אֲבִיגַ֫יִל, אֲבִיגַ֫ל (a.vi.ga.yil)

a.vi.ga.yil

Abigail

H0026 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 17 verses

N:N-F-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 17 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-F-P

Word Overview

The name Abigail means "my father is joy." In the Hebrew Bible it refers to two distinct women connected to the house of David. The most prominent figure appears in 1 Samuel 25 as the wise and courageous wife of Nabal, who intervenes to prevent David from taking vengeance on her household. Her actions lead her to become one of David’s wives.

A second Abigail is mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:25 as the mother of Amasa. She is identified here as the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Zeruiah, making her David’s aunt. This familial link places her within the broader royal lineage that supports David’s reign during the United Monarchy.

Both women share a name that reflects familial affection, yet their roles in Scripture highlight different aspects of loyalty and influence. The first is celebrated for her discernment and diplomacy, while the second serves as a genealogical link to key military leaders like Joab and Amasa. Their stories illustrate how names carried meaning within the complex social fabric of ancient Israel.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Abigail means 'my father is joy,' a meaning that shines through in her actions. In 1 Samuel 25, she steps forward when her husband Nabal refuses to show kindness to David. Instead of waiting for disaster, she acts with wisdom and humility. She brings gifts and speaks peace, preventing bloodshed. This story shows how one person's calm courage can change the course of events.

Her life reminds us that joy is not just a feeling but a choice we make in difficult moments. When faced with anger or conflict, we can choose to respond with grace. Abigail’s example encourages us to look for ways to bring peace into our own relationships. Her story is a gentle invitation to trust God’s timing and to act with integrity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Abigail6×
and/ Abigail5×
to/ Abigail2×
with/ Abigail1×
of/ Abigail1×
and/ to/ Abigail1×
[was] Abigail1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וַ/אֲבִיגַ֕יִל3×
לַ/אֲבִיגַ֖יִל1×
לַ/אֲבִיגַ֑ל1×
לַ/אֲֽבִיגַ֕יִל1×
וַ/אֲבִיגָ֑יִל1×
וַ/אֲבִיגַ֥יִל1×
וְ/לַ/אֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙1×
בַּ/אֲבִיגַ֔יִל1×
אֲבִיגַ֣ל1×
אֲבִיגַ֣יִל\׀1×
אֲבִיגַ֡יִל1×
אֲבִיגַ֙יִל֙1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 25:3
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail. This woman was intelligent and had a beautiful face; but the man was surly and evil in his doings. He was of the house of Caleb.

This verse introduces Abigail as intelligent and beautiful, setting the stage for her wise intervention.
I Samuel 25:18
Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two containers of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five seahs of parched grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys.

Here Abigail takes immediate action by gathering provisions to appease David's anger.
I Samuel 25:32
David said to Abigail, “Blessed is Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sent you today to meet me!

David acknowledges God's hand in sending Abigail to prevent him from doing evil.
I Samuel 25:42
Abigail hurriedly arose and rode on a donkey with her five maids who followed her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

Abigail’s swift decision to follow David’s messengers demonstrates her commitment to peace and obedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Abigail mean?

The name Abigail comes from Hebrew words meaning 'my father is joy.' It reflects a sense of familial happiness and purpose.

How is Abigail different from other women in the Bible?

Abigail is noted for her quick thinking and diplomatic skills. She acted decisively to prevent violence, showing wisdom that stood out in a time of conflict.

Why is Abigail mentioned twice in Samuel?

There are two women named Abigail in the Bible. One is David’s wife who saved his household from trouble. The other is the mother of Amasa and sister of Zeruiah, linking her to David’s family through marriage.

Every Occurrence (17 verses across 3 books)

I Samuel 11 verses

I Samuel 25:3

Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail. This woman was intelligent and had a beautiful…

I Samuel 25:14

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to…

I Samuel 25:18

Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two containers of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five seahs…

I Samuel 25:23

When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got off her donkey, and fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the…

I Samuel 25:32

David said to Abigail, “Blessed is Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sent you today to meet me!

I Samuel 25:36

Abigail came to Nabal; and behold, he held a feast in his house like the feast of a king. Nabal’s heart was merry…

I Samuel 25:39

When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed is Yahweh, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the…

I Samuel 25:40

When David’s servants had come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, “David has sent us to you, to take you…

I Samuel 25:42

Abigail hurriedly arose and rode on a donkey with her five maids who followed her; and she went after the messengers of…

I Samuel 27:3

David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam…

I Samuel 30:5

David’s two wives were taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

II Samuel 3 verses

I Chronicles 3 verses