King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:40 Mean?

1 Kings 1:40 in the King James Version says “And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth re...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them. pipes: or, flutes”

1 Kings 1:40 · KJV

Joy

Context

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.

39

And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

40

And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them. pipes: or, flutes

41

And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

42

And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man , and bringest good tidings.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.

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
וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ1 of 13

“came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כָל2 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְהָעָם֙3 of 13

“And all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו4 of 13

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְהָעָם֙5 of 13

“And all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מְחַלְּלִ֣ים6 of 13

“piped”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

בַּֽחֲלִלִ֔ים7 of 13

“with pipes”

H2485

a flute (as perforated)

וּשְׂמֵחִ֖ים8 of 13

“and rejoiced”

H8056

blithe or gleeful

שִׂמְחָ֣ה9 of 13

“joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

גְדוֹלָ֑ה10 of 13

“with great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַתִּבָּקַ֥ע11 of 13

“rent”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

הָאָ֖רֶץ12 of 13

“so that the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּקוֹלָֽם׃13 of 13

“with the sound”

H6963

a voice or sound

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 1:40 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 1:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:371 Chronicles 12:38-40Revelation 11:15-18Psalms 97:12 Kings 11:142 Kings 11:20

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Kings 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

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