King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:47 Mean?

1 Kings 1:47 in the King James Version says “And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 1:47 · KJV


Context

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.

48

And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.

49

And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
וְגַם1 of 24
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בָּ֜אוּ2 of 24

came

H935

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

עַבְדֵ֣י3 of 24

servants

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 24

And moreover the king's

H4428

a king

לְ֠בָרֵךְ5 of 24

to bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת6 of 24
H853

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

אֲדֹנֵ֜ינוּ7 of 24

our lord

H113

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ8 of 24

And moreover the king's

H4428

a king

דָּוִד֮9 of 24

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹר֒10 of 24

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵיטֵ֨ב11 of 24

better

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

אֱלֹהִ֜יך12 of 24

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

אֶת13 of 24
H853

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

מִשְּׁמֶ֔ךָ14 of 24

make the ~

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שְׁלֹמֹה֙15 of 24

of Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

מִשְּׁמֶ֔ךָ16 of 24

make the ~

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

וִֽיגַדֵּ֥ל17 of 24

and make

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

אֶת18 of 24
H853

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

מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ19 of 24

his throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ20 of 24

his throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ21 of 24

bowed

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ22 of 24

And moreover the king's

H4428

a king

עַל23 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽב׃24 of 24

himself upon the bed

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse


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 1:47 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 1:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study