1 Samuel 25 27

1 Samuel 25:27 kjv

And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

1 Samuel 25:27 nkjv

And now this present which your maidservant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord.

1 Samuel 25:27 niv

And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my lord, be given to the men who follow you.

1 Samuel 25:27 esv

And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord.

1 Samuel 25:27 nlt

And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men.

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 27 Meaning

This verse conveys Abigail's plea to David, offering a significant gift as a peace offering and directing it towards David's followers. It demonstrates her wisdom, humility, and foresight by addressing David's immediate needs and the welfare of his men. The present, a substantial offering, symbolizes a sincere act of appeasement, designed to avert David's wrath and prevent bloodshed.

1 Samuel 25 27 Context

This verse is embedded in the narrative of Abigail's pivotal intervention to prevent David from executing vengeance upon Nabal and his household. After Nabal's insolent refusal to provide for David and his 400 armed men who had protected Nabal's flocks, David swore to destroy every male of Nabal's house. Abigail, Nabal's wife, learned of his foolishness and David's impending wrath. Without her husband's knowledge, she hastily gathered substantial provisions and set out to meet David. This verse comes early in her long, eloquent, and humble plea to David. Her immediate act of giving the "present" demonstrates her recognition of David's authority, her sorrow for Nabal's offense, and her proactive efforts to atone for it. Culturally, hospitality and protection in exchange for provisions were essential in ancient Near Eastern society, and Nabal's rejection was a grave insult. Abigail's gift, presented before her words, serves as an act of diplomatic reconciliation, designed to turn David's heart from rage.

1 Samuel 25 27 Word analysis

• And now (wəʿattâ): This Hebrew particle phrase serves as a transitional marker, indicating a shift from the previous statements to the main point or request. It often introduces a crucial or decisive moment, urging immediate attention. In Abigail's speech, it emphasizes the importance and immediacy of her offering.
• this present (ha-minḥâ hazzōʾt): The word minḥâ (מִנְחָה) is highly significant. While it can mean a simple gift, it most commonly refers to a tribute or offering, especially one brought by an inferior to a superior to gain favor, make amends, or secure a pact. It is used for grain offerings to God (Lev 2), and often for gifts given to powerful individuals to appease anger (e.g., Jacob to Esau in Gen 32). Its use here signals Abigail's strategic intent: it is an offering of appeasement and an acknowledgement of David's true status, despite his current fugitive state.
• which your servant has brought (ʾašer hēvîʾâ šip̄ḥāṯekā): Abigail humbly refers to herself as "your servant" (שִׁפְחָתֶךָ, šipḥatekā), a term for a female slave or servant. This contrasts sharply with Nabal's arrogant and dismissive attitude towards David. Her self-abasement highlights her wisdom and seeks to disarm David's anger by demonstrating utter submission and respect for his authority. This humble address is crucial to her successful intercession.
• to my lord (lāʾdōnî): Repeated throughout her speech (1 Sam 25:24, 25, 26, etc.), this deferential address recognizes David's status as a leader and future king. It shows respect and appeals to David's honorable character as a "lord" capable of exercising restraint and wisdom, rather than destructive vengeance.
• let it be given (tunnāh): This jussive verb (derived from natan, "to give") expresses Abigail's desire or request for the gift's distribution. It's a directive, not just a suggestion, showing her decisiveness in acting for peace.
• to the young men (la-nəʿārîm): Refers to David's retinue, his fighting men, who numbered about 400. This specification reveals Abigail's shrewdness. By directing the gift to David's hungry and ready-to-fight followers, she addresses the root cause of David's immediate wrath—the lack of provision for his men. It subtly reminds David of his responsibility to them and offers a tangible solution.
• who follow my lord (ʾašer bə-raglê ʾădōnî): Literally, "who are at the feet of my lord," this is an idiom meaning "who follow" or "who attend." It highlights the close relationship between David and his men, emphasizing their loyalty and dependence on him. Abigail acknowledges David's status as a leader and appeals to his care for his dependents, subtly affirming his legitimate leadership.

1 Samuel 25 27 Bonus section

Abigail's foresight in directing the gift to David's men reflects her understanding of leadership dynamics and the practical needs of a fugitive band. Such a gift provided not only sustenance but also a psychological boost, demonstrating that support and provision were available, unlike Nabal's disdain. This act served as a practical fulfillment of the provisions David had previously protected for Nabal's flock, bringing justice through grace. Her action here foreshadows the ideal of a leader providing for his followers, a trait often commended in the Scriptures for those who shepherd God's people. This 'present' becomes a symbol of peace and proper relationships, contrasting sharply with Nabal's name, meaning 'fool,' and David's initial intention to foolishly spill blood.

1 Samuel 25 27 Commentary

1 Samuel 25:27 demonstrates Abigail's profound wisdom and skillful diplomacy. Her offering is not merely a polite gesture but a calculated strategic move. The word minḥâ points to its function as a sin-atoning or appeasing gift, crucial for reconciliation in a culture of honor and shame. By immediately presenting the gift and directing its distribution to David's men, Abigail shows an understanding of the psychological impact: a tangible act of restitution and generosity precedes her verbal plea. This act directly addresses David's immediate grievance—his men were unprovided for—and contrasts sharply with Nabal's insult. It sets a foundation of humility and respect before she even begins to reason with him, making her subsequent words far more effective. This wisdom saved Nabal's household, preventing David from sinning by shedding innocent blood, and implicitly affirming David's divine appointment and future righteous reign.