1 Samuel 25:13
And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 26
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 26
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
his sword
H2719
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
7 of 26
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 26
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
his sword
H2719
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 26
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וַיַּחְגֹּ֥ר
And they girded on
H2296
וַיַּחְגֹּ֥ר
And they girded on
Strong's:
H2296
Word #:
12 of 26
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
his sword
H2719
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
16 of 26
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וַֽיַּעֲל֣וּ׀
and there went up
H5927
וַֽיַּעֲל֣וּ׀
and there went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
17 of 26
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וּמָאתַ֖יִם
and two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתַ֖יִם
and two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
21 of 26
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
22 of 26
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וּמָאתַ֖יִם
and two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתַ֖יִם
and two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
23 of 26
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
יָֽשְׁב֥וּ
abode
H3427
יָֽשְׁב֥וּ
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
24 of 26
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Historical Context
Military expeditions typically left guards for supplies and camp. The four-hundred-man force represented overwhelming strength against an unfortified household. David's failure to seek divine guidance, unlike his practice before other significant actions, indicates emotional reaction overriding spiritual discipline.
Questions for Reflection
- What happens when we respond to insults with force rather than seeking God's direction?
- How does David's response to Nabal contrast with his patient response to Saul?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.
David's response reveals dangerous anger. The Hebrew imperative 'chigru' (gird on) commands battle preparation. David arms himself ('David also girded on his sword') joining his men in combat readiness. The division—four hundred attacking, two hundred guarding supplies ('stuff')—indicates tactical organization for punitive raid. David's instant military response to verbal insult, without prayer or divine consultation, contrasts sharply with his careful inquiry before attacking Philistines (23:2) or sparing Saul (chapter 24). Anger, even justified anger, led David toward action he would later recognize as wrong. Abigail's intervention would prevent disaster.