1 Samuel 25:12
So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽהַפְכ֥וּ
turned
H2015
וַיַּֽהַפְכ֥וּ
turned
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
1 of 11
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
נַעֲרֵֽי
young men
H5288
נַעֲרֵֽי
young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
2 of 11
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
לְדַרְכָּ֑ם
their way
H1870
לְדַרְכָּ֑ם
their way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 11
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙
and went again
H7725
וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙
and went again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וַיָּבֹ֔אוּ
and came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֔אוּ
and came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
and told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
and told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Messengers were expected to report responses accurately, however unpleasant. The return journey through wilderness territory would have taken considerable time. David's men demonstrated loyalty by faithful reporting despite the humiliating reception they received.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you deliver bad news or report insulting treatment to those you serve?
- What did the faithful reporting of Nabal's insults set in motion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.
The messengers return with Nabal's insulting refusal. The Hebrew 'vayahapku' (turned back) describes their reversed journey. They reported 'all those sayings' (kol haddevarim ha'elleh)—every insult faithfully transmitted to David. Their accurate report would inform David's response. Unlike Nabal's servants who later withheld information from their master, David's men provided complete intelligence. The phrase 'went again' emphasizes the wasted journey—respectful request met with contemptuous refusal. This verse transitions from diplomatic initiative to military preparation, as David would respond to insult with intended violence.