Boy Old Testament Known
Nabal
fool; senseless
נָבָל na.val
Nabal (Hebrew: נָבָל, na.val) means “fool; senseless”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 18 verses across 2 books of the Bible. In United States birth records the name is below the reporting threshold. Appears with Abigail in 1 Samuel 25.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Nabal
spouse of Abigail
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 18 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- United Monarchy
Using it today
In United States birth records this name is below the reporting threshold. The Social Security Administration does not publish counts under five, so a name given to four children looks the same as one given to none.
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 1 Samuel 25:3 |
| Last appears | 2 Samuel 3:3 |
| Cross-references | 309 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Abigail co-occurrence Appears with Abigail in 1 Samuel 25.
- Ahinoam co-occurrence Appears with Ahinoam in 1 Samuel 27.
- Maacah co-occurrence Appears with Maacah in 2 Samuel 3.
- Chileab co-occurrence Appears with Chileab in 2 Samuel 3.
- Talmai co-occurrence Appears with Talmai in 2 Samuel 3.
- Laish co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Laish.
- Palti co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Palti.
- Caleb co-occurrence Appears with Caleb in 1 Samuel 25.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.25.3; married to Abigail (H0026)
§ Nabhal or Nabal = "fool"
a man of Carmel who spurned David's messengers, then died of shock when he realised it might cause his death; his case was pleaded by his wife Abigail who became David's wife after his death
Nabal, a wealthy man from Carmel, was known for his foolishness and mistreatment of David, which nearly led to his demise.
The biblical story
Nabal was a wealthy man from Carmel who lived during the time of King David. He is described as a Calebite, indicating his descent from the tribe of Judah. Nabal was married to Abigail, a beautiful and intelligent woman (1Sa.25.3).
Despite his wealth, Nabal was known for his harsh and foolish behavior. When David and his men, who had been protecting Nabal's shepherds and flocks, requested provisions, Nabal rudely refused, insulting David and his men (1Sa.25.4-11). This foolish act provoked David to seek revenge, threatening to kill Nabal and all the males in his household.
Abigail, upon learning of her husband's foolishness, quickly intervened. She gathered a generous supply of food and went out to meet David, apologizing for Nabal's behavior and pleading for mercy (1Sa.25.18-31). Her wise actions and words appeased David, who relented from his plan to attack Nabal's household.
When Abigail informed Nabal of how close he had come to disaster, his heart failed him, and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died (1Sa.25.36-38). After Nabal's death, David sent for Abigail and married her (1Sa.25.39-42).
Nabal's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of foolishness, selfishness, and mistreating others. It also highlights the wisdom and courage of Abigail, who acted decisively to protect her household and make peace with David.
Key verses
Nabal appears in 18 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
1 Samuel 25:3 -
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
1 Samuel 25:4 -
And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:
1 Samuel 25:5 -
And when David’s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.
1 Samuel 25:9 -
And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.
1 Samuel 25:10
Show all 18 references
1 Samuel (16)
- 1 Samuel 25:3
- 1 Samuel 25:4
- 1 Samuel 25:5
- 1 Samuel 25:9
- 1 Samuel 25:10
- 1 Samuel 25:14
- 1 Samuel 25:19
- 1 Samuel 25:25
- 1 Samuel 25:26
- 1 Samuel 25:34
- 1 Samuel 25:36
- 1 Samuel 25:37
- 1 Samuel 25:38
- 1 Samuel 25:39
- 1 Samuel 27:3
- 1 Samuel 30:5
2 Samuel (2)
- 2 Samuel 2:2
- 2 Samuel 3:3