1 Samuel 25:23

Authorized King James Version

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
אֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙
H26
And when Abigail
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
דָוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
וַתְּמַהֵ֕ר
she hasted
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#6
וַתֵּ֖רֶד
and lighted off
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#7
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הַֽחֲמ֑וֹר
the ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#9
וַתִּפֹּ֞ל
and fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#10
לְאַפֵּ֤י
before
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#11
דָוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
פָּנֶ֔יהָ
on her face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#15
אָֽרֶץ׃
herself to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources