King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:16 Mean?

1 Kings 1:16 in the King James Version says “And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? What: Heb. What to thee?” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? What: Heb. What to thee?”

1 Kings 1:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

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 · 9 words
וַתִּקֹּ֣ד1 of 9

“bowed”

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

בַּת2 of 9
H0
שֶׁ֔בַע3 of 9

“And Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ4 of 9

“and did obeisance”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ5 of 9

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר6 of 9

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ7 of 9

“And the king”

H4428

a king

מַה8 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּֽךְ׃9 of 9
H0

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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:231 Samuel 24:81 Samuel 20:411 Kings 2:20Matthew 20:211 Kings 1:23

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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