1 Samuel 25:41
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּ֕קָם
And she arose
H6965
וַתָּ֕קָם
And she arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 12
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
and bowed
H7812
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
and bowed
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
2 of 12
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
אַפַּ֖יִם
herself on her face
H639
אַפַּ֖יִם
herself on her face
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
לְשִׁפְחָ֔ה
be a servant
H8198
לְשִׁפְחָ֔ה
be a servant
Strong's:
H8198
Word #:
8 of 12
a female slave (as a member of the household)
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.Ruth 2:10Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?Proverbs 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.Proverbs 15:33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.Genesis 18:4Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Abigail's humble response model appropriate reception of honor?
- What does her willingness to serve even David's servants teach about true greatness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.