Log inSign up

1 Samuel 25 · a question people ask

What happened to Nabal?

In the text

The chapter says two things, ten days apart. When his wife told him what had happened, "his heart died within him, and he became as a stone" (25:37). Then, "About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal, so that he died" (25:38). It gives no other cause, and says nothing of the days between. It names the LORD as the one who struck him, and David says the same: "The LORD has returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head" (25:39). In the next chapter David uses the same verb of Saul: "the LORD will strike him" (26:10) (tap struck).

The verses

“In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things; and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal, so that he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed is 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 returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” David sent and spoke concerning Abigail, to take her to himself as wife.”
1 Samuel 25:37-39 · World English Bible
“David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him; or his day shall come to die, or he shall go down into battle and perish.”
1 Samuel 26:10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 1 Samuel 25

1 Samuel 25: As his name is, so is he

David set out to avenge himself on Nabal, and Abigail met him first. In Hebrew David's "avenging myself with my own hand" (25:33) is the verb save, with "my hand" and "for me". He blessed her for keeping him from it, and it was the LORD who "struck Nabal, so that he died" (25:38).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week1 Samuel 25 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 1 Samuel 25

All questions about 1 Samuel →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions