King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:48 Mean?

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 ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:48 · King James Version

Context

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.

50

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְגַם
1 of 16
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
כָּ֖כָה
2 of 16
H3602
just so, referring to the previous or following context
אָמַ֣ר
3 of 16

“And also thus said”

H559
to say (used with great latitude)
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
4 of 16

“the king”

H4428
a king
בָּר֨וּךְ
5 of 16

“Blessed”

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
יְהוָ֜ה
6 of 16

“be the LORD”

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
7 of 16

“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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
8 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
9 of 16
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֥ן
10 of 16

“which hath given”

H5414
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הַיּ֛וֹם
11 of 16

“this day”

H3117
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
12 of 16

“one to sit”

H3427
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
13 of 16
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּסְאִ֖י
14 of 16

“on my throne”

H3678
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
וְעֵינַ֥י
15 of 16

“mine eyes”

H5869
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
רֹאֽוֹת׃
16 of 16

“even seeing”

H7200
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 1:48 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 1:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:6Psalms 132:11-122 Samuel 24:3Genesis 14:20Proverbs 17:6Psalms 41:13

Test Your Knowledge

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