King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:36 Mean?

1 Kings 1:36 in the King James Version says “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:36 · KJV

Context

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.

37

As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

38

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

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Commentary

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

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 · 14 words
וַיַּ֨עַן1 of 14

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בְּנָיָ֧הוּ2 of 14

“And Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶן3 of 14

“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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֛ע4 of 14

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

אֶת5 of 14
H853

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃6 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

יֹאמַ֣ר7 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָמֵ֑ן8 of 14

“Amen”

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

כֵּ֚ן9 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יֹאמַ֣ר10 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה11 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֖י12 of 14

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲדֹנִ֥י13 of 14

“of my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃14 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

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 1:36 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 1:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 72:191 Chronicles 17:27Deuteronomy 27:15-26Jeremiah 28:6Matthew 6:131 Corinthians 14:16

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