I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.

1 SAMUEL 25:28KJV
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1 Samuel 25:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 25:28 mean?

1 Samuel 25:28 is Abigail’s plea to David, asking him to forgive her for the offense caused by her husband Nabal, and expressing her belief that God will establish David’s family securely because he fights for God and has lived uprightly. Abigail appeals to David’s sense of justice and destiny, urging him to overlook her household’s wrongdoing.

Abigail is speaking to David after her husband Nabal insulted him. She refers to herself as David’s “handmaid” and asks for forgiveness (“forgive the trespass of thine handmaid”). Abigail recognizes David’s future, saying the LORD will “make my lord a sure house,” meaning God will give David a lasting dynasty. She points out that David has fought the LORD’s battles and has not been found guilty of evil, highlighting his good character and God’s favor on him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 25:28

  • “forgive” (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to lift, bear, or carry away, and here it carries the sense of “forgive” or “remove” guilt. Abigail is asking David to lift away her offense, not just overlook it.
  • “trespass” (פֶּשַׁע, pesha‘): This word often refers to a serious offense or rebellion, not just a minor mistake. Abigail is acknowledging the gravity of the insult and not minimizing it.
  • “sure” (אָמַן, ’āman): This word means to be firm or established. When Abigail says God will make David a “sure house,” she is saying God will give him a secure and lasting family line.
  • “house” (בַּיִת, bayit): In this context, “house” means more than a building; it refers to a family or dynasty. Abigail is recognizing David’s future as the founder of a royal line.

Why 1 Samuel 25:28 matters

  • Abigail’s words show deep insight into David’s calling and God’s plans, even before David becomes king, highlighting her wisdom and faith.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Nabal’s offense and Abigail’s humility in taking responsibility, which helps explain why David listens to her.
  • Abigail’s recognition of David’s “sure house” connects this story to God’s larger promise to David, foreshadowing the covenant God will later make with him.

Where else these words appear

“handmaid” Hebrew H519 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
  • 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.

“trespass” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.

“sure” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: