King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:13 Mean?

1 Kings 1:13 in the King James Version says “Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

1 Kings 1:13 · KJV


Context

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?

14

Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words. confirm: Heb. fill up

15

And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 26 words
לְכִ֞י1 of 26
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וּבֹ֣אִי׀2 of 26

and get thee in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ4 of 26

O king

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֗ד5 of 26

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 26

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙7 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֲלֹֽא8 of 26
H3808

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

אַתָּ֞ה9 of 26
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲדֹנִ֣י10 of 26

unto him Didst not thou my lord

H113

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

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ11 of 26

O king

H4428

a king

נִשְׁבַּ֤עְתָּ12 of 26

swear

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙13 of 26

unto thine handmaid

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

לֵאמֹ֔ר14 of 26

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּֽי15 of 26

Assuredly

H3588

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה16 of 26

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנֵךְ֙17 of 26

thy 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

מָלַ֥ךְ18 of 26

reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַֽחֲרַ֔י19 of 26

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְה֖וּא20 of 26
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יֵשֵׁ֣ב21 of 26

me and he shall sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל22 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסְאִ֑י23 of 26

upon my throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וּמַדּ֖וּעַ24 of 26
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

מָלַ֥ךְ25 of 26

reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲדֹֽנִיָּֽהוּ׃26 of 26

why then doth Adonijah

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites


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 1:13 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 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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