And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

1 SAMUEL 27:3KJV
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1 Samuel 27:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 27:3 mean?

1 Samuel 27:3 describes how David, along with his men and their families, settled in the Philistine city of Gath under the protection of Achish. The verse specifically names David’s two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail from Carmel, who was previously married to Nabal.

This verse is set during a time when David was fleeing from King Saul and sought refuge among the Philistines, Israel’s traditional enemies. The mention of each man bringing his household shows that this was not just a band of warriors, but a community seeking safety. Naming Ahinoam and Abigail highlights the personal details of David’s life and the reality of his situation as a leader responsible for others.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 27:3

  • דָּוִד (David, "daw-veed"): This name is repeated in the verse, emphasizing David’s central role in the narrative and his leadership over both his men and his family.
  • יָשַׁב (dwelt, "yashav"): This word means to settle or reside, showing that David was not just passing through but intended to stay in Gath for a time.
  • בֵּית (household, "bayit"): This word underlines that the men brought their entire families, not just themselves, which adds to the sense of a whole community in exile.
  • נָשִׁים (wives, "nashim"): The mention of David’s two wives by name and origin gives a personal touch and situates the story in real relationships and places.

Why 1 Samuel 27:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s move to Gath was a significant relocation involving families, not just a military maneuver, which helps explain the seriousness of his situation.
  • The verse highlights David’s responsibility as a leader, not only for his men but also for their households, showing the weight of his decisions.
  • By naming Ahinoam and Abigail, the verse connects to earlier stories about David’s life and relationships, anchoring this moment in his broader journey and personal history.

Where else these words appear

“Carmelitess” Hebrew H3762 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:

“Jezreelitess” Hebrew H3159 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Samuel 30:5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
  • 2 Samuel 2:2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.
  • 2 Samuel 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

“Ahinoam” Hebrew H293 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 1 Samuel 30:5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
  • 2 Samuel 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

“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 25:36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.
  • 2 Samuel 2:2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.