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H49 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲבִישַׁג
ʾAvishag
Proper noun, feminine
Abishag

Definition

The name Avishag (H49) belongs to the beautiful Shunammite woman brought to warm aged King David (1 Kings 1:3). Her name likely derives from av (father) and shagah (to wander or err). She becomes a flashpoint in the succession conflict between Solomon and Adonijah.

Usage & Theological Significance

Though minor in narrative, Abishag illustrates how physical care and royal succession intertwine in ancient Israel. Adonijah's request for her hand becomes an implicit bid for the throne (1 Kings 2:22), showing the symbolic weight of proximity to the king.

Key Bible Verses

1 Kings 1:3 They sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite.
1 Kings 1:15 So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering to the king.
1 Kings 2:17 He said, 'Please ask King Solomon — he will not refuse you — to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.'
1 Kings 2:21 She said, 'Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as his wife.'
1 Kings 2:22 King Solomon answered his mother, 'Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also!'

Related Words

External Resources

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