1 Samuel 25:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The man is named Nabal, harsh and evil in his dealings; his wife Abigail is wise and lovely.
What Does 1 Samuel 25:3 Mean?
Two people are named and contrasted in a single breath. Nabal is churlish and evil in his doings, while Abigail is a woman of good understanding and beautiful countenance. Though he descends from faithful Caleb, his character betrays his heritage.
The pairing of a foolish husband and a discerning wife sets the stage for everything that follows. Scripture honors wisdom wherever it is found, and here it shines in a woman whose insight will soon avert disaster. Character, not lineage or wealth, is the true measure of a person before God.
1 Samuel 25:3 in the Original Language
Nabal (נָבָל), 'fool' -- not mere silliness but the moral senselessness of one who lives as if God takes no notice.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 25:3
What does 1 Samuel 25:3 mean?
The man is named Nabal, harsh and evil in his dealings; his wife Abigail is wise and lovely.