • She comes back in submission to her household duties, mirroring Proverbs 31:10-12 where a capable wife “does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” • Her return underscores the contrast between her peacemaking and Nabal’s folly (1 Samuel 25:19, 25). • James 1:19 reminds us that righteousness is shown in being “quick to listen,” and Abigail models this by first surveying the situation before speaking. there he was in the house • Nabal’s comfort indoors highlights his self-absorption; he had refused food to David’s men (1 Samuel 25:11) yet sits secure within abundant walls. • Luke 12:19 pictures the rich fool who says, “Take life easy,” while Amos 6:4-6 condemns those who “lie on beds of ivory” but ignore looming judgment. • The setting exposes a heart turned inward, oblivious to the danger Abigail has just removed. holding a feast fit for a king • Sheep-shearing time was traditionally festive (2 Samuel 13:23), but Nabal elevates the celebration to royal excess. • Esther 1:3-4 and Genesis 40:20 show how kings marked occasions with lavish banquets; Nabal mimics that grandeur for himself. • Ecclesiastes 10:17 blesses a land whose rulers feast “at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.” Nabal’s motive is plainly indulgence, not gratitude. in high spirits and very drunk • Scripture warns that “Wine is a mocker” (Proverbs 20:1) and that woe awaits those who “rise early to run after strong drink” (Isaiah 5:11). • Ephesians 5:18 contrasts drunkenness with being “filled with the Spirit.” Nabal is filled with spirits instead. • His intoxication makes meaningful conversation impossible—an illustration of Hosea 4:11: “Wine and new wine take away understanding.” So she told him nothing until morning light • Abigail exercises restraint; Proverbs 15:23 values “a word spoken in due season,” and Ecclesiastes 3:7 says there is “a time to be silent.” • Approaching a drunk man could have provoked violence or fallen on deaf ears (Proverbs 23:9). Waiting safeguards her message and her safety. • The wisdom of her timing is confirmed in the next verse: “In the morning, when Nabal was sober… his heart died within him” (1 Samuel 25:37), showing that God used her prudence to bring conviction. summary Verse 36 paints a sharp contrast: Abigail, fresh from a courageous act of faith, meets a husband lost in selfish revelry. Nabal’s gluttonous, drunken feast exposes the emptiness of worldly abundance, while Abigail’s silence showcases the power of godly timing and restraint. Together they remind us that true wisdom fears the Lord, serves others, and speaks only when hearts are ready to hear. (36) He held a feast in his house.--This completes the picture of the wealthy sheep-master. The contrast between him and his wife, the high-minded and wise Abigail, is very striking. The husband, churlish, obstinate, a friend of Saul and the old disorderly state of things, haughty, unyielding, selfish, and indulging to excess in the coarse pleasures of the table, falling a victim in the end to his own untamed passions; the wife--"the good angel of the household," as Stanley phrases it--thoughtful, prudent, far-seeing, a patient listener, and an apt pupil evidently of the new masters of learning and culture in Israel, a beautiful example of the highest type of the devout Hebrew woman who during the long chequered story of the chosen race exercised so often a holy influence on the life of the people. Nabal may be taken as an extreme, though not an uncommon, example of the leading Israelites of the days before Samuel; Abigail as the representative of the nobler spirit among the higher classes after the spirit of Samuel had influenced the inhabitants of the land.Verses 36-38. - For he was very drunken. Hebrew, "and he was very drunken." This was not the cause of his heart being merry, but the result; he gave himself up to enjoyment till he became drunken, and then his merriment was over. When Abigail came back he was stupefied by drink, and it was not until the next day, when his debauch was passing off, that he was capable of being told what his wife had done. And when Abigail recounted to him David's fierce resolve, and how she had pacified him, he seems to have given way to a fit of violent indignation, flying out possibly at her as he had at David's messengers (ver. 14), the result of which was an attack of apoplexy, and after lying in a state of insensibility for ten days, he died.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When Abigailאֲבִיגַ֣יִל ׀ (’ă·ḇî·ḡa·yil) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 26: Abigail -- 'my father is joy', two Israelite women returned וַתָּבֹ֣א (wat·tā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Nabal, נָבָ֡ל (nā·ḇāl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel there וְהִנֵּה־ (wə·hin·nêh-) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! he was לוֹ֩ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew in the house, בְּבֵית֜וֹ (bə·ḇê·ṯōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house holding a feast מִשְׁתֶּ֨ה (miš·teh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast fit for a king, הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king in high ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good spirits וְלֵ֤ב (wə·lêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre and very עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while drunk. שִׁכֹּ֖ר (šik·kōr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7910: Intoxicated, as a, state, a habit So she וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no told הִגִּ֣ידָה (hig·gî·ḏāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous him לּ֗וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew nothing קָטֹ֛ן (qā·ṭōn) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while morning הַבֹּֽקֶר׃ (hab·bō·qer) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning light. א֥וֹר (’ō·wr) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary Links 1 Samuel 25:36 NIV1 Samuel 25:36 NLT 1 Samuel 25:36 ESV 1 Samuel 25:36 NASB 1 Samuel 25:36 KJV 1 Samuel 25:36 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 25:36 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 25:36 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 25:36 French Bible 1 Samuel 25:36 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 25:36 Abigail came to Nabal (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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