1 Samuel 25:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֣ה
H6258
שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי
And now I have heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי
And now I have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 21
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֹֽזְזִ֖ים
that thou hast shearers
H1494
גֹֽזְזִ֖ים
that thou hast shearers
Strong's:
H1494
Word #:
4 of 21
to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
עַתָּ֗ה
H6258
הָֽרֹעִ֤ים
now thy shepherds
H7462
הָֽרֹעִ֤ים
now thy shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
7 of 21
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָי֣וּ
H1961
הָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִמָּ֔נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 21
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֶכְלַמְנ֗וּם
which were with us we hurt
H3637
הֶכְלַמְנ֗וּם
which were with us we hurt
Strong's:
H3637
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִפְקַ֤ד
missing
H6485
נִפְקַ֤ד
missing
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
15 of 21
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מְא֔וּמָה
them not neither was there ought
H3972
מְא֔וּמָה
them not neither was there ought
Strong's:
H3972
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֖י
unto them all the while
H3117
יְמֵ֖י
unto them all the while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 21
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Historical Context
Protection of flocks from bandits and predators was valuable service in wilderness regions. David's band functioning as protective force rather than raiders demonstrated honorable conduct. Ancient Near Eastern custom expected reciprocity for such protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How did David's treatment of Nabal's shepherds demonstrate integrity despite his outlaw status?
- What expectations accompany providing genuine service to others?
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
David states his case: his band protected rather than plundered Nabal's shepherds. The Hebrew 'lo hechlamnum' (we did not hurt/shame them) emphasizes non-aggression. The phrase 'neither was there ought missing' (velo nifqad lahem me'umah) indicates David's men prevented theft by others. 'All the while they were in Carmel' establishes extended protection over the entire grazing season. This was significant service—wilderness regions harbored bandits and wild animals threatening flocks. David's men could have demanded protection payments or simply taken what they wanted; instead, they provided security expecting eventual reciprocity. His request was reasonable compensation for real service rendered.