King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:7 Mean?

1 Kings 1:7 in the King James Version says “And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him. he:...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 1:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants: Enrogel: or, the well Rogel

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבָרָ֔יו2 of 12

“And he conferred”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עִ֚ם3 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יוֹאָ֣ב4 of 12

“with Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

בֶּן5 of 12

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָ֔ה6 of 12

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

וְעִ֖ם7 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֶבְיָתָ֣ר8 of 12

“and with Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֑ן9 of 12

“the priest”

H3548

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

וַֽיַּעְזְר֔וּ10 of 12

“helped”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י11 of 12

“and they following”

H310

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

אֲדֹֽנִיָּֽה׃12 of 12

“Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 20:251 Kings 2:222 Samuel 20:23Psalms 2:22 Samuel 15:122 Samuel 15:35

Test Your Knowledge

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

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