Nabal
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nabal in the Bible?
Nabal was a wealthy man of Maon in Judah who refused to provide gifts to David and his followers, leading to his eventual death. Abigail, Nabal's wife, intervened and saved the lives of David and her husband.
SIGNIFICANCE
The narrative of Nabal illustrates the critical social obligation of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern society, where the refusal to support a traveling group could be interpreted as a hostile act warranting severe retaliation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nabal reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nabal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nabal clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nabal." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nabal/