KJV ORIGINAL
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Should I take my bread, my water, and the meat I've prepared for my sheep shearers, and give it to men I don't even know or where they come from?
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse shows Nabal rudely refusing David's request for food, asking why he should share his provisions with strangers.
📚 Historical Context
This is Nabal's harsh response to David's messengers who had asked for food after David's men had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, hospitality to travelers and those who had provided protection was considered a sacred duty. Nabal's refusal was seen as extremely insulting and ungrateful.
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