King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:21 Mean?

1 Kings 1:21 in the King James Version says “Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 1:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 11 words
וְהָיָ֕ה1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּשְׁכַ֥ב2 of 11

“shall sleep”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֲדֹנִֽי3 of 11

“Otherwise it shall come to pass when my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 11

“the king”

H4428

a king

עִם5 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֑יו6 of 11

“with his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְהָיִ֗יתִי7 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲנִ֛י8 of 11
H589

i

וּבְנִ֥י9 of 11

“that I and my 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

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה10 of 11

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

חַטָּאִֽים׃11 of 11

“shall be counted offenders”

H2400

a criminal, or one accounted guilty

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 1:21 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 1:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:10Deuteronomy 31:16Genesis 15:151 Kings 2:151 Kings 2:22-242 Samuel 7:12

Test Your Knowledge

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