King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:7 Mean?

1 Kings 2:7 in the King James Version says “But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.”

1 Kings 2:7 · KJV

Context

5

Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. shed: Heb. put

6

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.

7

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

8

And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. grievous: Heb. strong

9

Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

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.

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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
וְלִבְנֵ֨י1 of 16

“unto the 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

בַרְזִלַּ֤י2 of 16

“of Barzillai”

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

הַגִּלְעָדִי֙3 of 16

“the Gileadite”

H1569

a giladite or descendant of gilad

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה4 of 16

“But shew”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חֶ֔סֶד5 of 16

“kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וְהָי֖וּ6 of 16
H1961

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

בְּאֹֽכְלֵ֣י7 of 16

“and let them be of those that eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑ךָ8 of 16

“at thy table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

כִּי9 of 16
H3588

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

כֵן֙10 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָֽרְב֣וּ11 of 16

“for so they came”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלַ֔י12 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּבָרְחִ֕י13 of 16

“to me when I fled”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

מִפְּנֵ֖י14 of 16

“because”

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

אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם15 of 16

“of Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אָחִֽיךָ׃16 of 16

“thy brother”

H251

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

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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 17:27-292 Samuel 9:72 Samuel 9:102 Samuel 19:31-40Luke 22:28-30Proverbs 27:10

Places in This Verse

Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
View all places in 1 Kings 2 →

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