King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 1:14 Mean?
“Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words. confirm: Heb. fill up”
Context
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.
16
And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? What: Heb. What to thee?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **While thou yet talkest.**—The whole history seems to indicate a growth of royal state and Oriental reverence for the king’s person since the defeat of Absalom, contrasted with the comparative simplicity of intercourse with him in earlier days, and preparatory to the still greater development of majesty and despotism under Solomon. Bath-sheba’s entrance into the bedchamber seems to be looked upon as an intrusion, to be ventured upon only in the humble attitude of a suppliant. Nathan does not presume to approach the king with remonstrance, till the maternal anxiety of Bath-sheba has paved the way. (Comp, in Esther 4:10-16, the picture of the still more unapproachable royalty of Persia.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:14 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 1:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge