King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 25:40 Mean?

1 Samuel 25:40 in the King James Version says “And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.”

1 Samuel 25:40 · KJV

Context

38

And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

39

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

40

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

41

And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

42

And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. after her: Heb. at her feet

Read 1 Samuel 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

David follows proper protocol in his proposal. Sending servants ('avadim') rather than coming personally respected propriety and allowed Abigail time to consider. The delegation's message is direct: 'to take thee to him to wife' (leqachetek lo le'ishah). The location at Carmel returns the narrative to where it began—Nabal's prosperous estate now becomes the site of Abigail's transition to David's household. David's use of formal intermediaries demonstrates that his appreciation of Abigail included proper respect for social conventions. Even amid wilderness fugitive life, David maintained honorable conduct in marriage arrangements.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Marriage proposals through intermediaries was standard ancient Near Eastern practice. The formal delegation to Abigail at her own location allowed her dignified response. Carmel, site of Nabal's shearing feast, now witnessed a more significant event.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does David's formal approach to Abigail reveal about respecting others in pursuit of relationship?
  2. How does the return to Carmel frame the narrative's transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ1 of 15

“were come”

H935

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

עַבְדֵ֥י2 of 15

“And when the servants”

H5650

a servant

דָּוִד֙3 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲבִיגַ֖יִל5 of 15

“to Abigail”

H26

abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses

הַכַּרְמֶ֑לָה6 of 15

“to Carmel”

H3760

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine

וַיְדַבְּר֤וּ7 of 15

“they spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 15

“unto her saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֙10 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

שְׁלָחָ֣נוּ11 of 15

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֵלַ֔יִךְ12 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְקַחְתֵּ֥ךְ13 of 15

“us unto thee to take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

ל֖וֹ14 of 15
H0
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃15 of 15

“thee to him to wife”

H802

a woman

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 25:40 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 25:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:51Genesis 24:37-38

Places in This Verse

Carmel 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet el Kirmil · 31.42°N, 35.13°E14 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 25 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 25 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes