Abital אֲבִיטָ֑ל
One of David's wives; mother of Shephatiah
Who is Abital in the Bible?
Abital was one of King David's wives and the mother of his son Shephatiah, as recorded in 2 Samuel 3:4 and 1 Chronicles 3:3. She appears only in the genealogical lists of David's children, with no other biographical details provided in Scripture. Shephatiah, her son with David, was born in Hebron during David's early reign over Judah. Abital's mention in these genealogies serves to document David's polygamous household and the succession line of the Israelite monarchy, illustrating both the royal custom of multiple wives in the ancient Near East and the detailed record-keeping of David's descendants.
Biography
Abital was one of the wives of King David, the second king of Israel. She is mentioned in the lists of David's wives and children in both 2Sa.3.4 and 1Ch.3.3. Abital gave birth to one of David's sons, named Shephatiah.
The biblical text does not provide any further information about Abital's background, her relationship with David, or her role in the royal household. She is one of several wives mentioned in the genealogies, highlighting David's practice of polygamy, which was common among kings in the ancient Near East.
Abital's son Shephatiah is listed among David's sons born in Hebron, where David reigned over Judah for seven years before becoming king over all Israel (2Sa.2.11; 5.5).
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 3:4
"his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 3:3
"the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲבִיטָ֑ל |
Abital
orn to David in Hebron are mentioned and numbered, the fifth is said to be Shephatiah the son of Abital.
ab'-i-tub, a-bi'-tub ('abhiTubh, "father of goodness," or, "my father is goodness"): In the King James Version Ahitub. A descendant of Benjamin and son of Shaharaim and Hushim, born in the field of Moab (<ref osisRef="