1 Samuel 25:21
Now 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.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ֩
H389
לַשֶּׁ֨קֶר
Surely in vain
H8267
לַשֶּׁ֨קֶר
Surely in vain
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 21
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
שָׁמַ֜רְתִּי
have I kept
H8104
שָׁמַ֜רְתִּי
have I kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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
לָזֶה֙
all that this
H2088
לָזֶה֙
all that this
Strong's:
H2088
Word #:
9 of 21
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
fellow hath in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
fellow hath in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
10 of 21
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִפְקַ֥ד
was missed
H6485
נִפְקַ֥ד
was missed
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
12 of 21
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְא֑וּמָה
so that nothing
H3972
מְא֑וּמָה
so that nothing
Strong's:
H3972
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
וַיָּֽשֶׁב
of all that pertained unto him and he hath requited
H7725
וַיָּֽשֶׁב
of all that pertained unto him and he hath requited
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
17 of 21
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Proverbs 17:13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.Ephesians 4:26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:Romans 12:21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Historical Context
David's protection of Nabal's property represented real investment of time and resources. The contrast between his generous service and Nabal's insulting refusal created legitimate grievance. However, David's emotional response was disproportionate to the offense.
Questions for Reflection
- How does justified grievance sometimes lead to unjustified responses?
- What warning does David's bitter reflection offer about nursing anger?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now 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.
David's bitter reflection reveals his mindset before meeting Abigail. The Hebrew 'akh lasheker' (surely in vain/for nothing) expresses frustration that his protection proved worthless. His summary—'nothing was missed' yet 'he hath requited me evil for good'—accurately describes the injustice. The phrase 'this fellow' (Hebrew 'zeh') conveys contempt matching Nabal's own dismissive language. David's reasoning, while justified regarding the facts, was leading toward sinful response. His oath (v. 22) would compound emotional reasoning with binding commitment to violence. This interior monologue explains why David's response exceeded Nabal's offense—perceived betrayal ignited deeper anger than mere refusal.