1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 27
Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?
Original Language Analysis
אִ֗ם
H518
אִ֗ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מֵאֵת֙
H853
מֵאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִֽהְיָ֖ה
done
H1961
נִֽהְיָ֖ה
done
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַדָּבָ֣ר
Is this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
Is this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הוֹדַ֙עְתָּ֙
and thou hast not shewed
H3045
הוֹדַ֙עְתָּ֙
and thou hast not shewed
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִ֗י
H4310
מִ֗י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
12 of 18
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יֵשֵׁ֛ב
who should sit
H3427
יֵשֵׁ֛ב
who should sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּסֵּ֥א
on the throne
H3678
כִּסֵּ֥א
on the throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
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
Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?
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.