Abigail
Abigail in the Bible — the Carmelitess (1SA 25:3). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the father's joy”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Abigail is a female figure known as the Carmelitess, indicating her origin or residence in Carmel. Scripture highlights her as a woman of intelligence and beauty, who played a crucial role in her household and in the life of David. There is no specific tribal affiliation or additional notes recorded about her.
Names & Titles
Her name, Abigail, means '[my] father rejoices' or 'father [cause] of joy,' reflecting a meaningful Hebrew name. This proper name is not recorded as being given directly by God.
Family
Abigail was the wife of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man, and later became the wife of David. She is also inferred to be the mother of Chileab. These relationships are explicitly and implicitly recorded in Scripture.
Significance
Abigail exemplifies godly wisdom and discernment by intervening to prevent David from sinning when her first husband refused to aid him. Her courageous and prudent actions preserved her household and influenced David’s path. Following Nabal's death, her marriage to David and motherhood of Chileab further connect her to the Davidic line, underscoring her important role in biblical history.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֲבִגָיִל
- Transliteration
- avigayil
- Meaning
- [my] father rejoices or father [cause] of joy
- Greek
- Αβιγαια
- Reference
- 1SA 25:3
- Strong's
- H26
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abigail in the Bible?
Abigail is a female figure known as the Carmelitess, indicating her origin or residence in Carmel. Scripture highlights her as a woman of intelligence and beauty, who played a crucial role in her household and in the life of David. There is no specific tribal affiliation or additional notes recorded about her.
What does the name Abigail mean?
The name Abigail means “the father's joy” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.