King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:6 Mean?

1 Kings 1:6 in the King James Version says “And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; a... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. at any: Heb. from his days

1 Kings 1:6 · KJV


Context

4

And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

5

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. be king: Heb. reign

6

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. at any: Heb. from his days

7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him. he: Heb. his words were with following: Heb. helped after Adonijah

8

But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.

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 · 17 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֲצָב֨וֹ2 of 17

had not displeased

H6087

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

אָבִ֤יו3 of 17

And his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מִיָּמָיו֙4 of 17

him at any time

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 17

in saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַדּ֖וּעַ6 of 17
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

כָּ֣כָה7 of 17
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

עָשִׂ֑יתָ8 of 17

Why hast thou done so

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְגַם9 of 17
H1571

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

ה֤וּא10 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

טֽוֹב11 of 17

goodly

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

תֹּ֙אַר֙12 of 17
H8389

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

מְאֹ֔ד13 of 17

and he also was a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְאֹת֥וֹ14 of 17
H853

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

יָֽלְדָ֖ה15 of 17

man and his mother bare

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י16 of 17

him after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃17 of 17

Absalom

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite


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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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