King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:34 Mean?

1 Kings 1:34 in the King James Version says “And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:34 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

36

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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 · 16 words
וּמָשַׁ֣ח1 of 16

“anoint”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹת֣וֹ2 of 16
H853

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

שָׁ֠ם3 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

צָד֨וֹק4 of 16

“And let Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן5 of 16

“the priest”

H3548

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

וְנָתָ֧ן6 of 16

“and Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֛יא7 of 16

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ8 of 16

“him there king”

H4428

a king

עַל9 of 16
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל10 of 16

“over Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּתְקַעְתֶּם֙11 of 16

“and blow”

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר12 of 16

“ye with the trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם13 of 16

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְחִ֖י14 of 16

“God save”

H2421

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

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ15 of 16

“him there king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃16 of 16

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

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 1:34 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 1:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:11 Kings 1:252 Samuel 15:102 Samuel 5:32 Kings 9:31 Samuel 16:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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