1 Samuel 25:41
1 Samuel 25:41 in Multiple Translations
She arose, then bowed facedown and said, “Here is your maidservant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
And she arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, thy handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
And she got up, and going down on her face to the earth, said, See, I am ready to be a servant-girl, washing the feet of the servants of my lord.
She stood up, then bowed down low, and said, “I am David's maidservant. I am prepared to serve and to wash the feet of my master's servants.”
And she arose, and bowed her selfe on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmayde be a seruant to wash the feete of the seruants of my lord.
And she riseth and boweth herself — face to the earth — and saith, 'Lo, thy handmaid [is] for a maid-servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.'
She arose and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, “Behold, your servant is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thy handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
And she arose and bowed herself down with her face to the earth, and said: Behold, let thy servant be a handmaid, to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
Abigail bowed down with her face touching the ground. Then she told the messengers to tell David, “I am happy to become your wife. I will be your servant. And I am willing to wash the feet of your slaves.”
She got down on her knees to show respect, her face close to the ground, and she said, “Yes, I will go. I am happy to work for him and his men, and I will even wash their feet too.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 25:41
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 25:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תָּ֕קָם
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
אַפַּ֖יִם
אָ֑רְצָ/ה
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
הִנֵּ֤ה
אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙
לְ/שִׁפְחָ֔ה
לִ/רְחֹ֕ץ
רַגְלֵ֖י
עַבְדֵ֥י
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
וַ/תָּ֕קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fs
אַפַּ֖יִם
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
אָ֑רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
לְ/שִׁפְחָ֔ה
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Prep | N-fs
לִ/רְחֹ֕ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רַגְלֵ֖י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd
עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 25:41
וַ/תָּ֕קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
אַפַּ֖יִם
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
אָ֑רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
N-fs | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
לְ/שִׁפְחָ֔ה
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Prep | N-fs
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
לִ/רְחֹ֕ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
רַגְלֵ֖י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
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.
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 25:41
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 25:41 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:41
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:41
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:41
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:41
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:41
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:41
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:41
Context — David Marries Abigail
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. 43David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. So she and Abigail were both his wives.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 5:10 | and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. |
| 2 | John 13:3–5 | Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. |
| 3 | Ruth 2:10 | 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?” |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:12 | Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 5 | Genesis 18:4 | Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:33 | The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. |
| 7 | Ruth 2:13 | “My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.” |
1 Samuel 25:41 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 25:41, Abigail shows humility and a willingness to serve by bowing facedown and offering to wash the feet of David's servants. This action demonstrates her recognition of David's authority and her desire to be a part of his household. As believers, we can learn from Abigail's example by being willing to serve and submit to others, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28 and Ephesians 5:21. By doing so, we can show our love and respect for God and for those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abigail's actions in 1 Samuel 25:41?
Abigail's actions demonstrate her humility and willingness to serve, as she bows facedown and offers to wash the feet of David's servants, showing her recognition of David's authority and her desire to be a part of his household, as seen in her words 'Here is your maidservant, ready to serve' (1 Samuel 25:41).
Why does Abigail refer to herself as a 'maidservant'?
Abigail refers to herself as a 'maidservant' to show her humility and submission to David, recognizing her new role as his wife and her position in his household, similar to the way Jesus taught his disciples to be servants of all (Matthew 20:26-28).
What can we learn from Abigail's response to David's messengers?
Abigail's response teaches us the importance of humility, submission, and a willingness to serve others, as she sets an example for us to follow in our own relationships and interactions with others, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:21 and Philippians 2:3-4.
How does Abigail's actions in this verse relate to her character?
Abigail's actions in 1 Samuel 25:41 demonstrate her wise and discerning character, as she quickly responds to David's messengers and shows her willingness to be a part of his household, consistent with her actions in 1 Samuel 25:3 and 1 Samuel 25:23-35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and a willingness to serve others in my daily life?
- How can I, like Abigail, recognize and respond to God's leading in my life, even in unexpected circumstances?
- What does it mean for me to be a 'servant' of others, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships?
- In what ways can I show respect and deference to those in authority over me, as Abigail does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on [her] face to the earth,.... As she did before David, 1 Samuel 25:23; and did as she would have done had he been present, considering his messengers as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 25:41
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:41
She showed this reverence, and spake thus to them, as representing David’ s person.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:41
1 Samuel 25:41 And she arose, and bowed herself on [her] face to the earth, and said, Behold, [let] thine handmaid [be] a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.Ver. 41. Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant.] A most lowly and lovely compliment: wherein also she expresseth her faith, in thinking so highly of David, when he was at such an under. He also showed his trust in God, by taking a wife in the midst of so many troubles.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 25:41
41. and bowed herself, &c.] With the obsequiousness characteristic of Oriental nations, she expresses her devotion both by gesture and word. “Washing the feet” like “loosing the shoe-latchet” (Mark 1:7) was the service of the meanest slaves.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:41
41. To wash the feet — To perform the most humble services.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 25:41
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?-What Shall We Do?-What Must I Do? by W.J. Erdman | W.J. Erdman preaches about the importance of asking the question 'What shall I do?' in the right way, emphasizing the need for repentance and belief in Jesus as the work of God. He |
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The Service of Women by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the vital role of women in the church, highlighting their service through acts of kindness, hospitality, and support for the afflicted, as outlined in |
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Epistle 321 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the significance of good works in the life of a believer, illustrating that Christ gave Himself to redeem us and purify a people zealous for good deeds. He re |
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2 Timothy 3:1-7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the signs of the last days, warning of perilous times when people will be consumed by self-love, covetousness, boasting, pride, blasphemy, disobedien |
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Salvation by Christ's Life by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the nature of Jesus' victory and how it relates to Christian believers. He emphasizes that Jesus' victory was not based on simply avoiding si |
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Dvd 06 - Knowing From Whence He Came by Art Katz | This sermon delves deep into the pre-incarnate life of Christ, emphasizing the importance of understanding where Jesus came from and the sacrificial love that led Him to leave the |
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Parables of Jesus - 06 Spiritual Pride by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard from Matthew's Gospel chapter 20. The parable tells the story of a man who hires workers at diffe |