King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:10 Mean?

1 Kings 1:10 in the King James Version says “But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.”

1 Kings 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.

9

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants: Enrogel: or, the well Rogel

10

But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

11

Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?

12

Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel , that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְֽאֶת1 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נָתָן֩2 of 11

“But Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֨יא3 of 11

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וּבְנָיָ֜הוּ4 of 11

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

וְֽאֶת5 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַגִּבּוֹרִ֛ים6 of 11

“and the mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

וְאֶת7 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה8 of 11

“and Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אָחִ֖יו9 of 11

“his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לֹ֥א10 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קָרָֽא׃11 of 11

“he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 12:241 Kings 1:191 Kings 1:82 Samuel 12:1-15

Test Your Knowledge

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