King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:20 Mean?

1 Kings 2:20 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 2:20 · KJV


Context

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.

22

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיֹּֽאמֶר1 of 21

Then she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁאֵלָ֨ה2 of 21

petition

H7596

a petition; by implication, a loan

אַחַ֤ת3 of 21

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

קְטַנָּה֙4 of 21

small

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

אָֽנֹכִי֙5 of 21
H595

i

שַֽׁאֲלִ֣י6 of 21

I desire

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֵֽאִתָּ֔ךְ7 of 21
H853

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

אַל8 of 21
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

אָשִׁ֖יב9 of 21

for I will not say

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת10 of 21
H853

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

פָּנָֽיִךְ׃11 of 21

me

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיֹּֽאמֶר12 of 21

Then she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֤הּ13 of 21
H0
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙14 of 21

And the king

H4428

a king

שַֽׁאֲלִ֣י15 of 21

I desire

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אִמִּ֔י16 of 21

my mother

H517

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

כִּ֥י17 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא18 of 21
H3808

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

אָשִׁ֖יב19 of 21

for I will not say

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת20 of 21
H853

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

פָּנָֽיִךְ׃21 of 21

me

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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