King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:46 Mean?

1 Kings 2:46 in the King James Version says “So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.”

1 Kings 2:46 · King James Version

Context

44

The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;

45

And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.

46

So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְצַ֣ו1 of 14

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ2 of 14

“So the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

בְּנָיָ֙הוּ֙4 of 14

“Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶּן5 of 14

“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

יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע6 of 14

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וַיֵּצֵ֕א7 of 14

“which went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיִּפְגַּע8 of 14

“and fell”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בּ֖וֹ9 of 14
H0
וַיָּמֹ֑ת10 of 14

“upon him that he died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְהַמַּמְלָכָ֥ה11 of 14

“And the kingdom”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

נָכ֖וֹנָה12 of 14

“was established”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

בְּיַד13 of 14

“in the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃14 of 14

“of Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

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 2:46 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 2:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 1:11 Kings 2:121 Kings 2:45Proverbs 29:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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