nabal
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary, Biblical, Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A foolish, churlish, or miserly person; a biblical figure known for his surly refusal and subsequent downfall.
Used archaically or in literary contexts to describe someone who is not just foolish but also mean-spirited, ungrateful, and lacking in discernment, often leading to their own ruin.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively known from the Biblical story of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. Its use outside of direct reference to that story is exceedingly rare and deliberately archaic, evoking a specific type of foolishness intertwined with wealth, rudeness, and a failure to recognize benefactors or danger.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in usage, as the word is obsolete in both varieties. Might be slightly more recognized in cultures with stronger traditional Biblical literacy.
Connotations
Carries heavy Biblical/literary connotations. Using it in modern speech would sound deliberately quaint, humorous, or pretentious.
Frequency
Effectively zero in contemporary corpus data for both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to play the nabalto be a nabalVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play the nabal: To act with foolish and churlish ingratitude.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical, theological, or literary analysis of the Biblical text.
Everyday
Not used. Would be misunderstood.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The landlord was a perfect nabal, refusing even a glass of water to the weary travellers.
- In his arrogance, he played the nabal and lost the goodwill of his allies.
American English
- Don't be such a nabal—thank the people who helped you.
- His nabal-like behavior cost him the contract.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The character in the novel was a nabal, whose wealth was matched only by his stupidity and lack of hospitality.
- The diplomat's nabal-like refusal of the gracious offer was seen as a profound strategic blunder.
- His reputation as a corporate nabal preceded him, making recruitment difficult.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
NABAL: Never Accepts Blessings, Always Loses. (He foolishly refused David's request and died soon after).
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOLISHNESS IS A SELF-DESTRUCTIVE FORCE; INGRATITUDE IS A SOCIAL DEATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'набал' (slang for profit/scan) or 'набаловать' (to spoil). The Russian Biblical name is 'Навал' (Naval).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common noun in modern writing without heavy irony or a specific literary context.
- Mispronouncing as /nəˈbɑːl/ or /ˈnæbəl/.
Practice
Quiz
In modern usage, calling someone a 'nabal' implies they are:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic word almost exclusively known from the Bible. Its use in modern English is very rare and stylistic.
No, it is solely a noun. The associated action is expressed with phrases like 'play the nabal'.
That foolishness, ingratitude, and lack of discernment, especially from a position of wealth, can lead to sudden ruin.
Not directly from the Biblical story. The term is gender-specific in origin but could be applied contextually. His wife, Abigail, is portrayed as wise and diplomatic, acting as his antonym.