1 Samuel 25:40

Verse

When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David hath sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

Bible in Basic English

And when David's servants came to Carmel, to Abigail, they said to her, David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.

Free Bible Version

When David's men arrived at Carmel, they said to Abigail, “David has sent us to you to bring you back to become his wife.”

King James (Authorized) Version

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

Translation for Translators

His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, “David sent us to take you to become his wife.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

When David's servants had come to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her and said, “David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.”

Noah Webster Bible

And when the servants of David had come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, David hath sent us to thee, to take thee to him for a wife.

World English Bible

When David’s servants had come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, “David has sent us to you, to take you to him as wife.”

Young's Literal Translation

And the servants of David come in unto Abigail at Carmel, and speak unto her, saying, 'David hath sent us unto thee to take thee to him for a wife.'

Context

David Marries Abigail

³⁹On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage.⁴⁰When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.”

Summary

After the death of her husband Nabal, Abigail quickly remarried David, becoming one of his wives. This union not only provided Abigail with protection and security but also elevated her status by aligning herself with the future king of Israel. Despite the cultural norms of the time, this marriage was likely a strategic move to ensure Abigail's well-being and future in a tumultuous period. It also demonstrates David's compassion and willingness to care for those who showed him kindness, reflecting his character as a leader chosen by God.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel,.... For though Nabal lived in Maon, yet having possessions in Camel, he had no doubt an house there also; and here Abigail was, and perhaps chose to be after his death, rather than at Maon: they spake unto her; delivered the message to her they were sent with by David: saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife; that is, to treat with her about his marriage to her, to propose it to her, and, if they could prevail upon her, to bring her with them, that David might espouse her.