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Abigail

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Wise wife of Nabal who later married David, preventing bloodshed through diplomacy

Detailed Definition
Abigail, praised for her intelligence and beauty (1 Samuel 25), averted David’s wrath by offering provisions and wise counsel after her foolish husband Nabal insulted him. Her actions exemplify prudence and peacemaking. In poetry, Abigail symbolizes feminine wisdom, grace under pressure, and the power of diplomacy to avert violence—often invoked as a model of virtuous intervention and providential timing.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Dryden’s "Absalom and Achitophel," Abigail is not central, but her biblical wisdom contrasts with political folly; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "Aurora Leigh," Abigail’s diplomacy is cited as a model of feminine prudence; In Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market," Abigail’s peacemaking is echoed in Lizzie’s intercession; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Abigail’s humility before David is held up as virtuous restraint; In John Milton’s "Samson Agonistes," wise women like Abigail prefigure Samson’s moral clarity; In Alfred Tennyson’s "The Princess," Abigail’s intelligence is invoked in debates about women’s roles.
Additional Notes
Abigail: Wife of Nabal and later of David; known for her wisdom, diplomacy, and quick action to avert David’s wrath (1 Samuel 25). In poetic usage, Abigail often embodies prudence, eloquence, and the power of feminine intervention. Her narrative offers rich metaphorical terrain for themes of reconciliation, foresight, and moral courage. She contrasts with more passive biblical women, making her a compelling figure in feminist or ethical readings.
Also Known As
Abigail of Carmel Abigail wife of Nabal
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