King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:45 Mean?

1 Kings 1:45 in the King James Version says “And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing,...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:45 · KJV

Context

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.

46

And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.

47

And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַיִּמְשְׁח֣וּ1 of 17

“have anointed”

H4886

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

אֹת֡וֹ2 of 17
H853

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

צָד֣וֹק3 of 17

“And Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן4 of 17

“the priest”

H3548

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

וְנָתָן֩5 of 17

“and Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֨יא6 of 17

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לְמֶ֜לֶךְ7 of 17

“him king”

H4428

a king

בְּגִח֗וֹן8 of 17

“in Gihon”

H1521

gichon, a river of paradise; also a valley (or pool) near jerusalem

וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ9 of 17

“and they are come up”

H5927

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

מִשָּׁם֙10 of 17
H8033

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

שְׂמֵחִ֔ים11 of 17

“from thence rejoicing”

H8056

blithe or gleeful

וַתֵּהֹ֖ם12 of 17

“rang again”

H1949

to make an uproar, or agitate greatly

הַקִּרְיָ֑ה13 of 17

“so that the city”

H7151

a city

ה֥וּא14 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַקּ֖וֹל15 of 17

“This is the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שְׁמַעְתֶּֽם׃17 of 17

“that ye have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 1:45 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 1:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:40Daniel 5:26-28Ezra 3:131 Samuel 28:141 Kings 14:61 Samuel 4:5

Places in This Verse

Gihon 2Spring · Modern: Gihon Spring · 31.77°N, 35.24°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Kings 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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