Introduction to 1 Samuel 25:3: Grammar as Narrative Theology
1 Samuel 25:3 introduces two central characters in vivid poetic prose: נָבָל and אֲבִיגָיִל. While this verse appears to simply give names and qualities, it uses construct chains, adjective-noun alignment, and pragmatic word order to communicate deep insights into personality, morality, and spiritual posture. This analysis explores the syntax and morphology of these descriptions to uncover how Hebrew grammar shapes character portrayal in biblical narrative.
וְשֵׁ֤ם הָאִישׁ֙ נָבָ֔ל וְשֵׁ֥ם אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ אֲבִגָ֑יִל וְהָאִשָּׁ֤ה טֽוֹבַת־שֶׂ֨כֶל֙ וִ֣יפַת תֹּ֔אַר וְהָאִ֥ישׁ קָשֶׁ֛ה וְרַ֥ע מַעֲלָלִ֖ים וְה֥וּא כָלִבִּֽי׃
This article analyzes 1 Samuel 25:3, focusing on the construct chain and adjective-noun coordination in the character descriptions of Nabal and Avigayil. It explores how the syntactic structure and word order reflect theological and narrative characterization.
Analysis of Key Phrases and Grammatical Structure
1. וְשֵׁם הָאִישׁ נָבָל וְשֵׁם אִשְׁתּוֹ אֲבִיגָיִל – “Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife was Avigayil”
- שֵׁם הָאִישׁ – “the name of the man”; construct chain שֵׁם + definite noun
- אִשְׁתּוֹ – construct of אִשָּׁה with 3ms suffix: “his wife”
This opening sets a formal tone. The construct phrases שֵׁם הָאִישׁ and שֵׁם אִשְׁתּוֹ are standard name-introducing forms, but they establish a parallelism that draws a thematic contrast between husband and wife, setting up an intentional tension in the narrative. Syntactically, this dual naming balances the verse structurally and rhetorically.
2. וְהָאִשָּׁה טוֹבַת־שֶׂכֶל וִיפַת תֹּאַר – “And the woman was of good understanding and beautiful of form”
- טוֹבַת־שֶׂכֶל – construct phrase: “good of understanding”; טוֹבָה in construct becomes טוֹבַת
- יְפַת תֹּאַר – construct phrase: “beautiful of form”
This pair of construct chains uses parallel feminine adjective-noun structures. The repetition of the form (adjective + construct noun) not only enhances poetic beauty but emphasizes a balance between inner wisdom (שֵׂכֶל) and outer beauty (תֹּאַר). This syntactic elegance reflects Avigayil’s role as a figure of spiritual insight and peacemaking in the narrative that follows.
3. וְהָאִישׁ קָשֶׁה וְרַע מַעֲלָלִים – “And the man was harsh and evil in deeds”
- קָשֶׁה – adjective: “harsh, hard”
- רַע מַעֲלָלִים – construct phrase: “evil of deeds”
The adjective קָשֶׁה introduces a blunt characterization. In contrast to Avigayil’s balance of sense and appearance, Nabal is described with negative traits—first an adjective, then a construct chain. The use of מַעֲלָלִים (from ע־ל־ל, “to act”) gives concreteness to his evil: he is not just wicked, but his actions themselves are evil. The grammar exposes his moral depravity in syntactic terms.
4. וְהוּא כָלִבִּי – “and he was a Calebite”
- כָלִבִּי – gentilic adjective from כָּלֵב (Caleb): “Calebite”
Though grammatically simple, this phrase provides a tribal or clan identity that is ironically loaded. Caleb was a figure of faith (cf. Numbers 14:24), but Nabal, his descendant, is the opposite. The narrator embeds an irony—his heritage did not match his character. The word order וְהוּא כָלִבִּי places emphasis on his identity, highlighting the mismatch between his lineage and actions.
Syntax as Character Portraiture: A Study in Contrast
This verse uses construct chains, adjective-noun pairing, and parallel structures to develop narrative contrast. The syntactic choices are not incidental; they highlight thematic polarity:
| Avigayil | Nabal |
|---|---|
| טוֹבַת־שֵׂכֶל – wise of mind | קָשֶׁה – harsh |
| יְפַת תֹּאַר – beautiful of form | רַע מַעֲלָלִים – evil in deeds |
This syntactic mirroring supports the narrative that follows, where Avigayil’s wisdom averts bloodshed and brings David divine favor, while Nabal’s harshness leads to divine judgment. The grammar serves as literary theology, illustrating how inner disposition and outward form align—or diverge—through deliberate linguistic construction.
Construct Chains and Moral Contrast in 1 Samuel 25:3
By weaving together parallel construct chains and descriptive adjective structures, this verse crafts a literary portrait of two diametrically opposed characters. Avigayil’s syntax reflects her harmony and depth, m Nabal’s reflects dysfunction and opposition to the values of YHWH’s covenant. This grammatical artistry is a hallmark of biblical narrative, where form serves function and syntax conveys soul.
