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Abigail(2)

Abigail in the Bible — daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah (2SA 17:25), (half-?) sister of King David (1CH 2:16). Referenced in 5 scripture passages.

Name meaning: “the father's joy”

Profile

Gender
female
Scripture References
5 references
Known Names
1 name
Relationships
4 connections

Biography

Abigail is a female biblical figure known as the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Zeruiah, with a possible half-sister relationship to King David. Her familial connections are noted in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, highlighting her place within David's extended family. There is no specific tribal affiliation or additional personal notes recorded about her.

Names & Titles

The name Abigail means '[my] father rejoices' or 'father [cause] of joy,' reflecting a meaningful Hebrew proper name. This name is recorded in 2 Samuel 17:25 and is not indicated to have been given directly by God.

Family

Scripture identifies Abigail as the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Zeruiah, as well as the sister of King David. She is also inferred to be the mother of Amasa. These relationships place her within a significant family network closely connected to David's lineage.

Significance

Abigail plays a crucial role in the biblical narrative as a woman of wisdom and discernment who prevented David from committing sin through her timely and generous intervention during a crisis. Her actions not only protected her household but also demonstrated the power of godly wisdom in shaping outcomes aligned with God's purposes. Subsequently, her marriage to David further connects her to the messianic line, underscoring her importance in the unfolding biblical story.

Key Events

Intervened to prevent David's vengeance(1 Samuel 25:18-35)
Nabal died after hearing of her actions(1 Samuel 25:37-38)
Became David's wife(1 Samuel 25:39-42)
Bore Chileab to David(2 Samuel 3:3)

Names & Labels (1)

Abigailproper name
Hebrew
אֲבִגָ֑יִל
Transliteration
avigayil
Meaning
[my] father rejoices or father [cause] of joy
Greek
Αβιγαιαν
Reference
2SA 17:25
Strong's
H26

Family & Relationships (4)

mother

Amasa(2SA 17:25)

sister

Zeruiah(2SA 17:25)
David(1CH 2:16)

daughter

Nahash(2SA 17:25)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Abigail in the Bible?

Abigail is a female biblical figure known as the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Zeruiah, with a possible half-sister relationship to King David. Her familial connections are noted in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, highlighting her place within David's extended family. There is no specific tribal affiliation or additional personal 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.

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