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,

1 SAMUEL 25:23KJV
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1 Samuel 25:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 25:23 mean?

1 Samuel 25:23 describes Abigail quickly getting down from her donkey when she sees David, then bowing low before him with her face to the ground. This action shows Abigail’s urgency and deep respect as she approaches David.

Abigail is coming to meet David after hearing he is angry with her husband, Nabal. She acts quickly and humbly, falling at David’s feet as a sign of submission and a plea for mercy. This moment sets the stage for her to speak to David and try to prevent violence.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 25:23

  • "hasted" (מָהַר, māhar): This word means to hurry or act quickly. Abigail’s haste underlines how serious and urgent the situation is, showing she is not wasting any time.
  • "fell" (נָפַל, nāphal): This word means to fall down, often in humility or desperation. Abigail’s falling before David is a physical sign of her respect and her plea.
  • "bowed" (שָׁחָה, shāchah): This word means to bow down or prostrate oneself, often as an act of honor or worship. Abigail’s bowing shows deep respect and a desire to honor David.

Why 1 Samuel 25:23 matters

  • This verse highlights Abigail’s wisdom and humility, which are key to how she is remembered in the story.
  • The actions described here set up her important speech to David, which will change the course of events.
  • Abigail’s approach contrasts sharply with her husband Nabal’s earlier disrespect, helping the reader see why David responds differently to her.

Where else these words appear

“Abigail” Hebrew H26 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
  • 1 Samuel 25:39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.
  • 2 Samuel 2:2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.

“hasted” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

“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.