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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/25.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and dismounted from her donkey, and fell on her face in front of David and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and dismounted from her donkey, and fell on her face before David and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and dismounted from her donkey, and fell on her face before David, and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Abigail saw David; so she hurried and dismounted from her donkey and fell on her face before David and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and dismounted from the donkey, and kneeled face downward before David and bowed down to the ground [in respect].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey and knelt down with her face to the ground and paid homage to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey and fell with her face to the ground in front of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and alighted from her ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abigail quickly got off her donkey and bowed down in front of David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off her ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got down from her donkey. She immediately bowed down in front of David with her face touching the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly dismounted and threw herself on the ground <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got down from the donkey and fell on her face before David, prostrating herself on the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she got down quickly from the donkey, threw herself down before David, and bowed to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried, and got off from her donkey, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground at his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got off her donkey, and fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the ground. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abigail sees David, and hurries and comes down from off the donkey, and falls on her face before David, and bows herself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abigail seeth David, and hasteth and cometh down from off the ass, and falleth before David on her face, and boweth herself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abigail will see David, and will hasten, and will come down from the ass, and fall before David upon her face, and will worship him to the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David she made haste and lighted off the ass, and fell before David, on her face, and adored upon the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, when Abigail had seen David, she hurried and descended from the donkey. And she fell upon her face before David, and she reverenced on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As soon as Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey and, falling down, bowed low to the ground before David in homage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abigail saw David, she hurried and alighted from the donkey, and fell before David on her face, bowing to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David, she hastened and alighted from the ass, and fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abigal saw David and she hurried and she came down from the donkey and she fell before David on her face and she bowed down on the ground<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Abigail saw David, she made haste, and alighted from her ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abigaia saw David, and she hasted and alighted from her ass; and she felt before David on her face, and did obeisance to him, <i>bowing</i> to the ground<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/25-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7530" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm">Abigail Intercedes for Nabal</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/26.htm" title="26: ’ă·ḇî·ḡa·yil (N-proper-fs) -- Or shorter Abiygal; from 'ab and giyl; father of joy; Abigail or Abigal, the name of two Israelitesses.">When Abigail</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wat·tê·re (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4116.htm" title="4116: wat·tə·ma·hêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To hasten. A primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. to hurry; often used adverbially, promptly.">she quickly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wat·tê·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To come or go down, descend. ">got off</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ha·ḥă·mō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">the donkey,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: wat·tip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·ne·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">facedown,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: wat·tiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">and bowed</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: lə·’ap·pê (Prep-l:: N-mdc) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a></span><br />And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Genesis 33:3</a></span><br />But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/2-10.htm">Ruth 2:10</a></span><br />At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-37.htm">2 Kings 4:37</a></span><br />She came in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Esther 8:3</a></span><br />And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Matthew 2:11</a></span><br />On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-25.htm">Matthew 15:25</a></span><br />The woman came and knelt before Him. “Lord, help me!” she said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Matthew 18:26</a></span><br />Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-38.htm">Luke 7:38</a></span><br />As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-16.htm">Luke 17:16</a></span><br />He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-32.htm">John 11:32</a></span><br />When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-25.htm">Acts 10:25</a></span><br />As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-29.htm">Acts 16:29</a></span><br />Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a></span><br />Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Abigail saw David, she hurried, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,</p><p class="hdg">lighted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/15-18.htm">Joshua 15:18</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as she came <i>unto him</i>, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off <i>her</i> ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/1-14.htm">Judges 1:14</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when she came <i>to him</i>, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off <i>her</i> ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?</p><p class="hdg">fell</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41</a></b></br> <i>And</i> as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of <i>a place</i> toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8</a></b></br> David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">Abigail</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-14.htm">Ab'igail</a> <a href="/judges/4-15.htm">Alighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-31.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/genesis/24-64.htm">Dismounted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Hasted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/judges/4-15.htm">Lighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm">Quickly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">Abigail</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">Ab'igail</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-21.htm">Alighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">David</a> <a href="/genesis/24-64.htm">Dismounted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Hasted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-9.htm">Lighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Quickly</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Samuel dies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">David in Paran sends to Nabal</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-14.htm">Abigail understanding thereof</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">takes a present</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">and by her wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">pacifies David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">Nabal hearing thereof, dies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-44.htm">Michal is given to Phalti</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Abigail saw David</b><br>Abigail's encounter with David occurs during a tense moment when David is on his way to confront Nabal, her husband, for his disrespect. Abigail's ability to see David signifies her awareness and discernment, qualities that are emphasized throughout the narrative. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for her intercession. Abigail's actions reflect the wisdom and initiative that are often praised in biblical women, such as Esther and Deborah, who also took decisive actions to avert disaster.<p><b>she quickly got off the donkey</b><br>Her swift dismounting from the donkey indicates urgency and respect. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of dismounting was a gesture of humility and submission, especially when approaching someone of higher status. This action parallels the humility shown by other biblical figures, such as Rebekah when she met Isaac (<a href="/genesis/24-64.htm">Genesis 24:64</a>). Abigail's haste underscores her determination to prevent bloodshed and her recognition of the gravity of the situation.<p><b>fell facedown</b><br>Falling facedown is a posture of deep respect and submission, often seen in biblical accounts when individuals encounter someone of great authority or divine presence. This act of prostration is reminiscent of the reverence shown to kings and prophets, as seen in the interactions with figures like Joseph (<a href="/genesis/50-18.htm">Genesis 50:18</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Daniel 2:46</a>). Abigail's posture before David acknowledges his future kingship and God's anointing upon him, even though he is not yet king.<p><b>and bowed before him</b><br>Bowing further emphasizes Abigail's respect and acknowledgment of David's authority. In the cultural context, bowing was a common practice to show honor and deference. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, where Abigail's submission to David prefigures the submission of the church to Christ, the ultimate King. Her actions foreshadow the recognition of Jesus' authority and the humility required of His followers. Abigail's approach to David is a model of peacemaking and wisdom, aligning with the biblical principle of seeking peace and pursuing it (<a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abigail.htm">Abigail</a></b><br>A wise and discerning woman, the wife of Nabal. She is known for her quick action and humility in approaching David to prevent bloodshed.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, at this time leading a group of men while fleeing from King Saul. He is on his way to confront Nabal for his disrespect.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/nabal.htm">Nabal</a></b><br>A wealthy but foolish man, husband to Abigail, who insulted David and refused to provide for his men.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_encounter.htm">The Encounter</a></b><br>This event takes place in the wilderness of Paran, where David and his men are camped. Abigail intercepts David to prevent him from taking vengeance on Nabal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_humility.htm">The Power of Humility</a></b><br>Abigail's humility in bowing before David demonstrates the strength found in lowering oneself to achieve peace and reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_action.htm">Wisdom in Action</a></b><br>Abigail's quick and decisive actions show the importance of using wisdom to avert disaster and promote peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking_as_a_virtue.htm">Peacemaking as a Virtue</a></b><br>Abigail's role as a peacemaker highlights the Christian call to seek peace and pursue it, even in difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_providence.htm">God's Providence</a></b><br>This account illustrates how God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes and prevent wrongdoing, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Abigail's account is a powerful reminder of how God uses women in significant ways to influence and guide His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_threaten_violence_here.htm">1 Samuel 25:21–22 – Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/1_samuel_25_39-42__why_did_david_marry_abigail_so_soon.htm">1 Samuel 25:39-42 - How do we reconcile David marrying Abigail immediately after Nabal's death with biblical laws and cultural norms on mourning and remarriage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_kings_23_25_exalt_josiah_over_david.htm">Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Fell before David.</span>--This act of obeisance, and, in fact, the whole tone of the wise wife of Nabal in her address to David, seems to betoken her consciousness that she was addressing the anointed of Jehovah, the future king--at no distant date--of Israel. Her worst fears she found realised when she met David, probably at no great distance from the principal residence of Nabal, accompanied by so large an armed force, evidently bent on some deed of violence. She deprecated his wrath by representing her husband not merely as a bad man, but as one scarcely responsible for his actions. Had <span class= "ital">she </span>only known of the mission of David's followers to Nabal, she implies, very different indeed had been their reception; they would not, at least, have returned to David empty-handed.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23-25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Abigail... fell before David on her face.</span> This very abject obeisance may have been grounded on her belief in David's future kingship, or it may simply mark the inferior position held by women in those days (see ver. 41). Her whole address is couched in very humble terms. David (<a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8</a>) only stooped with his face to the ground before Saul. <span class="cmt_word">Upon me.</span> Abigail represents herself as the person really guilty, on whom the <span class="cmt_word">iniquity</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the punishment of the offence, must fall. Nabal is a mere <span class="cmt_word">son of Belial,</span> a worthless, bad man, whose name Nabal, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> fool, is a sign that folly is with him, and accompanies all his acts. As a fool he is scarcely accountable for his doings, and Abigail, whose wont and business it was to set things to rights, <span class="cmt_word">saw not the young men,</span> and so was unable to save them from her husband's rudeness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/25-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When Abigail</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·ḡa·yil)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abigail -- 'my father is joy', two Israelite women</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֵּ֤רֶא</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·re)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she quickly</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּמַהֵ֕ר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·ma·hêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4116.htm">Strong's 4116: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">got off</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֵּ֖רֶד</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·reḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the donkey,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲמ֑וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male ass</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּפֹּ֞ל</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tip·pōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">facedown,</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּנֶ֔יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·ne·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bowed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiš·ta·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַפֵּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ap·pê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - mdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 25:23 When Abigail saw David she hurried (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 25:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 25:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 25:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 25:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>