King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 25:27 Mean?

1 Samuel 25:27 in the King James Version says “And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follo...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. blessing: or, present follow: Heb. walk at the feet of, etc”

1 Samuel 25:27 · KJV

Context

25

Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. regard: Heb. lay it to his heart Nabal: that is, Fool

26

Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. avenging: Heb. saving thyself

27

And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. blessing: or, present follow: Heb. walk at the feet of, etc

28

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.

29

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. as out: Heb. in the midst of the bought of a sling

Read 1 Samuel 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

Abigail presents her provisions as 'blessing' (Hebrew 'berakah'), transforming material gifts into spiritual category. The Hebrew term connotes more than mere present—it carries connotations of favor and goodwill. Her request that it be given to 'the young men' rather than David personally demonstrates understanding of his situation: a leader must provision his followers. The phrase 'that follow my lord' (Hebrew 'haholekim beraglei adoni'—literally 'walking at my lord's feet') acknowledges David's legitimate leadership. Her gift addressed the practical need that motivated David's original request while reframing the transaction from demand to blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Presenting gifts as 'blessing' was customary in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, elevating material exchange to relational gesture. Abigail's direction of provisions to David's men showed practical wisdom about his immediate needs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does framing gifts as 'blessings' change their significance?
  2. What does Abigail's attention to David's men reveal about understanding others' true needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְעַתָּה֙1 of 12
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הַבְּרָכָ֣ה2 of 12

“And now this blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

הַזֹּ֔את3 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵבִ֥יא5 of 12

“hath brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֖6 of 12

“which thine handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

אֲדֹנִֽי׃7 of 12

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וְנִתְּנָה֙8 of 12

“let it even be given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַנְּעָרִ֔ים9 of 12

“unto the young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַמִּֽתְהַלְּכִ֖ים10 of 12

“that follow”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּרַגְלֵ֥י11 of 12
H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

אֲדֹנִֽי׃12 of 12

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 25:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 25:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 33:111 Samuel 30:262 Kings 5:151 Samuel 25:42Judges 4:102 Samuel 16:2

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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