1 Samuel 25:40

1 Samuel 25:40 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”

King James Version KJV

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

American Standard Version ASV

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David hath sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when David's servants came to Carmel, to Abigail, they said to her, David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.

Free Bible Version FBV

When David's men arrived at Carmel, they said to Abigail, “David has sent us to you to bring you back to become his wife.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whe the seruants of Dauid were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake vnto her, saying, Dauid sent vs to thee, to take thee to his wife.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the servants of David come in unto Abigail at Carmel, and speak unto her, saying, 'David hath sent us unto thee to take thee to him for a wife.'

World English Bible WEB

When David’s servants had come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, “David has sent us to you, to take you to him as wife.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when the servants of David had come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, David hath sent us to thee, to take thee to him for a wife.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David’s servants came to Abigail to Carmel, and spoke to her, saying: David hath sent us to thee, to take thee to himself for a wife.

Translation for Translators T4T

His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, “David sent us to take you to become his wife.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:40

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 25:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ עַבְדֵ֥י דָוִ֛ד אֶל אֲבִיגַ֖יִל הַ/כַּרְמֶ֑לָ/ה וַ/יְדַבְּר֤וּ אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר דָּוִד֙ שְׁלָחָ֣/נוּ אֵלַ֔יִ/ךְ לְ/קַחְתֵּ֥/ךְ ל֖/וֹ לְ/אִשָּֽׁה

וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

עַבְדֵ֥י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

דָוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֲבִיגַ֖יִל ʼĂbîygayil H26 Abigail N-proper

הַ/כַּרְמֶ֑לָ/ה Karmel H3760 Carmel Art | N-proper | Suff

וַ/יְדַבְּר֤וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

דָּוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

שְׁלָחָ֣/נוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

אֵלַ֔יִ/ךְ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לְ/קַחְתֵּ֥/ךְ lâqach H3947 to take Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff

לְ/אִשָּֽׁה ʼishshâh H802 woman Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:40

וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

עַבְדֵ֥י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

דָוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֲבִיגַ֖יִל ʼĂbîygayil H26 "Abigail" N-proper

Abigail was an Israelite woman, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:25, known for her wisdom and kindness. She was the daughter of Nahash and married to Jether, and later to King David. Abigail is also the name of another Israelite woman.

Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.17.25; daughter of: Nahash (H5176I) and Nahash (H5176I)(?); sister of: David (H1732)(?), Eliab (H0446I)(?), Abinadab (H0041I)(?), Shimeah (H8093)(?), Nethanel (H5417H)(?), Raddai (H7288)(?), Ozem (H0684)(?), Zeruiah (H6870)(?), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J)(?); married to Jether (H3500H); mother of: Amasa (H6021) § Abigail = "my father is joy" sister of David

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Abigal. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; 1 Samuel 25:42; 1 Chronicles 3:1.

הַ/כַּרְמֶ֑לָ/ה Karmel H3760 "Carmel" Art | N-proper | Suff

Mount Carmel is a hill and town in northern Israel, described in the Bible as a fruitful and plentiful field, as seen in 1 Kings 18. The name means garden-land.

Definition: § Carmel = "garden-land" a mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Carmel, fruitful (plentiful) field, (place). See also: Joshua 12:22; 2 Kings 2:25; Isaiah 33:9.

וַ/יְדַבְּר֤וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

דָּוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

שְׁלָחָ֣/נוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

אֵלַ֔יִ/ךְ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

לְ/קַחְתֵּ֥/ךְ lâqach H3947 "to take" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/אִשָּֽׁה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Prep | N-fs

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:40

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:40 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:40
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:40
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:40
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:40
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 25:40
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:40

Context — David Marries Abigail

38About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. 39On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife.

40When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”

41She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” 42So Abigail hurried and got on a donkey, and attended by five of her maidens, she followed David’s messengers and became his wife.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 24:51	Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decreed.”
2	Genesis 24:37–38	My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell, but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’

1 Samuel 25:40 Summary

This verse is about David sending his servants to ask Abigail to be his wife after her husband Nabal died. It shows how God was working in David's life to bring him a good wife who would support him and help him in his journey. As we read this verse, we can remember that God is always working in our lives, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, and we can trust Him to provide for us, just like He did for David (Psalm 23:1-4, Jeremiah 29:11). We can also learn from Abigail's example of humility and kindness, and try to be more like her in our own lives (Proverbs 31:10-31).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David send his servants to Abigail after Nabal's death?

David sent his servants to Abigail because he had been impressed by her wisdom and kindness, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:23-35, and he wanted to make her his wife, as he had previously asked her to be in 1 Samuel 25:39-40.

What does this verse reveal about Abigail's social status?

This verse suggests that Abigail was a woman of some means and social standing, as she had servants and was able to travel with maidens, which is also supported by 1 Samuel 25:2-3 where she is described as intelligent and beautiful.

How does this verse fit into the larger story of David's life?

This verse is part of the story of David's rise to power and his faithfulness to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and 1 Samuel 30:1-31, and it shows how God was working in David's life to bring him to a place of leadership and prominence.

What can we learn from Abigail's response to David's servants in the next verse?

Abigail's response in 1 Samuel 25:41, where she bows facedown and offers to serve David, shows her humility and willingness to submit to God's plan, which is a great example for us to follow, as seen in Romans 12:3 and Philippians 2:3-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has provided for you in unexpected ways, like He did for David through Abigail?
How can you show humility and a willingness to serve others, like Abigail did when she met David's servants?
What are some things that you can learn from Abigail's example of wisdom and kindness in this chapter?
How can you trust God to work out His plan in your life, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, like they did for David in this story?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:40

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel,.... For though Nabal lived in Maon, yet having possessions in Camel, he had no doubt an house there also; and here Abigail was, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:40

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:40

1 Samuel 25:40 And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.Ver. 40. David sent us unto thee.] He sent rather than went, lest her love should seem to be forced; and that if he had a repulse, it might not be so grievous to him. Ministers are Christ’ s spokesmen, pity but he should speed.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:40

(40) When the servants of David were come to Abigail.—The time that had elapsed between the death of Nabal and this mission of David to Abigail is not specified. The legal time of mourning was fixed at only seven days, but a very considerable period may have elapsed in this case. S. Ambrose allegorises here, as is usual in Patristic expositions, and compares the espousals of Abigail to David after Nabar’s death to the union of the Church (i.e., the Gentile world) to Christ after the cessation of its connection with heathenism.—S. Ambrose, Ep. 31 (quoted in Words worth).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 25:40

There is no note of the exact interval that elapsed between Nabal’s death and David’s hearing of it, or, again, between David’s hearing of it and his message to Abigail; nor is there any reason to

Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:40

	Sermon	Description
	Abigail's Advice to David by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study of the Bible, focusing on 1 Samuel chapter 25. The sermon centers around Abigail's advice to David, who is bei
	(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Questions and Answers on Courtship by Rick Leibee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Isaac and Rebecca from the book of Genesis. He highlights the common occurrence of multiple suitors approaching a godly young wom

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