King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:33 Mean?

1 Kings 1:33 in the King James Version says “The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mu... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:33 · KJV


Context

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

34

And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

35

Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

also said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ2 of 20

The king

H4428

a king

לָהֶ֗ם3 of 20
H0
קְח֤וּ4 of 20

unto them Take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עִמָּכֶם֙5 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַבְדֵ֣י7 of 20

with you the servants

H5650

a servant

אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֔ם8 of 20

of your lord

H113

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

וְהִרְכַּבְתֶּם֙9 of 20

to ride

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אֶת10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה11 of 20

and cause Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנִ֔י12 of 20

my 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

עַל13 of 20
H5921

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

הַפִּרְדָּ֖ה14 of 20

upon mine own mule

H6506

a she-mule

אֲשֶׁר15 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִ֑י16 of 20
H0
וְהֽוֹרַדְתֶּ֥ם17 of 20

and bring him 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

אֹת֖וֹ18 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל19 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גִּחֽוֹן׃20 of 20

to Gihon

H1521

gichon, a river of paradise; also a valley (or pool) near jerusalem


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 1:33 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 1:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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