1 Samuel 25:23
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,
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙
And when Abigail
H26
אֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙
And when Abigail
Strong's:
H26
Word #:
2 of 15
abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתְּמַהֵ֕ר
she hasted
H4116
וַתְּמַהֵ֕ר
she hasted
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
וַתֵּ֖רֶד
and lighted off
H3381
וַתֵּ֖רֶד
and lighted off
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
6 of 15
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
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַתִּפֹּ֞ל
and fell
H5307
וַתִּפֹּ֞ל
and fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
9 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
לְאַפֵּ֤י
before
H639
לְאַפֵּ֤י
before
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנֶ֔יהָ
on her face
H6440
פָּנֶ֔יהָ
on her face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:41And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.Joshua 15:18And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?Judges 1:14And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?
Historical Context
Prostration before persons of higher status was standard ancient Near Eastern protocol. Abigail's posture acknowledged David's authority despite his fugitive status. The combination of haste, dismounting, and prostration demonstrated maximal respect.
Questions for Reflection
- How does physical posture communicate heart attitude in approaching others?
- What does Abigail's recognition of David's true status teach about spiritual discernment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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,
Abigail's approach demonstrates complete humility. The Hebrew 'vatemaher' (hasted) continues her urgent action. 'Lighted off the ass' (vattired) describes quick dismount from her riding position—she would not address David from superior elevation. Her prostration 'on her face' (al paneyha) with bowing 'to the ground' (artsah) represents the posture of supplication before royalty. Though David was an outlaw, Abigail recognized his true status and approached accordingly. This physical humility prefaced her verbal appeal. Her posture communicated what her words would argue: David deserved the honor Nabal had denied, and she came to give it.