1 Samuel 25:31
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
תִֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּלְמִכְשׁ֨וֹל
unto thee nor offence
H4383
וּלְמִכְשׁ֨וֹל
unto thee nor offence
Strong's:
H4383
Word #:
6 of 20
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
לֵ֜ב
of heart
H3820
לֵ֜ב
of heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
7 of 20
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לַֽאדֹנִ֔י
or that my lord
H113
לַֽאדֹנִ֔י
or that my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
8 of 20
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְלִשְׁפָּךְ
either that thou hast shed
H8210
וְלִשְׁפָּךְ
either that thou hast shed
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
9 of 20
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
דָּם֙
blood
H1818
דָּם֙
blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
10 of 20
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
חִנָּ֔ם
causeless
H2600
חִנָּ֔ם
causeless
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
11 of 20
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
וּלְהוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
hath avenged
H3467
וּלְהוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
hath avenged
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
לַֽאדֹנִ֔י
or that my lord
H113
לַֽאדֹנִ֔י
or that my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
13 of 20
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְהֵיטִ֤ב
shall have dealt well
H3190
וְהֵיטִ֤ב
shall have dealt well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
15 of 20
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
יְהוָה֙
himself but when the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
himself but when the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽאדֹנִ֔י
or that my lord
H113
לַֽאדֹנִ֔י
or that my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
17 of 20
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֖
then remember
H2142
וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֖
then remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does anticipating future regret help us avoid present mistakes?
- What does Abigail's concern for David's conscience teach about true advocacy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.