King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 25:41 Mean?

1 Samuel 25:41 in the King James Version says “And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 25:41 · KJV

Context

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

43

David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives.

Read 1 Samuel 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Abigail's response demonstrates continued humility despite her elevation. Her prostration 'on her face to the earth' echoes her earlier approach to David (v. 23). Her self-designation—'handmaid' (amah) willing to serve as 'servant' (shifchah) washing feet—employs the lowest terminology for female service. Foot-washing was typically slave work; Abigail offers to serve even David's servants. This humble acceptance contrasts dramatically with Nabal's arrogant refusals. The woman of 'good understanding' (v. 3) demonstrated that wisdom includes humility. Her excessive deference may reflect genuine character or formal response to royal proposal—likely both.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Foot-washing was among the lowliest household tasks, typically assigned to slaves. Abigail's offer to perform this service for David's servants indicated extreme humility. Her language employed maximum self-deprecation appropriate for accepting royal favor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Abigail's humble response model appropriate reception of honor?
  2. What does her willingness to serve even David's servants teach about true greatness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַתָּ֕קָם1 of 12

“And she arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַתִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ2 of 12

“and bowed”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

אַפַּ֖יִם3 of 12

“herself on her face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אָ֑רְצָה4 of 12

“to the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר5 of 12

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֤ה6 of 12
H2009

lo!

אֲמָֽתְךָ֙7 of 12

“Behold let thine handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

לְשִׁפְחָ֔ה8 of 12

“be a servant”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

לִרְחֹ֕ץ9 of 12

“to wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

רַגְלֵ֖י10 of 12

“the feet”

H7272

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

עַבְדֵ֥י11 of 12

“of the servants”

H5650

a servant

אֲדֹנִֽי׃12 of 12

“of 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 25:41 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 25:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 5:10Ruth 2:10John 13:3-5Proverbs 18:12Proverbs 15:33Genesis 18:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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