1 Samuel 25:24
New International Version
She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say.

New Living Translation
She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say.

English Standard Version
She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant.

Berean Standard Bible
She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.

King James Bible
And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

New King James Version
So she fell at his feet and said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant.

New American Standard Bible
She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your slave speak to you, and listen to the words of your slave.

NASB 1995
She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your maidservant speak to you, and listen to the words of your maidservant.

NASB 1977
And she fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your maidservant speak to you, and listen to the words of your maidservant.

Legacy Standard Bible
And she fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and listen to the words of your maidservant.

Amplified Bible
Kneeling at his feet she said, “My lord, let the blame and guilt be on me alone. And please let your maidservant speak to you, and listen to the words of your maidservant.

Christian Standard Bible
She knelt at his feet and said, “The guilt is mine, my lord, but please let your servant speak to you directly. Listen to the words of your servant.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She fell at his feet and said, “The guilt is mine, my lord, but please let your servant speak to you directly. Listen to the words of your servant.

American Standard Version
And she fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me be the iniquity; and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thy handmaid.

Contemporary English Version
Then she said: Sir, please let me explain!

English Revised Version
And she fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me be the iniquity: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thine handmaid.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After she bowed at his feet, she said, "Sir, let me be held responsible for this wrong. Please let me speak with you. Please listen to my words.

Good News Translation
at David's feet, and said to him, "Please, sir, listen to me! Let me take the blame.

International Standard Version
She fell at his feet and pleaded, "Your majesty, let the guilt be on me alone, and please let your servant speak to you. Listen to the words of your servant.

Majority Standard Bible
She fell at his feet and said, ?My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.

NET Bible
Falling at his feet, she said, "My lord, I accept all the guilt! But please let your female servant speak with my lord! Please listen to the words of your servant!

New Heart English Bible
And she said, "On me, my lord, be the guilt; and please let your servant speak to you directly, and hear the words of your servant.

Webster's Bible Translation
And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thy audience, and hear the words of thy handmaid.

World English Bible
She fell at his feet and said, “On me, my lord, on me be the blame! Please let your servant speak in your ears. Hear the words of your servant.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and falls at his feet and says, “On me, my lord, the iniquity; and please let your handmaid speak in your ear, and hear the words of your handmaid.

Young's Literal Translation
and falleth at his feet and saith, 'On me, my lord, the iniquity; and let, I pray thee, thy handmaid speak in thine ear, and hear the words of thy handmaid.

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will fall at his feet and say, In me, my lord, me the iniquity; and thy servant now will speak in thine ears, and hear the words of thy servant.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And she fell at his feet, and said: Upon me let this iniquity be, my lord: let thy handmaid speak, I beseech thee, in thy ears: and hear the words of thy servant.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And she fell at his feet, and she said: “May this iniquity be upon me, my lord. I beg you, let your handmaid speak to your ears, and listen to the words of your servant.

New American Bible
As she fell at his feet she said: “My lord, let the blame be mine. Please let your maidservant speak to you; listen to the words of your maidservant.

New Revised Standard Version
She fell at his feet and said, “Upon me alone, my lord, be the guilt; please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And fell at his feet, and said, I beseech you, my lord, let this iniquity be upon me, my lord; and let your handmaid speak before you concerning this man Nabal.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And she fell at his feet and she said: “I beg of you, my Lord, let the foolishness be upon me my Lord! Your MaidServant will speak before you about this man, Nabal, because according to his name, so is Nabal. His name and his deeds are with him, and I, your MaidServant, had not seen the young men whom my Lord sent
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And she fell at his feet, and said: 'Upon me, my lord, upon me be the iniquity; and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thy handmaid.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
even to his feet, and said, On me, my lord, be my wrong: let, I pray thee, thy servant speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thy servant.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abigail Intercedes for Nabal
23When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. 24She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. 25My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.…

Cross References
Genesis 44:18
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself.

2 Samuel 14:12-13
Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied. / The woman asked, “Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, since he has not brought back his own banished son?

2 Samuel 24:17
When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.”

1 Kings 1:20-21
And as for you, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you to tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. / Otherwise, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be counted as criminals.”

Esther 8:3
And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.

Job 42:8-9
So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” / So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 25:15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.

Jeremiah 26:19
Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!”

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Luke 15:18-19
I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

John 8:7
When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”


Treasury of Scripture

And fell at his feet, and said, On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be: and let your handmaid, I pray you, speak in your audience, and hear the words of your handmaid.

fell

2 Kings 4:37
Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

Esther 8:3
And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

Matthew 18:29
And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Upon

1 Samuel 25:28
I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.

Genesis 44:33,34
Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren…

2 Samuel 14:9
And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

let thine

Genesis 44:18
Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.

2 Samuel 14:12
Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

audience [heb] ears

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1 Samuel 25
1. Samuel dies
2. David in Paran sends to Nabal
10. Provoked by Nabal's rudeness, he minds to destroy him
14. Abigail understanding thereof
18. takes a present
23. and by her wisdom
32. pacifies David
36. Nabal hearing thereof, dies
39. David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives
44. Michal is given to Phalti














She fell at his feet
This phrase captures the humility and urgency of Abigail's actions. In ancient Near Eastern culture, falling at someone's feet was a gesture of deep respect and supplication. It signifies Abigail's recognition of David's authority and her earnest desire to avert disaster. The Hebrew root for "fell" (נָפַל, naphal) often conveys a sense of submission or desperation, underscoring Abigail's willingness to humble herself to save her household.

and said
The act of speaking here is significant. In the Hebrew tradition, words hold power and can alter the course of events. Abigail's speech is a pivotal moment, demonstrating the influence of wise and timely words. Her approach is both respectful and assertive, embodying the biblical principle that a gentle answer can turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

My lord
By addressing David as "my lord," Abigail acknowledges his future kingship and authority. The Hebrew word for "lord" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni) is a term of respect and honor, often used to address someone of higher status. This acknowledgment not only placates David's anger but also aligns with the biblical theme of recognizing God's anointed leaders.

let the blame be on me alone
Abigail's willingness to take responsibility is a profound act of intercession. In a culture where honor and shame were paramount, her offer to bear the blame reflects Christ-like selflessness. This phrase echoes the biblical concept of substitutionary atonement, where one takes on the burden of another, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Please let your maidservant speak to you
Abigail's request for permission to speak highlights her tact and respect for David's authority. The term "maidservant" (אֲמָתֶךָ, amatecha) denotes humility and service, positioning Abigail as a servant seeking favor. Her approach exemplifies the biblical virtue of humility, which is often rewarded by God.

hear the words of your maidservant
This plea for David to listen underscores the importance of communication and understanding. In the Hebrew context, "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just listening but also obeying or heeding. Abigail's words are not merely for David's ears but are intended to influence his heart and actions, demonstrating the power of wise counsel in guiding decisions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
She fell
וַתִּפֹּל֙ (wat·tip·pōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his feet
רַגְלָ֔יו (raḡ·lāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

and said,
וַתֹּ֕אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“My lord,
אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

may the blame be
הֶֽעָוֺ֑ן (he·‘ā·wōn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

on me alone,
בִּי־ (bî-)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

but please
נָ֤א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let your servant
אֲמָֽתְךָ֙ (’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave

speak
וּֽתְדַבֶּר־ (ū·ṯə·ḏab·ber-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to you;
בְּאָזְנֶ֔יךָ (bə·’ā·zə·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

hear
וּשְׁמַ֕ע (ū·šə·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of your servant.
אֲמָתֶֽךָ׃ (’ă·mā·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave


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OT History: 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 25:23
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