1 Samuel 25:3

25:3 The man’s name was Nabal, ¹  and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was both wise ²  and beautiful, but the man was harsh and his deeds were evil. He was a Calebite.

1 Samuel 25:17

25:17 Now be aware of this, and see what you can do. For disaster has been planned for our lord and his entire household. ³  He is such a wicked person ⁴  that no one tells him anything!”

1 Samuel 25:38

25:38 After about ten days the Lord struck Nabal down and he died.

¹ sn The name נָבָל (Nabal) means “foolish” or “senseless” in Hebrew, and as an adjective the word is used especially of persons who have no perception of ethical or religious claims. It is an apt name for this character, who certainly typifies such behavior.

² tn Heb “good of insight”; KJV “of good understanding”; NAB, NIV, TEV “intelligent”; NRSV “clever.”

³ tn Heb “all his house” (so ASV, NRSV); NAB, NLT “his whole family.”

⁴ tn Heb “he is a son of worthlessness.”