King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:53 Mean?

1 Kings 1:53 in the King James Version says “So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solom...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.”

1 Kings 1:53 · KJV

Context

51

And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword.

52

And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

53

So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

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 · 15 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח1 of 15

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 15

“So king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה3 of 15

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיֹּרִדֻ֙הוּ֙4 of 15

“and they brought him down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מֵעַ֣ל5 of 15
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ6 of 15

“from the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיָּבֹ֕א7 of 15

“And he came”

H935

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

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ8 of 15

“and bowed”

H7812

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

לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ9 of 15

“So king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה10 of 15

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיֹּֽאמֶר11 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֥וֹ12 of 15
H0
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה13 of 15

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לֵ֥ךְ14 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְבֵיתֶֽךָ׃15 of 15

“to thine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, 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 1:53 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 1:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:161 Kings 1:312 Samuel 14:242 Samuel 14:281 Kings 2:362 Samuel 1:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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