Bible Dictionary
Abigail
Abigail was the wise and beautiful wife of Nabal, whom she later outlived and then married David. The name also belongs to David’s sister, who was the mother of Amasa.
Definition
Abigail is a name explained as “father of joy” or “source of joy.” It belongs to two women in the Old Testament: David’s sister, who was the wife of Jether and mother of Amasa, and the wife of Nabal of Carmel. The latter was prudent and beautiful, became David’s wife after Nabal’s death, and bore him a son.
Biblical Usage
Abigail the wife of Nabal acted with prudence and careful judgment during a critical period, preventing disaster for her household. After Nabal’s death she married David and shared his later fortunes. Abigail the sister of David was the mother of Amasa.
Historical Background
Nabal’s household was located in the district of Carmel. Abigail’s son by David is called Chileab and elsewhere Daniel.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Father (i.e., “leader”) of the dance, or “of joy.” (1.) The sister of David, and wife of Jether an Ishmaelite (1 Chr. 2:16, 17). She was the mother of Amasa (2 Sam. 17:25). (2.) The wife of the churlish Nabal, who dwelt in the district of Carmel (1 Sam. 25:3). She showed great prudence and delicate management at a critical period of her husband’s life. She was “a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance.” After Nabal’s death she became the wife of David (1 Sam. 25:14-42), and was his companion in all his future fortunes (1 Sam. 27:3; 30:5; 2 Sam. 2:2). By her David had a son called Chileab (2 Sam. 3:3), elsewhere called Daniel (1 Chr. 3:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(father, i.e. source, of joy).