King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:24 Mean?

1 Kings 1:24 in the King James Version says “And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:24 · KJV

Context

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

26

But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah 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.

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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 · 13 words
אָמַ֔רְתָּ1 of 13

“hast thou said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָתָן֒2 of 13

“And Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

אֲדֹנִ֣י3 of 13

“My lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ4 of 13

“O king”

H4428

a king

אַתָּ֣ה5 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אָמַ֔רְתָּ6 of 13

“hast thou said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֖הוּ7 of 13

“Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

יִמְלֹ֣ךְ8 of 13

“shall reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַֽחֲרָ֑י9 of 13

“after”

H310

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

וְה֖וּא10 of 13
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

יֵשֵׁ֥ב11 of 13

“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

עַל12 of 13
H5921

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

כִּסְאִֽי׃13 of 13

“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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:51 Kings 1:13-141 Kings 1:17-18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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