King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:11 Mean?

1 Kings 1:11 in the King James Version says “Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggit... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

1 Kings 1:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it 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 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 19 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָתָ֗ן2 of 19

Wherefore Nathan

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּת4 of 19
H0
שֶׁ֤בַע5 of 19

unto Bathsheba

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

אֵם6 of 19

the mother

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

שְׁלֹמֹה֙7 of 19

of Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲל֣וֹא9 of 19
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֔עַתְּ10 of 19

Hast thou not heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֥י11 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָלַ֖ךְ12 of 19

doth reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֣הוּ13 of 19

that Adonijah

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

בֶן14 of 19

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חַגִּ֑ית15 of 19

of Haggith

H2294

chaggith, a wife of david

וַֽאֲדֹנֵ֥ינוּ16 of 19

our lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

דָוִ֖ד17 of 19

and David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

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

יָדָֽע׃19 of 19

knoweth

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o


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 1:11 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 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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