And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them.

1 SAMUEL 25:20KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 25:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 25:20 mean?

1 Samuel 25:20 describes Abigail as she rides her donkey down a hidden path by a hill, where she unexpectedly encounters David and his men coming toward her. This meeting happens as Abigail is on her way to try to prevent David from taking vengeance on her household.

Abigail, the wife of Nabal, is hurrying to meet David after learning he is angry with her husband. She takes a secretive route, hoping to intercept David before he reaches her home. The verse sets up a tense and dramatic moment, as Abigail’s actions could change the outcome for everyone involved.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 25:20

  • "Covert" (סֵתֶר, sēther) refers to a hidden or sheltered place, suggesting Abigail is taking a concealed path, possibly to avoid being seen or to reach David quickly and safely.
  • "Met" (פָּגַע, paga‘) often means to encounter or meet, sometimes with a sense of urgency or confrontation. Here, it highlights the suddenness and importance of Abigail’s meeting with David.

Why 1 Samuel 25:20 matters

  • This verse marks the turning point where Abigail’s wisdom and courage come into play, directly influencing David’s next actions.
  • The use of a hidden path and the sudden meeting emphasize the urgency and danger of the situation, showing how close David is to acting on his anger.
  • Understanding the setting and the original words helps readers see Abigail’s bravery and quick thinking, which are central to the story’s outcome.

Where else these words appear

“met” Hebrew H6298 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 32:17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?
  • 2 Samuel 2:13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
  • Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

“covert” Hebrew H5643 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
  • Job 31:27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
  • Proverbs 9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

“rode” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.