King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:19 Mean?

1 Kings 1:19 in the King James Version says “And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

21

Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. offenders: Heb. sinners

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
וַ֠יִּזְבַּח1 of 18

“And he hath slain”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

שׁ֥וֹר2 of 18

“oxen”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וּֽמְרִיא3 of 18

“and fat cattle”

H4806

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

וְצֹאן֮4 of 18

“and sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

לָרֹב֒5 of 18

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

קָרָֽא׃6 of 18

“and hath called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְכָל7 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 18

“all the sons”

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ9 of 18

“of the king”

H4428

a king

וּלְאֶבְיָתָר֙10 of 18

“and Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן11 of 18

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּלְיֹאָ֖ב12 of 18

“and Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

שַׂ֣ר13 of 18

“the captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֑א14 of 18

“of the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֥ה15 of 18

“but Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

עַבְדְּךָ֖16 of 18

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

לֹ֥א17 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קָרָֽא׃18 of 18

“and hath called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:7-101 Kings 1:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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