אֲבִישַׁג
a.vi.shag
Abishag
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word אֲבִישַׁג (a.vi.shag) is a proper name, specifically referring to a female person. Its short definition is simply "Abishag," suggesting that this person may have gained notoriety or importance in the context of the biblical narrative. With 5 occurrences in the Bible, Abishag appears to be a relatively significant figure, despite the brevity of the information about her. Given her connection to other biblical characters, we can infer that Abishag likely played a notable role in the lives of kings or prominent individuals. Her name, though unremarkable in terms of meaning, serves as a marker of her identity and distinguishes her from others. The limited data provided do not allow us to determine her social status, age, or significance beyond her association with key biblical figures. In the context of the biblical narrative, the name Abishag highlights the importance of the individuals she interacts with. The 5 references to her name imply that she left a lasting impression or served in a capacity that drew attention. However, her significance can only be fully understood by considering the surrounding narrative and context in which her name is mentioned.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
1 Kings 1:15Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.
1 Kings 2:17He said, “Please speak to Solomon the king (for he will not tell you ‘no’), that he give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”
1 Kings 2:21She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.”
1 Kings 2:22King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also; for he is my elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.”