King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:20 Mean?

1 Kings 1:20 in the King James Version says “And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the thro...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:20 · KJV

Context

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

22

And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וְאַתָּה֙1 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲדֹנִֽי2 of 16

“And thou my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ3 of 16

“O king”

H4428

a king

עֵינֵ֥י4 of 16

“the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָל5 of 16
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 16

“of all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עָלֶ֑יךָ7 of 16
H5921

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

לְהַגִּ֣יד8 of 16

“are upon thee that thou shouldest tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָהֶ֔ם9 of 16
H0
מִ֗י10 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יֵשֵׁ֛ב11 of 16

“them who 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

עַל12 of 16
H5921

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

כִּסֵּ֥א13 of 16

“on the throne”

H3678

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

אֲדֹנִֽי14 of 16

“And thou my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ15 of 16

“O king”

H4428

a king

אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃16 of 16

“after”

H310

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

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 25:151 Chronicles 22:8-101 Chronicles 29:12 Chronicles 20:122 Samuel 23:21 Chronicles 28:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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