King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:9 Mean?

1 Kings 1:9 in the King James Version says “And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethr... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 1:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

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 · 23 words
וַיִּזְבַּ֣ח1 of 23

slew

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֗הוּ2 of 23

And Adonijah

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

צֹ֤אן3 of 23

sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבָקָר֙4 of 23

and oxen

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וּמְרִ֔יא5 of 23

and fat cattle

H4806

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

עִ֚ם6 of 23
H5973

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

אֶ֣בֶן7 of 23

by the stone

H68

a stone

הַזֹּחֶ֔לֶת8 of 23

of Zoheleth

H2120

zocheleth, a boundary stone in. palestine

אֲשֶׁר9 of 23
H834

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

אֵ֖צֶל10 of 23

which is by

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

עֵ֣ין11 of 23
H0
רֹגֵ֑ל12 of 23

Enrogel

H5883

en-rogel, a place near jerusalem

וַיִּקְרָ֗א13 of 23

and called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת14 of 23
H853

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

כָּל15 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶחָיו֙16 of 23

all his brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בְּנֵ֣י17 of 23

sons

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃18 of 23

the king's

H4428

a king

וּלְכָל19 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֥י20 of 23
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְהוּדָ֖ה21 of 23

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עַבְדֵ֥י22 of 23

servants

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃23 of 23

the king's

H4428

a king


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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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