1 Samuel 25:39
New International Version
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife.

New Living Translation
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the LORD, who has avenged the insult I received from Nabal and has kept me from doing it myself. Nabal has received the punishment for his sin.” Then David sent messengers to Abigail to ask her to become his wife.

English Standard Version
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The LORD has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

Berean Standard Bible
On 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.

King James Bible
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

New King James Version
So when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept His servant from evil! For the LORD has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head.” And David sent and proposed to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

New American Standard Bible
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of the shame inflicted on me by the hand of Nabal, and has kept back His servant from evil. The LORD has also returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent a proposal to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

NASB 1995
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal and has kept back His servant from evil. The LORD has also returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent a proposal to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

NASB 1977
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back His servant from evil. The LORD has also returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent a proposal to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David heard that Nabal was dead, so he said, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal and has kept back His servant from evil. Yahweh has also returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent a proposal to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

Amplified Bible
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach [suffered] at the hand of Nabal and has kept His servant from [retaliating with] evil. For the Lord has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, proposing to take her as his wife.

Christian Standard Bible
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD who championed my cause against Nabal’s insults and restrained his servant from doing evil. The LORD brought Nabal’s evil deeds back on his own head.” Then David sent messengers to speak to Abigail about marrying him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the LORD who championed my cause against Nabal’s insults and restrained His servant from doing evil. The LORD brought Nabal’s evil deeds back on his own head.” Then David sent messengers to speak to Abigail about marrying him.

American Standard Version
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be Jehovah, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept back his servant from evil: and the evil-doing of Nabal hath Jehovah returned upon his own head. And David sent and spake concerning Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

English Revised Version
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept back his servant from evil: and the evil-doing of Nabal hath the LORD returned upon his own head. And David sent and spake concerning Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When David heard Nabal was dead, he said, "Blessed be the LORD, who defended me against the insults of Nabal and kept me from doing wrong. The LORD has turned Nabal's own wickedness back on him." Then David sent men [on his behalf] to propose marriage to Abigail.

Good News Translation
When David heard that Nabal had died, he said, "Praise the LORD! He has taken revenge on Nabal for insulting me and has kept me his servant from doing wrong. The LORD has punished Nabal for his evil." Then David sent a proposal of marriage to Abigail.

International Standard Version
When David heard that Nabal had died, he said, "Blessed be the LORD who has judged the dispute over my insult at the hand of Nabal, and has held back his servant from evil. The LORD has repaid Nabal's wickedness." Then David sent word to Abigail that he would take her as his wife.

Majority Standard Bible
On 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.

NET Bible
When David heard that Nabal had died, he said, "Praised be the LORD who has vindicated me and avenged the insult that I suffered from Nabal! The LORD has kept his servant from doing evil, and he has repaid Nabal for his evil deeds." Then David sent word to Abigail and asked her to become his wife.

New Heart English Bible
And David heard, and he said, "Blessed is the LORD, who has taken my side in the matter of Nabal's insult, and has kept back his servant from evil. The LORD has returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head." David sent and spoke concerning Abigail, to take her to him as wife.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to himself for a wife.

World English Bible
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed is Yahweh, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from evil. Yahweh has returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” David sent and spoke concerning Abigail, to take her to himself as wife.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David hears that Nabal [is] dead and says, “Blessed [is] YHWH who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and His servant has kept back from evil, and YHWH has turned back the wickedness of Nabal on his own head”; and David sends and speaks with Abigail, to take her to himself for a wife.

Young's Literal Translation
and David heareth that Nabal is dead, and saith, 'Blessed is Jehovah who hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and His servant hath kept back from evil, and the wickedness of Nabal hath Jehovah turned back on his own head;' and David sendeth and speaketh with Abigail, to take her to him for a wife.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will hear that Nabal died, and he will say, Blessed Jehovah who plead the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and held back his servant from evil: and the evil of Nabal Jehovah turned back upon his head. And David will send and will speak with Abigail to take her to him for wife.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when David had heard that Nabal was dead, he said: Blessed be the Lord, who hath judged the cause of my reproach at the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil, and the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his head. The n David sent and treated with Abigail, that he might take her to himself for a wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when David had heard that Nabal was dead, he said: “Blessed is the Lord, who has judged the case of my reproach at the hand of Nabal, and who has preserved his servant from evil. And the Lord has repaid the malice of Nabal upon his own head.” Then David sent and he spoke with Abigail, so that he might take her to himself as wife.

New American Bible
Hearing that Nabal was dead, David said: “Blessed be the LORD, who has defended my cause against the insult from Nabal, and who restrained his servant from doing evil, but has repaid Nabal for his evil deeds.” David then sent a proposal of marriage to Abigail.

New Revised Standard Version
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD who has judged the case of Nabal’s insult to me, and has kept back his servant from evil; the LORD has returned the evildoing of Nabal upon his own head.” Then David sent and wooed Abigail, to make her his wife.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hands of Nabal, and has kept his servant from evil; for the LORD has returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David heard that Nabal was dead and said: “Blessed is LORD JEHOVAH who has judged the judgment of him who insulted me by the hands of Nabal, and his Servant he restrained from evil, and LORD JEHOVAH returned the evil of Nabal on his head!” And David sent and he spoke with Abigal that he would take her to him as a wife
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said: 'Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept back His servant from evil; and the evil-doing of Nabal hath the LORD returned upon his own head.' And David sent and spoke concerning Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David heard it and said, Blessed be the Lord, who has judged the cause of my reproach at the hand of Nabal, and has delivered his servant from the power of evil; and the Lord has returned the mischief of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and spoke concerning Abigaia, to take her to himself for a wife.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Marries Abigail
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 for her in marriage. 40When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”…

Cross References
Romans 12:19
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.”

Deuteronomy 32:35
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.”

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

Psalm 94:1-2
O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. / Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Proverbs 24:17-18
Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, / or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Psalm 18:47
the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me,

Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

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.

Luke 6:27-28
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Romans 12:20-21
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.


Treasury of Scripture

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept his servant from evil: for the LORD has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

Blessed

1 Samuel 25:32
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

Judges 5:2
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.

2 Samuel 22:47-49
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation…

pleaded

Proverbs 22:23
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Lamentations 3:58-60
O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life…

Micah 7:9
I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

kept his servant

1 Samuel 25:26,34
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…

Hosea 2:6,7
Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths…

2 Corinthians 13:7
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

hath returned

2 Samuel 3:28,29
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: …

1 Kings 2:44
The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 19:14
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Proverbs 31:10,30
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…

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Abigail Blessed Cause Communed David Dead Evil Evildoing Evil-Doing Hand Head Heard Kept Nabal Pleaded Reproach Servant Wickedness Wife
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Abigail Blessed Cause Communed David Dead Evil Evildoing Evil-Doing Hand Head Heard Kept Nabal Pleaded Reproach Servant Wickedness Wife
1 Samuel 25
1. Samuel dies
2. 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














On hearing that Nabal was dead
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew root for "hearing" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and acknowledging the significance of the event. David's response to Nabal's death is not merely a reaction to news but an acknowledgment of divine intervention. Historically, the death of a wealthy man like Nabal would have been significant, affecting not just his household but the surrounding community. David's awareness of this event underscores the providential timing and justice of God.

David said, 'Blessed be the LORD
The phrase "Blessed be the LORD" (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה, baruch Yahweh) is a common expression of praise in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting a deep-seated acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness. David's immediate response is to bless the LORD, indicating his recognition of God's hand in the unfolding events. This reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes, a key characteristic of David's relationship with God throughout the scriptures.

who has championed my cause against Nabal's insult
The term "championed" (רִיב, rib) in Hebrew conveys the idea of contending or pleading a case, often used in legal contexts. David sees God as his divine advocate, taking up his cause against Nabal's "insult" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah), which means reproach or disgrace. This highlights the biblical theme of God as the defender of the righteous, a recurring motif in the Psalms and prophetic literature.

and restrained His servant from wrongdoing
The word "restrained" (כָּלָא, kala) suggests holding back or preventing. David acknowledges that it was God's intervention that kept him from committing sin in his anger against Nabal. This reflects the biblical principle that God not only judges but also guides and protects His servants from falling into sin, emphasizing His role as both judge and shepherd.

The LORD has brought Nabal's wrongdoing down upon his own head
This phrase underscores the biblical principle of divine justice, where wrongdoing (רָעָה, ra'ah) is met with appropriate recompense. The imagery of bringing it "down upon his own head" suggests a boomerang effect of sin, where the consequences of one's actions return to them. This is consistent with the wisdom literature's teachings, such as in Proverbs, about the fate of the wicked.

Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage
David's action of sending "word" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) to Abigail signifies a formal proposal, reflecting the customs of the time. Abigail's wisdom and intervention earlier in the chapter had already demonstrated her suitability as a partner for David. This marriage not only aligns with cultural practices but also signifies a new beginning for both David and Abigail, underlining themes of redemption and divine providence.

Verses 39-42. - Hath pleaded the cause of my reproach. In the causes tried at the gate of an Israelite city the friends of the accused both pleaded his cause, defended him from wrong, and punished any who had wronged him. So God had avenged David, while preventing him by Abigail s interference from avenging himself (see 1 Samuel 24:13). As a widow's legal mourning seems to have lasted only seven days, David, on hearing of Nabal's death, sent messengers to Abigail at Carmel to ask her in marriage. He was probably moved to this not merely by her sensible conduct, but also by the news that Michal had been given to another. She expresses her willingness in true Oriental fashion by saying she was ready to perform the most abject menial duties, even for his servants, and at once with five maidens proceeds to join him. It is a proof that David considered himself practically secure against Saul's attempts that he thus married and allowed women to accompany his small force, as their presence would not only impede the rapidity of his movements, but also implies a certain amount of case and comfort for their maintenance. ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS RESPECTING DAVID'S MARRIED Life (vers. 43, 44).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On hearing
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Nabal
נָבָל֒ (nā·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel

was dead,
מֵ֣ת (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

David
דָּוִד֮ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

said,
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Blessed [be]
בָּר֣וּךְ (bā·rūḵ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

the LORD
יְהוָ֡ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

who
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

has upheld
רָב֩ (rāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7378: To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend

my cause
רִ֨יב (rîḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute

against
מִיַּ֣ד (mî·yaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

the reproach
חֶרְפָּתִ֜י (ḥer·pā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

of Nabal
נָבָ֗ל (nā·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

has restrained
חָשַׂ֣ךְ (ḥā·śaḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2820: To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe

His servant
עַבְדּוֹ֙ (‘aḇ·dōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

from evil.
מֵֽרָעָ֔ה (mê·rā·‘āh)
Preposition-m | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

For
וְאֵת֙ (wə·’êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has brought
הֵשִׁ֥יב (hê·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the wickedness
רָעַ֣ת (rā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

of Nabal
נָבָ֔ל (nā·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5037: Nabal -- a man of Carmel

down upon his own head.?
בְּרֹאשׁ֑וֹ (bə·rō·šōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

Then David
דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

word
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to Abigail,
בַּאֲבִיגַ֔יִל (ba·’ă·ḇî·ḡa·yil)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 26: Abigail -- 'my father is joy', two Israelite women

asking
לְקַחְתָּ֥הּ (lə·qaḥ·tāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

for her
ל֖וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 0: 0

in marriage.
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (lə·’iš·šāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female


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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:39 When David heard that Nabal was dead (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 25:38
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