3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

Other Translations of 1 Kings 1:3-4

New International Version

3 Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her.

English Standard Version

3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.

The Message

3 So they searched the country of Israel for the most ravishing girl they could find; they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. 4 The girl was stunningly beautiful; she stayed at his side and looked after the king, but the king did not have sex with her.

New King James Version

3 So they sought for a lovely young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very lovely; and she cared for the king, and served him; but the king did not know her.

New Living Translation

3 So they searched throughout the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king. 4 The girl was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him. But the king had no sexual relations with her.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3-4

Commentary on 1 Kings 1:1-4

(Read 1 Kings 1:1-4)

We have David sinking under infirmities. He was chastised for his recent sins, and felt the effects of his former toils and hardships.