Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. New Living Translation I am told that it is sheep-shearing time. While your shepherds stayed among us near Carmel, we never harmed them, and nothing was ever stolen from them. English Standard Version I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Berean Standard Bible Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. Berean Literal Bible And I have heard that shearers are unto you. Now the shepherds that are unto you were with us. We did not hurt them, nor was there missing anything from them all the days they were in Carmel. King James Bible And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. New King James Version Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. New American Standard Bible Now then, I have heard that you have shearers. Now, your shepherds have been with us; we have not harmed them, nor has anything of theirs gone missing all the days they were in Carmel. NASB 1995 ‘Now I have heard that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us and we have not insulted them, nor have they missed anything all the days they were in Carmel. NASB 1977 ‘And now I have heard that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us and we have not insulted them, nor have they missed anything all the days they were in Carmel. Legacy Standard Bible So now I have heard that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us; and we have not dishonored them, nor have they missed anything all the days they were in Carmel. Amplified Bible Now I have heard that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us and we have not harmed them, nor were they missing anything all the time they were in Carmel. Berean Annotated Bible Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel (garden-land). Christian Standard Bible I hear that you are shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. Holman Christian Standard Bible I hear that you are shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. American Standard Version And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: thy shepherds have now been with us, and we did them no hurt, neither was there aught missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Contemporary English Version I've heard that you are cutting the wool from your sheep. When your shepherds were with us in Carmel, we didn't harm them, and nothing was ever stolen from them. English Revised Version And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: thy shepherds have now been with us, and we did them no hurt, neither was there aught missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. GOD'S WORD® Translation I hear that your sheepshearers are with you. Your shepherds have been with us, [and] we have not mistreated them. Nothing of theirs has been missing as long as they've been in Carmel. Good News Translation He heard that you were shearing your sheep, and he wants you to know that your shepherds have been with us and we did not harm them. Nothing that belonged to them was stolen all the time they were at Carmel. International Standard Version Now, I've heard that the sheep shearers are with you. Now, your shepherds have been with us. We didn't harm them, and they didn't miss anything all the time they were in Carmel. NET Bible Now I hear that they are shearing sheep for you. When your shepherds were with us, we neither insulted them nor harmed them the whole time they were in Carmel. New Heart English Bible And now, look, I have heard that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us in the wilderness, and we did not hurt them, neither was there anything missing from them, all the while they were in Carmel. Webster's Bible Translation And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds who were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there aught missing to them, all the while they were in Carmel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. World English Bible Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds have now been with us, and we didn’t harm them. Nothing was missing from them all the time they were in Carmel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now, I have heard that you have shearers; now, the shepherds whom you have have been with us, we have not put them to shame, nor has anything been looked after by them, all the days of their being in Carmel. Berean Literal Bible And I have heard that shearers are unto you. Now the shepherds that are unto you were with us. We did not hurt them, nor was there missing anything from them all the days they were in Carmel. Young's Literal Translation and, now, I have heard that thou hast shearers; now, the shepherds whom thou hast have been with us, we have not put them to shame, nor hath anything been looked after by them, all the days of their being in Carmel. Smith's Literal Translation And now I heard that shearers were to thee: now the shepherds which are to thee were with us, we harmed them not, and not anything was missing to them all the days of their being in Carmel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI heard that thy shepherds that were with us in the desert were shearing: we never molested them, neither was there ought missing to them of the flock at any time, all the while they were with us in Carmel. Catholic Public Domain Version I have heard that your shepherds, who were with us in the desert, were shearing. We have never troubled them, nor was anything from the flock missing to them at any time, during the entire time that they have been with us in Carmel. New American Bible I have just heard that shearers are with you. Now, when your shepherds were with us, we did them no injury, neither did they miss anything while they were in Carmel. New Revised Standard Version I hear that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing, all the time they were in Carmel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYour shepherds were with us and we did not harm them, and they did not miss anything all the time they were in Carmel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Your Shepherds were with us and we did not harm them, and they lost nothing all the days that they were in the wilderness OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And now I have heard that thou hast shearers; thy shepherds have now been with us, and we did them no hurt, neither was there aught missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And now, behold, I have heard that thy shepherds who were with is in the wilderness are shearing thy sheep, and we hindered them not, neither did we demand any thing from them all the time they were in Carmel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David, Nabal, and Abigail…6and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you. 7Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. 8Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.’ ”… Cross References Now I hear that it is time for shearing. 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 31:19 Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. 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,” When your shepherds were with us, Genesis 31:39-40 I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. Exodus 22:10-13 If a man gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any other animal to be cared for by his neighbor, but it dies or is injured or stolen while no one is watching, / an oath before the LORD shall be made between the parties to determine whether or not the man has taken his neighbor’s property. The owner must accept the oath and require no restitution. / But if the animal was actually stolen from the neighbor, he must make restitution to the owner. … 1 Samuel 17:34-35 David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. we did not harass them, 1 Samuel 24:9-11 and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? / Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ / See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. 1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? Leviticus 19:13 You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. and nothing of theirs was missing 1 Samuel 30:19 Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back. 1 Samuel 12:4-5 “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied. John 18:9 This was to fulfill the word He had spoken: “I have not lost one of those You have given Me.” the whole time they were in Carmel. 1 Samuel 30:29 to those in Racal and in the cities of the Jerahmeelites and Kenites; Joshua 15:55 Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Juttah, 1 Samuel 15:12 Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel, and behold, he has set up a monument for himself and has turned and gone down to Gilgal.” John 10:11-14 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. … Treasury of Scripture And now I have heard that you have shearers: now your shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing to them, all the while they were in Carmel. We hurt [heb] we shamed 1 Samuel 25:15,16,21 But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: … 1 Samuel 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them… Jump to Previous Aught Carmel Evil Harm Hear Heard Hurt Insulted Keepers Missed Missing Mistreat Ought Shame Shearers Sheep Shepherds Theirs Time Whole Wool-Cutters WordJump to Next Aught Carmel Evil Harm Hear Heard Hurt Insulted Keepers Missed Missing Mistreat Ought Shame Shearers Sheep Shepherds Theirs Time Whole Wool-Cutters Word1 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 Now I hear that it is time for shearing. Sheep shearing was a significant event in ancient Israel, marking a time of celebration and festivity. It was a period when shepherds and landowners would gather to shear the wool from their flocks, often resulting in a time of feasting and hospitality. This context sets the stage for the narrative, as it was customary to share the abundance with others, especially those who had provided protection or assistance. The timing of this event is crucial, as it provides the backdrop for David's request to Nabal, highlighting the expectation of generosity during such prosperous times. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, currently leading a group of men while on the run from King Saul. He is the central figure in this chapter, seeking provisions from Nabal. 2. Nabal A wealthy but harsh and foolish man living in Maon, whose flocks are being sheared in Carmel. His name means "fool" in Hebrew, which reflects his character in the account. 3. Abigail Nabal's wise and discerning wife, who later plays a crucial role in averting disaster by interceding with David. 4. Carmel A region in Judah where Nabal's sheep-shearing takes place. It is a time of festivity and abundance, which makes Nabal's refusal to help David even more significant. 5. David's Men Loyal followers of David who have been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks, ensuring their safety and prosperity. Teaching Points Integrity in LeadershipDavid's treatment of Nabal's shepherds reflects a leader's responsibility to act with integrity and protect those under their care. As Christians, we are called to lead with honesty and righteousness. The Importance of Gratitude Nabal's lack of gratitude towards David's protection serves as a warning. We should recognize and appreciate the help and protection we receive from others, and ultimately from God. Peacemaking and Wisdom Abigail's intervention highlights the power of wisdom and peacemaking. In conflicts, we should seek to be like Abigail, using discernment to bring about peace. God's Provision The passage reminds us of God's provision through others. Just as David's men protected Nabal's flocks, God often uses people around us to provide for our needs. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 25:7?2. How does 1 Samuel 25:7 demonstrate the importance of respectful communication? 3. What can we learn about David's leadership from 1 Samuel 25:7? 4. How does 1 Samuel 25:7 connect with Proverbs on kindness and respect? 5. How can we apply David's approach in 1 Samuel 25:7 to modern conflicts? 6. What role does humility play in the message of 1 Samuel 25:7? 7. What does 1 Samuel 25:7 reveal about David's leadership qualities? 8. How does 1 Samuel 25:7 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Israel? 9. What is the significance of David's message in 1 Samuel 25:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25? 11. 1 Samuel 25:21–22 – Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy? 12. Are there historical or logistical issues with Doeg, a single Edomite, carrying out the massacre of so many priests (1 Samuel 21:7 - 22:18-19)? 13. Why would a single burnt offering (1 Samuel 7:9) miraculously grant the Israelites victory if similar rituals elsewhere did not? 14. Why does Solomon's succession in 1 Kings 1:28-40 ignore the usual primogeniture, given the elder sons who remained alive? What Does 1 Samuel 25:7 Mean Now I hear that it is time for shearing- David has just learned that Nabal’s annual sheep-shearing is underway—a season of abundant work followed by festive celebration and generous hospitality (Genesis 38:12–13; 2 Samuel 13:23). - By mentioning the timing, David signals that he expects customary kindness to travelers and protectors, a practice woven into Israel’s agricultural life (Deuteronomy 16:14-15; Ruth 3:2). - The line quietly reminds us that God ordains times of provision and thanksgiving, encouraging open-handed generosity (Leviticus 23:22). When your shepherds were with us - David’s six hundred men had been encamped near Nabal’s flocks in the wilderness of Paran (1 Samuel 25:2, 13). - Their presence provided an unasked-for security detail, as Nabal’s own servants later confirm: “The men were very good to us; we were not harmed” (1 Samuel 25:15). - Similar shepherd-protector scenes underline the value of righteous guardianship (Genesis 31:38-40; John 10:12-13). We did not harass them - David emphasizes that his warriors never bullied, extorted, or demanded payment—an explicit contrast to the violence typical of roaming bands (Luke 3:14; Judges 9:25). - The phrase highlights integrity under pressure, modeling the command “Do not withhold good from the deserving” (Proverbs 3:27). - By refraining from aggression, David’s men reflect God’s call to honor others’ property and livelihood (Exodus 20:15). Nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel - David assures Nabal that not one sheep disappeared during months in the open range—a miraculous statistic in bandit-plagued territory (1 Samuel 23:24; Job 1:15-17). - Comparable wording appears when God fully restores what was lost: “Nothing of theirs was missing” after David recovers the plunder at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:19). - This protection shows how the Lord can use His anointed—even an outlaw in exile—to preserve others, prefiguring Jesus, “the Good Shepherd,” who loses none of His own (John 18:9). summary David’s message to Nabal is a gentle yet pointed reminder: during the prosperous sheep-shearing season, Nabal’s wealth remained intact because David’s company watched over it without demanding tribute. The verse teaches that God honors righteous conduct, expects gratitude toward those who safeguard His blessings, and showcases how His chosen servants embody protective care long before they wear a crown. (7) Neither was there ought missing unto them.--These words doubtless refer to the protection which David's armed band had afforded to the herdsmen against the frequent raids of the neighbouring people--the Philistines and other more savage and unscrupulous tribes who dwelt on the borders of Palestine. The request was certainly a fair one, for, as Lange and Ewald remark, "apart from the Eastern custom of giving largely at such great merry-makings, according to which such a request would seem in no way strange, David had a certain right to ask a gift from Nabal's wealth. He had indirectly no small share in the festal joy of Nabal and his house. Without some part of the superfluity of the inhabitants whom he protected, he could not have maintained himself and his army."Hebrew Nowוְעַתָּ֣ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time I hear שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי (šā·ma‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction it is time for shearing. גֹזְזִ֖ים (ḡō·zə·zîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 1494: To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemy When your shepherds הָרֹעִ֤ים (hā·rō·‘îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with were הָי֣וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with us, עִמָּ֔נוּ (‘im·mā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with we did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no harass them, הֶכְלַמְנ֗וּם (heḵ·lam·nūm) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 3637: To wound, to taunt, insult and nothing וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no of theirs was missing נִפְקַ֤ד (nip̄·qaḏ) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every time יְמֵ֖י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3117: A day they were הֱיוֹתָ֥ם (hĕ·yō·w·ṯām) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be in Carmel. בַּכַּרְמֶֽל׃ (bak·kar·mel) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3760: Carmel -- a mountain promontory on the Mediterranean, also a city near Hebron Links 1 Samuel 25:7 NIV1 Samuel 25:7 NLT 1 Samuel 25:7 ESV 1 Samuel 25:7 NASB 1 Samuel 25:7 KJV 1 Samuel 25:7 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 25:7 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 25:7 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 25:7 French Bible 1 Samuel 25:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 25:7 Now I have heard that you have (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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