1 Samuel 25:35 Meaning: Strength in Receiving Correction
So David received from her hand that which she had brought him. Then he said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. Behold, I have listened to your voice and have granted your request.”
So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.
So David received of her hand that which she had brought him: and he said unto her, Go up in peace to thy house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.
And David receiveth from her hand that which she hath brought to him, and to her he hath said, `Go up in peace to thy house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and accept thy face.'
So David received of her hand what she had brought him, and said to her, Go up in peace to thy house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.
Meaning in one sentence
In I Samuel 25:35, David heeds Abigail's wise plea, choosing peace over revenge. Learn the spiritual strength of receiving correction.
Context
The story reaches its turning point here. David had set out to destroy every male in Nabal’s household after the wealthy farmer refused his men a simple kindness. But Abigail, Nabal’s wife, rode out to meet David with food and with words that cut to the heart of his anger. She reminded him who he was, a man anointed to be king, a man God would bring to the throne without his needing to seize it by violence. Her courage and wisdom stopped David cold. Now, in this verse, David does something remarkable: he takes the provisions she brought, looks this woman in the eye, and says he has heard her and granted her request. He sends her home in peace. The man with the army and the sword yields to the counsel of a woman with nothing but truth and humility.
Key Words
The Hebrew behind “I have listened” is the verb shama. It carries more than hearing noise. It means to hear with attention, to consent, to grant a request. David did not just let Abigail’s words wash over him. He took them inside and let them change his path. The word is the same one Scripture uses for obeying God’s voice.
And then David says he has “accepted your person”, literally, “lifted up your face” (nasa panim). In ancient Israel, lifting someone’s face meant looking at them with favour, granting what they asked. It is the opposite of turning away or looking down. David, the powerful warrior, lifts up the face of this woman and treats her request as weighty. In a world where women rarely held authority, David receives her counsel as if it came from God, which, as he said, it did.
The word “peace” (shalom) he speaks over her house means wholeness, wellbeing, nothing missing. He sends her into that.
How Christians Read This Verse
Across Christian traditions, this verse is consistently read as a model of humble obedience to wise counsel. Matthew Henry calls Abigail “a wise reprover” and David’s response a sign of an “obedient ear.” John Wesley notes that David “showed his acceptance of her person by his grant of her request.” John Gill sees David’s acceptance as an act of forgiveness and favour. While some readers focus on the danger of yielding to flattery or the need for discernment in whom we listen to, the dominant reading remains unanimous: David’s willingness to turn from violence when confronted by truth is a picture of godliness. The verse stands as an invitation for every believer to consider whether they are quick to hear and slow to anger.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think David’s words “I have accepted your person” (KJV) mean he was showing partiality toward Abigail. But the phrase “lift up the face” is an ancient Hebrew idiom for granting a request, not an expression of prejudice. David is not unfairly favouring a friend. He is honouring the wisdom she spoke and choosing to let go of his vengeance. The same idiom appears when God tells Lot “I have granted your request” concerning Zoar (Genesis 19:21). It is about receiving a petition, not playing favourites.
Living This Out
Think of someone in your life who has earned the right to speak into your anger. Maybe a spouse, a friend, or a person you respect at church. Now think of the last time you were sure you were right, sure enough to justify harsh words or actions. In that moment, David’s example sits in front of you. He was a man with legitimate grievance and enough power to act. But he stopped. He heard. He changed. This week, when someone confronts you with a truth you need to hear, you can do what David did: let their words into your chest, set down your weapon, and say, “Go in peace.” It may cost you your pride, but it will save you from worse.
Main takeaway: David’s humility to listen saved lives and stilled his own hand, real strength is not raising a weapon but lowering it.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
David was very angry. He wanted to hurt people. But Abigail talked to him with kind, true words. David listened and did not fight. When someone gives you good advice, you can listen too.
For ages 9, 12
David was about to do something terrible in his anger. He had a whole army ready to destroy Nabal’s family. But Abigail spoke with wisdom, and David stopped and listened. He didn’t just hear her words, he changed his whole plan. That takes real strength. When you’re upset and someone tells you something you don’t want to hear, can you stop and listen like David did? It might save you from a mistake you can’t undo.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean that David 'accepted her person'?
The phrase translates a Hebrew idiom, 'lifted up her face,' meaning he granted her request and showed her favour. It does not mean he was partial or unjust. It was a way of saying he received her plea and would act on it.
Why did David listen to Abigail but not to Nabal?
Nabal had insulted David and refused his request. But Abigail came with humility, wise reasoning, and gifts. She also reminded David of God's promises and warned him against bloodshed. David recognized that she was speaking from God, not from pride.
What does this verse teach about anger and vengeance?
David had every right to be offended, but he was about to sin in his anger. Abigail's intervention shows that godly counsel can stop us from doing what we will regret. The verse teaches that listening to wise correction is more important than defending our pride.
How does this story apply to us today?
We all face moments when we feel justified in being harsh. This verse invites us to stay open to people who speak truth into our lives, even when it stings. Choosing peace over vengeance is a mark of real strength.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study