1 Samuel 25:15
But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:
Original Language Analysis
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
But the men
H582
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
But the men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
טֹבִ֥ים
good
H2896
טֹבִ֥ים
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 15
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
מְאֹ֑ד
were very
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
were very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָכְלַ֙מְנוּ֙
unto us and we were not hurt
H3637
הָכְלַ֙מְנוּ֙
unto us and we were not hurt
Strong's:
H3637
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פָקַ֣דְנוּ
neither missed
H6485
פָקַ֣דְנוּ
neither missed
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
8 of 15
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מְא֔וּמָה
we any thing
H3972
מְא֔וּמָה
we any thing
Strong's:
H3972
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵי֙
as long as
H3117
יְמֵי֙
as long as
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 15
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
הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ
we were conversant
H1980
הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ
we were conversant
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
12 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִתָּ֔ם
H854
אִתָּ֔ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:7And 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.1 Samuel 25:21Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.
Historical Context
Shepherds in wilderness regions faced genuine dangers from bandits and wild animals. David's band providing protection rather than exploitation was noteworthy. The servant's detailed confirmation suggests the protection was extensive and appreciated by those who experienced it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the servant's independent confirmation establish the justice of David's request?
- What does this testimony reveal about how David's men conducted themselves during their wilderness years?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:
The servant confirms David's claims independently. The Hebrew 'tovim...me'od' (very good) describes David's men's conduct. The parallel to David's message—'we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing'—verifies the protection provided. 'As long as we were conversant with them' (Hebrew 'kol yemei hithallakenu ittam') describes extended daily interaction in the fields. This firsthand testimony from Nabal's own employee establishes David's truthfulness and Nabal's ingratitude. The servant's report to Abigail provides her information needed for wise response. Unlike Nabal's contemptuous dismissal, his servants recognized and appreciated David's protection.