King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:43 Mean?

1 Kings 1:43 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king. — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:43 · King James Version


Context

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:

45

And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.


Commentary

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

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 · 11 words
וַיַּ֙עַן֙1 of 11

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,

יֽוֹנָתָ֔ן2 of 11

And Jonathan

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר3 of 11

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַאֲדֹֽנִיָּ֑הוּ4 of 11

to Adonijah

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

אֲבָ֕ל5 of 11

Verily

H61

nay, i.e., truly or yet

אֲדֹנֵ֥ינוּ6 of 11

our lord

H113

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ7 of 11

king

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֖ד8 of 11

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הִמְלִ֥יךְ9 of 11

king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת10 of 11
H853

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

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃11 of 11

hath made 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 1:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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