King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:31 Mean?

1 Kings 1:31 in the King James Version says “Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live fo...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.”

1 Kings 1:31 · KJV

Context

29

And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,

30

Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.

31

Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

32

And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.

33

The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: mine: Heb. which belongeth to me

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

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
וַתִּקֹּ֨ד1 of 13

“bowed”

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

בַּת2 of 13
H0
שֶׁ֤בַע3 of 13

“Then Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

אַפַּ֙יִם֙4 of 13

“with her face”

H639

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

אֶ֔רֶץ5 of 13

“to the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ6 of 13

“and did reverence”

H7812

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

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ7 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר8 of 13

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְחִ֗י9 of 13

“live”

H2421

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

אֲדֹנִ֛י10 of 13

“Let my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ11 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֖ד12 of 13

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְעֹלָֽם׃13 of 13

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 1:31 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 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 3:9Daniel 5:10Daniel 2:41 Kings 1:252 Samuel 9:6Daniel 6:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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