King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:25 Mean?

1 Kings 1:25 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 1:25 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

27

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
כִּ֣י׀1 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרַ֣ד2 of 24

“For he is gone down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַיּ֗וֹם3 of 24

“this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַ֠יִּזְבַּח4 of 24

“and hath slain”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

שׁ֥וֹר5 of 24

“oxen”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וּֽמְרִיא6 of 24

“and fat cattle”

H4806

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

וְצֹאן֮7 of 24

“and sheep”

H6629

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

לָרֹב֒8 of 24

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

וַיִּקְרָא֩9 of 24

“and hath called”

H7121

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

לְכָל10 of 24
H3605

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

בְּנֵ֨י11 of 24

“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

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ12 of 24

“all the king's”

H4428

a king

וּלְשָׂרֵ֤י13 of 24

“and the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָא֙14 of 24

“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

וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֣ר15 of 24

“and Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן16 of 24

“the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנָּ֛ם17 of 24
H2009

lo!

אֹֽכְלִ֥ים18 of 24

“and behold they eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשֹׁתִ֖ים19 of 24

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

לְפָנָ֑יו20 of 24

“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

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ21 of 24

“him and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְחִ֖י22 of 24

“God save”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ23 of 24

“all the king's”

H4428

a king

אֲדֹֽנִיָּֽהוּ׃24 of 24

“Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

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 1:25 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 1:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:241 Kings 1:191 Kings 1:92 Samuel 16:16Matthew 21:91 Samuel 11:14-15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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