1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 21
Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֕ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֕ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּשְׁכַ֥ב
shall sleep
H7901
כִּשְׁכַ֥ב
shall sleep
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
2 of 11
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
אֲדֹנִֽי
Otherwise it shall come to pass when my lord
H113
אֲדֹנִֽי
Otherwise it shall come to pass when my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
3 of 11
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֑יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְהָיִ֗יתִי
H1961
וְהָיִ֗יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּבְנִ֥י
that I and my son
H1121
וּבְנִ֥י
that I and my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:16And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.1 Kings 2:10So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.
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.