1 Samuel 25:17
Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
דְּעִ֤י
Now therefore know
H3045
דְּעִ֤י
Now therefore know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וּרְאִי֙
and consider
H7200
וּרְאִי֙
and consider
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַֽה
H4100
מַֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תַּעֲשִׂ֔י
what thou wilt do
H6213
תַּעֲשִׂ֔י
what thou wilt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָלְתָ֧ה
is determined
H3615
כָלְתָ֧ה
is determined
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
7 of 18
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ
against our master
H113
אֲדֹנֵ֖ינוּ
against our master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
10 of 18
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְעַ֣ל
H5921
וְעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּית֑וֹ
and against all his household
H1004
בֵּית֑וֹ
and against all his household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְהוּא֙
H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בֶּן
for he is such a son
H1121
בֶּן
for he is such a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּלִיַּ֔עַל
of Belial
H1100
בְּלִיַּ֔עַל
of Belial
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
16 of 18
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
Cross References
Deuteronomy 13:13Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;1 Samuel 20:7If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.
Historical Context
'Son of Belial' was among the harshest characterizations in Hebrew, later associated with Satan. A servant applying this term to his master indicates extreme circumstances overriding normal deference. The assessment 'cannot speak to him' describes someone unreachable by reason.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the servant's characterization of Nabal teach about how foolish leaders are perceived by those who serve them?
- How should we respond when we recognize that someone in authority is dangerously foolish?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.
The servant's urgent appeal to Abigail reveals household dynamics. The Hebrew 'de'i ur'i' (know and see/consider) demands immediate attention. 'Evil is determined' (Hebrew 'kaletah hara'ah') indicates completed decision—David's punitive expedition is already en route. The servant calls his own master 'son of Belial' (ben beliya'al)—'worthless one' or 'wicked person'—a severe judgment. The phrase 'a man cannot speak to him' explains why servants approached Abigail rather than Nabal. This remarkable verse shows servants accurately assessing their master as a fool while recognizing the wife as the household's hope. Abigail's reputation for wisdom made her the natural recipient of this warning.