King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:14 Mean?

1 Kings 1:14 in the King James Version says “Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words. confirm: Heb....” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:14 · KJV

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?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.

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.

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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 · 12 words
הִנֵּ֗ה1 of 12
H2009

lo!

עוֹדָ֛ךְ2 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

מְדַבֶּ֥רֶת3 of 12

“Behold while thou yet talkest”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

שָׁ֖ם4 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עִם5 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ6 of 12

“there with the king”

H4428

a king

וַֽאֲנִי֙7 of 12
H589

i

אָב֣וֹא8 of 12

“I also will come in”

H935

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

אַֽחֲרַ֔יִךְ9 of 12

“after”

H310

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

וּמִלֵּאתִ֖י10 of 12

“thee and confirm”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת11 of 12
H853

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

דְּבָרָֽיִךְ׃12 of 12

“thy words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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 1:14 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:11 Kings 1:17-27

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