1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 31
Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקֹּ֨ד
bowed
H6915
וַתִּקֹּ֨ד
bowed
Strong's:
H6915
Word #:
1 of 13
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
אַפַּ֙יִם֙
with her face
H639
אַפַּ֙יִם֙
with her face
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and did reverence
H7812
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and did reverence
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
6 of 13
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
יְחִ֗י
live
H2421
יְחִ֗י
live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
9 of 13
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Cross References
Daniel 2:4Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.Daniel 3:9They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.Nehemiah 2:3And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?Daniel 6:21Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.Daniel 6:6Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.Daniel 5:10Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
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
Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
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.