King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:15 Mean?

1 Kings 1:15 in the King James Version says “And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered u...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:15 · KJV

Context

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?

17

And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.

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 · 14 words
וַתָּבֹ֨א1 of 14

“went in”

H935

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

בַת2 of 14
H0
שֶׁ֤בַע3 of 14

“And Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

אֶל4 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃5 of 14

“and the king”

H4428

a king

הַחַ֔דְרָה6 of 14

“into the chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃7 of 14

“and the king”

H4428

a king

זָקֵ֣ן8 of 14

“old”

H2204

to be old

מְאֹ֑ד9 of 14

“was very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַֽאֲבִישַׁג֙10 of 14

“and Abishag”

H49

abishag, a concubine of david

הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית11 of 14

“the Shunammite”

H7767

a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem

מְשָׁרַ֖ת12 of 14

“ministered”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

אֶת13 of 14
H853

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃14 of 14

“and the king”

H4428

a king

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 1:15 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 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:1

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