King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:26 Mean?

1 Kings 1:26 in the King James Version says “But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:26 · KJV

Context

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?

28

Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. into: Heb. before the king

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Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וְלִ֣י1 of 12
H0
אֲנִֽי2 of 12
H589

i

עַבְדְּךָ֖3 of 12

“But me even me thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וּלְצָדֹ֨ק4 of 12

“and Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן5 of 12

“the priest”

H3548

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

וְלִבְנָיָ֧הוּ6 of 12

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶן7 of 12

“the 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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֛ע8 of 12

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֥ה9 of 12

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

עַבְדְּךָ֖10 of 12

“But me even me thy servant”

H5650

a servant

לֹ֥א11 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קָרָֽא׃12 of 12

“hath he not called”

H7121

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

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 1:26 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 1:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:81 Kings 1:102 Samuel 7:12-172 Samuel 12:252 Samuel 7:21 Kings 1:19

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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