Meaning
A Hebrew female personal name meaning “my father is joy” or “my father rejoices.”
Biblical Usage
Abigail is the name of more than one woman in Scripture. The most prominent is Abigail, the wife of Nabal the Carmelite and later the wife of David.
Abigail intervened when David was preparing to attack Nabal’s household after Nabal refused to provide provisions for David’s men. She brought provisions, appealed to David, and prevented the shedding of blood. After Nabal’s death, David took Abigail as his wife.
Key References
- 1 Samuel 25:3 — Abigail is introduced as Nabal’s wife.
- 1 Samuel 25:18 — Abigail prepares provisions for David and his men.
- 1 Samuel 25:23 — Abigail meets David and bows before him.
- 1 Samuel 25:32 — David blesses the LORD for sending Abigail to meet him.
- 1 Samuel 25:36 — Abigail returns to Nabal and finds him holding a feast.
- 1 Samuel 25:39 — David sends for Abigail after Nabal’s death.
- 1 Samuel 25:42 — Abigail becomes David’s wife.
- 2 Samuel 3:3 — Abigail is identified among David’s wives and the mother of Chileab.
- 1 Chronicles 3:1 — Abigail is mentioned in the genealogy of David’s sons.
- 2 Samuel 17:25 — Another Abigail is mentioned as the mother of Amasa.
Related Terms
- David
- Nabal
- Michal
- Ahinoam
- Carmel