1 Samuel 25:6
And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֥ם
And thus shall ye say
H559
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֥ם
And thus shall ye say
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
1 of 11
to say (used with great latitude)
כֹּ֖ה
H3541
כֹּ֖ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
לֶחָ֑י
to him that liveth
H2416
לֶחָ֑י
to him that liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
3 of 11
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
and peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
and peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
5 of 11
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וּבֵֽיתְךָ֣
be to thine house
H1004
וּבֵֽיתְךָ֣
be to thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
and peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
and peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
7 of 11
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְכֹ֥ל
H3605
וְכֹ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 12:18Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.Luke 10:5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.Psalms 122:7Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.1 Timothy 5:6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Historical Context
Blessing formulas were taken seriously in ancient Israel as potentially efficacious words. The threefold pattern echoes priestly blessing structures. Such elaborate greetings established relational context before business discussions began.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you bless others before making requests of them?
- What does this greeting pattern teach about establishing relational context for business dealings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
David's threefold peace blessing expresses comprehensive goodwill. The Hebrew 'lechai' (to him who lives/to the living one) addresses Nabal's prosperity. The tripartite blessing—'peace to thee, peace to thine house, peace to all that thou hast'—covers person, family, and possessions. The Hebrew 'shalom' connotes wholeness and flourishing, not merely absence of conflict. This generous blessing preceded any request, establishing David's goodwill. The irony deepens when Nabal responds to blessing with cursing. David's blessing formula resembles priestly benedictions, positioning his request within covenant relationship rather than mere transaction.