These words often refer in scripture to a female slave, as applied to Hagar the Egyptian, Genesis 25:12; but were also used by women themselves as a term of humility, as when Hannah spake to Jehovah and to Eli, 1 Samuel 1:11,16,18; as Abigail to David, 1 Samuel 25:24-41; and by Mary and Elizabeth as handmaids of the Lord. Luke 1:38,48 .