King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:19 Mean?

1 Kings 2:19 in the King James Version says “Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.”

1 Kings 2:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.

18

And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.

19

Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.

20

Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.

21

And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.

Read 1 Kings 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, 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 · 24 words
וַתָּבֹ֤א1 of 24

“therefore went”

H935

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

בַת2 of 24
H0
שֶׁ֙בַע֙3 of 24

“Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

אֶל4 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ5 of 24

“And the king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה6 of 24

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְדַבֶּר7 of 24

“to speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

ל֖וֹ8 of 24
H0
עַל9 of 24
H5921

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

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֑הוּ10 of 24

“unto him for Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

וַיָּקָם֩11 of 24

“rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ12 of 24

“And the king”

H4428

a king

לִקְרָאתָ֜הּ13 of 24

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֣חוּ14 of 24

“her and bowed”

H7812

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

לָ֗הּ15 of 24
H0
וַתֵּ֖שֶׁב16 of 24

“and she sat”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל17 of 24
H5921

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

כִּסֵּא֙18 of 24

“and caused a seat”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וַיָּ֤שֶׂם19 of 24

“to be set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

כִּסֵּא֙20 of 24

“and caused a seat”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

לְאֵ֣ם21 of 24

“mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ22 of 24

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַתֵּ֖שֶׁב23 of 24

“and she sat”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לִֽימִינֽוֹ׃24 of 24

“on his right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:9Leviticus 19:32Psalms 110:11 Kings 15:13Leviticus 19:3Exodus 20:12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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