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

Overnight, there were clashes in the Idlib province, as security forces used tanks, rocket launchers and artillery to bombard the towns of Kafr Nabal, Maarat al-Numan, Ariha and Rama, according to the main opposition coalition, the Syrian National Council.

From BBC

Samuel is the picture of the serene and holy believer, enjoying unseen fellowship with God, and finding in that fellowship a blessed balm for the griefs and trials of a wounded spirit; Nabal is the picture of the rich but wretched worldling who cannot even enjoy the bounties of his lot, and is thrown into such a panic by the mere dread of losing them that he actually sinks into the grave.

From Project Gutenberg

This chapter, recording David’s collision with Nabal, and showing us how David lost his temper, and became hot and impetuous and impatient in consequence of Nabal’s treatment, comes in between the narrative of his two great victories over the spirit of revenge and impatience.

From Project Gutenberg

A descendant of the lion-hearted Judah and of the courageous Caleb, this Nabal came of a noble stock; but cursed with a narrow heart, a senseless head, and a grovelling nature, he fell as far below average humanity as his great ancestors had risen above it.

From Project Gutenberg

It is plain that in an equitable point of view Nabal owed much to David; but what he owed could not be enforced by an action at law, and Nabal was one of those poor creatures that acknowledge no other obligation.

From Project Gutenberg