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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.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_kings/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So they searched throughout the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So they sought for a lovely young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel; they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel; they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful, young woman. They found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A search was made all over Israel for a beautiful young woman, and in Shunem they found such a woman named Abishag, and brought her to the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So they conducted a search throughout the territory of Israel for a beautiful young woman, and Abishag the Shunammite was located and brought to the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So they looked through all Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunamite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they seek [for] a beautiful young woman in all the border of Israel, and find Abishag the Shunammite, and bring her to the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they seek a fair young woman in all the border of Israel, and find Abishag the Shunammite, and bring her in to the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will seek a fair girl in all the bound of Israel, and they will find Abishag the Shunamite, and they will bring her to the king.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So they sought a beautiful young woman in all the coasts of Israel, and they found Abisag a Sunamitess, and brought her to the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so they sought a beautiful young woman in all the parts of Israel. And they found Abishag, a Shunammite, and they led her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So they sought for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunamite. So they brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So they sought for a beautiful maiden throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag a Shilommite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they searched for a beautiful girl in all the borders of Israel and they found Abishag a Shilumite and they brought her to the King.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So they sought for a fair damsel out of all the coasts of Israel; and they found Abisag the Somanite, and they brought her to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/1-3.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/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=19" 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_kings/1.htm">Abishag Cares for David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: way·ḇaq·šū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">Then they searched</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵōl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">throughout</a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: gə·ḇūl (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3303.htm" title="3303: yā·p̄āh (Adj-fs) -- Fair, beautiful. From yaphah; beautiful.">for a beautiful</a> <a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: na·‘ă·rāh (N-fs) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">girl,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: way·yim·ṣə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To attain to, find. ">and they found</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/49.htm" title="49: ’ă·ḇî·šaḡ (N-proper-fs) -- My father is a wanderer, an Isr. woman. From 'ab and shagah; father of error; Abishag, a concubine of David.">Abishag</a> <a href="/hebrew/7767.htm" title="7767: haš·šū·nam·mîṯ (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Female inhab. of Shunem. Patrial from Shuwnem; a Shunammitess, or female inhabitant of Shunem.">the Shunammite</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇi·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">her</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·me·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">to the king.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her.…<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="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a></span><br />So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a></span><br />One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Esther 2:2-4</a></span><br />Then the king’s attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king, / and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments. / Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he acted accordingly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16</a></span><br />Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-1.htm">2 Samuel 13:1</a></span><br />After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a></span><br />His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2</a></span><br />And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">2 Samuel 14:27</a></span><br />Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11</a></span><br />As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Genesis 29:17</a></span><br />Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23</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="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-3.htm">2 Samuel 11:3</a></span><br />So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25</a></span><br />Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Genesis 39:6</a></span><br />So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.</p><p class="hdg">So</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Esther 2:2,4</a></b></br> Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: … </p><p class="hdg">Abishag</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">1 Kings 2:17-15</a></b></br> And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife… </p><p class="hdg">Shunammite</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Joshua 19:18</a></b></br> And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4</a></b></br> And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8,25</a></b></br> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where <i>was</i> a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And <i>so</i> it was, <i>that</i> as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">Abishag</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-21.htm">Ab'ishag</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/ruth/2-6.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Find</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-25.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ruth/2-6.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-36.htm">Shunamite</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-36.htm">Shunammite</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-36.htm">Shu'nammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-2.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Abishag</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Ab'ishag</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-28.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-32.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-50.htm">Find</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Found</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-47.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-17.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-40.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Shunamite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Shunammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Shu'nammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-19.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-38.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">By the council of Nathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Bathsheba moves the king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm">And Nathan seconds her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-28.htm">David renews his oath to Bathsheba</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">Solomon, by David's appointment, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon</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_kings/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl</b><br>This phrase indicates a deliberate and extensive search across the nation of Israel, highlighting the importance of the task. The search for a "beautiful girl" was not merely for aesthetic purposes but was culturally significant, as beauty was often associated with favor and blessing. The context here is King David's old age and declining health, and the search was for a young woman to serve and care for him, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This search reflects the royal court's concern for the king's well-being and the lengths they would go to ensure his comfort.<p><b>and they found Abishag the Shunammite</b><br>Abishag's identification as a "Shunammite" provides geographical context, linking her to the town of Shunem in the territory of Issachar. Shunem was located in the Jezreel Valley, a fertile and strategically significant area. The mention of her name and origin suggests her prominence and the importance of her role. Abishag's introduction here foreshadows her involvement in later political events, as her association with King David becomes a point of contention in the succession narrative. Her presence in the royal court also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His plans through seemingly ordinary individuals.<p><b>and brought her to the king</b><br>The act of bringing Abishag to King David signifies her acceptance into the royal household and her role as a caregiver. This reflects the cultural practice of providing for the needs of a king, especially in his old age. The phrase underscores the transition of Abishag from her previous life to a position of influence and responsibility within the palace. Her role, while initially one of service, becomes significant in the political dynamics of the kingdom, as seen in later chapters. This action also highlights the theme of loyalty and service to God's anointed king, a recurring motif in the narrative of Israel's monarchy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The aging king of Israel, who is unable to keep warm, prompting the search for a young woman to attend to him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abishag_the_shunammite.htm">Abishag the Shunammite</a></b><br>A beautiful young woman from Shunem, chosen to serve King David in his old age.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shunem.htm">Shunem</a></b><br>A town in the territory of Issachar, known for its fertile land and significant biblical events.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/servants_of_king_david.htm">Servants of King David</a></b><br>Those who carried out the search for a suitable young woman to care for the king.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_providence.htm">The Role of Providence</a></b><br>God's providence is evident in the selection of Abishag, showing His hand in the details of life and leadership transitions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_service.htm">The Importance of Service</a></b><br>Abishag's role, though seemingly minor, highlights the importance of serving others, especially in their time of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/beauty_and_purpose.htm">Beauty and Purpose</a></b><br>While Abishag's beauty is noted, her purpose goes beyond physical appearance, reminding us that God uses all aspects of our being for His plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transition_of_leadership.htm">Transition of Leadership</a></b><br>The search for Abishag occurs during a critical time of transition, teaching us to trust God during changes in leadership and life circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_obedience.htm">The Significance of Obedience</a></b><br>The servants' obedience in finding Abishag demonstrates the importance of following through with responsibilities, even in challenging situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abishag_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abishag in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_solomon_execute_adonijah.htm">Why did Solomon execute Adonijah for requesting Abishag?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_solomon's_rule_split_israel.htm">How did Solomon's reign lead to Israel's division?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_the_shulammite_in_the_bible.htm">Who was the Shulammite woman in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">A Shunammite</span>.--Shunem is in the territory of Issachar (<a href="/joshua/19-18.htm" title="And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,">Joshua 19:18</a>), and in the plain of Jezreel (<a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm" title="And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.">1Samuel 28:4</a>), near Mount Gilboa. As Eusebius, describing its position carefully, calls it "Sulem," and as this variation of name is confirmed by its ready identification with the modern village of <span class= "ital">Solam</span>, it has been conjectured (see Smith's <span class= "ital">Dictionary of the Bible</span>, SHULAMITE), ingeniously and not improbably, that Abishag is the "fair Shulamite" of the Song of Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/6-13.htm" title="And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.">1Kings 6:13</a>). The conjecture certainly throws some light on the occurrences of <a href="/context/1_kings/2-13.htm" title="And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Come you peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.">1Kings 2:13-25</a>. Probably the whole notice of Abishag is only introduced on account of her subsequent connection with the fate of Adonijah.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">and</span>] <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>they sought</span> (cf. <a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Esther 2:2</a>), <span class="cmt_word">for a fair</span> [this word points to the same conclusion as "virgin" in per. 2] <span class="cmt_word">damsel throughout all the coasts</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, borders (<span class="accented">costa = rib</span>, side). An old writer speaks of the "<span class="accented">coasts</span> and quarters of heaven"] <span class="cmt_word">of Israel, and found Abishag</span> [ = "Father of error." Names compounded with <span class="accented">Ab</span>, "father," were and are very common in the East. We have, <span class="accented">e.g.</span>, <span class="accented">Ab</span>-salom in Per. 6, and <span class="accented">Abi-</span>athar in Per. 7] a [Heb. <span class="accented">the</span>] <span class="cmt_word">Shunammite</span> [Shunem, a town of Issachar (<a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Joshua 19:18</a>), now called Solam, "a flourishing village encompassed by gardens" (Porter), and "in the midst of the finest cornfields in the,world" (Grove), lies on the lower slope of "Little Hermon," and has before it the wide plain of Esdraelon. Another Shunammite appears in the sacred history (<a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a>)] <span class="cmt_word">and brought her to the king.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/1-3.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">Then they searched</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḇaq·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">throughout</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכֹ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a beautiful</span><br /><span class="heb">יָפָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(yā·p̄āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fair, beautiful</span><br /><br /><span class="word">girl,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַעֲרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ă·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> </span><span class="str2">A girl, maiden</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they found</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּמְצְא֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·ṣə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abishag</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִישַׁג֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·šaḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_49.htm">Strong's 49: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abishag -- 'my father is a wanderer', an Israelite woman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Shunammite</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šū·nam·mîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7767.htm">Strong's 7767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shunammite -- a Shunammitess</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and brought</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבִ֥אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇi·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתָ֖הּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the king.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lam·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/1-3.htm">1 Kings 1:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a beautiful young (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 1:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 1:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:4" /></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>