King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:23 Mean?

1 Kings 1:23 in the King James Version says “And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself bef...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?

25

For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. God: Heb. Let king Adonijah live

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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 · 14 words
וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ1 of 14

“And they told”

H5046

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

לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 14

“himself before the king”

H4428

a king

לֵאמֹ֔ר3 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֖ה4 of 14
H2009

lo!

נָתָ֣ן5 of 14

“Behold Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֑יא6 of 14

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַיָּבֹא֙7 of 14

“And when he was come in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ9 of 14

“himself before the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ10 of 14

“he bowed”

H7812

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

לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ11 of 14

“himself before the king”

H4428

a king

עַל12 of 14
H5921

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

אַפָּ֖יו13 of 14

“with his face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אָֽרְצָה׃14 of 14

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 1:23 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 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:16Romans 13:71 Peter 2:17

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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