Nabal

[ ney-buhl ]

noun

1. (in the Bible) a wealthy Calebite, husband of Abigail, who refused rightful tribute to King David for protecting Nabal's flocks.

Other Words From

• Nabal·ism noun
• Nabal·ite noun
• Na·bal·it·ic [ney-b, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nabal¹

Ultimately from Hebrew Nābhāl “fool,” of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

This he was prevented from doing by Nabal's wife, who came out to meet David with fine presents and fine words.

From Project Gutenberg

Abigail properly resolved to defer any conversation with Nabal till the morning, when she disclosed the whole affair.

From Project Gutenberg

Nabal not only refused to comply with the request, but returned an insulting answer, which the young men carried to their master.

From Project Gutenberg

His father Nabal was one of the richest and most powerful of the Moorish princes, who acknowledged the supremacy of Rome.

From Project Gutenberg

It could hardly have been chance that made Nabal so deathly sick next morning and killed him in ten days.

From Project Gutenberg