Abigail
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Abigail in the Bible?
Abigail is a female name of Hebrew origin meaning 'father of joy' or 'leader of the dance.' In biblical genealogy, she is recorded as the sister of King David who married Jether the Ishmaelite.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Abigail as David's sister clarifies the complex kinship networks within the Davidic house and demonstrates the integration of foreign alliances into the royal lineage as presented in the Chronicles.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Abigail reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Abigail in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Abigail clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Abigail." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/abigail/