King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 25:31 Mean?

1 Samuel 25:31 in the King James Version says “That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. no grief: Heb. no staggering, or, stumbling

1 Samuel 25:31 · KJV


Context

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

30

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;

31

That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. no grief: Heb. no staggering, or, stumbling

32

And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

33

And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid.

Abigail's argument reaches its practical conclusion. The Hebrew 'puqah' (grief/stumbling block) and 'mikhshol' (offense/obstacle) describe the psychological and spiritual burden David would carry. 'Shed blood causeless' (Hebrew 'shaphak dam chinnam') identifies the action as murder rather than justice. Her warning: don't stain your future reign with present violence. The final request—'remember thine handmaid'—may anticipate marriage, or simply ask for future favor. This verse reveals Abigail's ultimate concern: David's conscience and legacy, not merely immediate survival. She wanted him to reign without regret over actions taken in anger.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Future kings were expected to maintain unstained reputations. Abigail's warning about 'grief' anticipated the psychological burden of unnecessary bloodshed. Her request to be 'remembered' was standard petition language, though events proved it meant more.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anticipating future regret help us avoid present mistakes?
  2. What does Abigail's concern for David's conscience teach about true advocacy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלֹ֣א1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽהְיֶ֣ה2 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זֹ֣את׀3 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְךָ֡4 of 20
H0
לְפוּקָה֩5 of 20

That this shall be no grief

H6330

a stumbling-block

וּלְמִכְשׁ֨וֹל6 of 20

unto thee nor offence

H4383

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

לֵ֜ב7 of 20

of heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לַֽאדֹנִ֔י8 of 20

or that my lord

H113

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

וְלִשְׁפָּךְ9 of 20

either that thou hast shed

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

דָּם֙10 of 20

blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

חִנָּ֔ם11 of 20

causeless

H2600

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

וּלְהוֹשִׁ֥יעַ12 of 20

hath avenged

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לַֽאדֹנִ֔י13 of 20

or that my lord

H113

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

ל֑וֹ14 of 20
H0
וְהֵיטִ֤ב15 of 20

shall have dealt well

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

יְהוָה֙16 of 20

himself but when the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַֽאדֹנִ֔י17 of 20

or that my lord

H113

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

וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֖18 of 20

then remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת19 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲמָתֶֽךָ׃20 of 20

thine handmaid

H519

a maid-servant or female slave


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 25:31 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 25:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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