King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:8 Mean?

1 Kings 1:8 in the King James Version says “But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men w...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 1:8 · KJV

Context

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

10

But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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 · 16 words
וְצָד֣וֹק1 of 16

“But Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַ֠כֹּהֵן2 of 16

“the priest”

H3548

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

וּבְנָיָ֨הוּ3 of 16

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶן4 of 16

“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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֜ע5 of 16

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וְנָתָ֤ן6 of 16

“and Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִיא֙7 of 16

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וְשִׁמְעִ֣י8 of 16

“and Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

וְרֵעִ֔י9 of 16

“and Rei”

H7472

rei, an israelite

וְהַגִּבּוֹרִ֖ים10 of 16

“and the mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְדָוִ֑ד12 of 16

“which belonged to David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֹ֥א13 of 16
H3808

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

הָי֖וּ14 of 16
H1961

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

עִם15 of 16
H5973

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

אֲדֹֽנִיָּֽהוּ׃16 of 16

“were not with 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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 4:182 Samuel 20:252 Samuel 23:8-39Zechariah 12:132 Samuel 8:17-182 Samuel 7:2-4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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