King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:42 Mean?

1 Kings 1:42 in the King James Version says “And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for t...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:42 · KJV

Context

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.

43

And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.

44

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ1 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

מְדַבֵּ֔ר2 of 17

“And while he yet spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְהִנֵּ֧ה3 of 17
H2009

lo!

יֽוֹנָתָ֛ן4 of 17

“behold Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בֶּן5 of 17

“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

אֶבְיָתָ֥ר6 of 17

“of Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן7 of 17

“the priest”

H3548

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

בֹּ֔א8 of 17

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר9 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֙הוּ֙10 of 17

“and Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

בֹּ֔א11 of 17

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כִּ֣י12 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֥ישׁ13 of 17

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חַ֛יִל14 of 17

“for thou art a valiant”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אַ֖תָּה15 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְט֥וֹב16 of 17

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

תְּבַשֵּֽׂר׃17 of 17

“and bringest”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

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 1:42 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 1:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:362 Samuel 18:272 Samuel 17:172 Samuel 15:27Isaiah 57:212 Kings 9:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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