King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:17 Mean?

1 Kings 1:17 in the King James Version says “And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 1:17 · KJV


Context

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:

19

And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 17

And she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ2 of 17
H0
אֲדֹנִי֙3 of 17

unto him My lord

H113

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

אַתָּ֨ה4 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נִשְׁבַּ֜עְתָּ5 of 17

thou swarest

H7650

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

בַּֽיהוָ֤ה6 of 17

by the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙7 of 17

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לַֽאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ8 of 17

unto thine handmaid

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

כִּֽי9 of 17
H3588

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה10 of 17

saying Assuredly Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנֵ֖ךְ11 of 17

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

יִמְלֹ֣ךְ12 of 17

shall reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַֽחֲרָ֑י13 of 17

after

H310

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

וְה֖וּא14 of 17
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

יֵשֵׁ֥ב15 of 17

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

עַל16 of 17
H5921

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

כִּסְאִֽי׃17 of 17

upon my throne

H3678

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


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 1:17 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 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study