1 Kings 1:12
1 Kings 1:12 in Multiple Translations
Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon.
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
So now, let me make a suggestion, so that you may keep your life safe and the life of your son Solomon.
Let me give you some advice so you can save your life, and that of your son Solomon.
Now therefore come, and I will now giue thee counsell, howe to saue thine owne life, and the life of thy sonne Salomon.
and now, come, let me counsel thee, I pray thee, and deliver thy life, and the life of thy son Solomon;
Now therefore come, please let me give you counsel, that you may save your own life and your son Solomon’s life.
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thy own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
Now then come, take my counsel and save thy life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
So if you want to save yourself and your son Solomon from being killed, allow me to tell you what you should do.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
לְכִ֛י
אִיעָצֵ֥/ךְ
נָ֖א
עֵצָ֑ה
וּ/מַלְּטִי֙
אֶת
נַפְשֵׁ֔/ךְ
וְ/אֶת
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
בְּנֵ֖/ךְ
שְׁלֹמֹֽה
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לְכִ֛י
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אִיעָצֵ֥/ךְ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-1cs | Suff
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
עֵצָ֑ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs
וּ/מַלְּטִי֙
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַפְשֵׁ֔/ךְ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
בְּנֵ֖/ךְ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
שְׁלֹמֹֽה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:12
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
לְכִ֛י
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אִיעָצֵ֥/ךְ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
עֵצָ֑ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
וּ/מַלְּטִי֙
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2fs
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַפְשֵׁ֔/ךְ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּנֵ֖/ךְ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שְׁלֹמֹֽה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:12
Context — Nathan and Bathsheba before David
10But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.
11Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it?
12Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon.
13Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ 14Then, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:14 | For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. |
| 2 | Acts 27:31 | But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.” |
| 3 | Genesis 19:17 | As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:22 | Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 1:21 | Otherwise, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be counted as criminals.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 27:9 | Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 22:10 | When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs of the house of Judah. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 21:4 | When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel. |
| 9 | Proverbs 20:18 | Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. |
| 10 | Judges 9:5 | He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself. |
1 Kings 1:12 Summary
This verse shows how Nathan, a prophet, advised Bathsheba to save her own life and the life of her son Solomon because Adonijah's actions posed a threat to them. Nathan's words were urgent and wise, and he encouraged Bathsheba to take action to protect herself and her son. This situation reminds us that God is always working out His plans, even when things seem uncertain, as seen in (Jeremiah 29:11) and (Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking wise counsel, we can navigate challenging situations and find protection in Him, just like Bathsheba and Solomon did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nathan urge Bathsheba to save her own life and the life of her son Solomon?
Nathan advised Bathsheba to save their lives because Adonijah's ascension to the throne posed a threat to their well-being, as seen in similar situations in the Bible, such as when Athaliah sought to destroy all the royal heirs in 2 Kings 8:1-6 and 11:1-3.
What was Nathan's role in this situation, and why was he helping Bathsheba?
As a prophet, Nathan was fulfilling his role as a spiritual advisor to the king and his household, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:1-17, where he corrected King David's plans to build the temple.
How did Nathan know about Adonijah's actions, and why did he choose to inform Bathsheba?
The Bible does not explicitly state how Nathan knew about Adonijah's actions, but as a prophet, he may have received this information through divine revelation, and he chose to inform Bathsheba because she was the mother of Solomon, who was the rightful heir to the throne, as promised by God in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10.
What was the significance of saving Solomon's life in this context?
Saving Solomon's life was crucial because he was the chosen successor of King David, as stated in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, and God had plans to establish his kingdom, as seen in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you felt threatened or in danger, and how did God provide for you?
- How can you apply Nathan's wisdom and urgency in advising Bathsheba to your own life, especially in situations where you need to take bold action?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of seeking wise counsel and advice from spiritual leaders, like Nathan?
- How does this verse illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and protection over His people, as seen in Psalms 121:7-8?
- In what ways can you trust God to work out His plans for your life, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:12
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel,.... How to conduct in this affair, which she being a woman, and no doubt surprised and confounded at this relation, might be at a loss what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:12
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
For he will never reckon himself safe till his competitor and his friends be taken out of the way.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
1 Kings 1:12 Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.Ver. 12. That thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.] Which the usurper will surely take away if he carry the crown; not suffering any such rub to lie in the way, that may hinder the true running of his bowl.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
(12) The life of . . . Solomon.—The usurpation of Adonijah would, as a matter of course, be sealed by the blood of his rival Solomon. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 21:4.) Bath-sheba herself need hardly have been sacrificed; but her position of favour with David would excite jealousy, and Solomon, being still young, might well be thought only an instrument in her hands.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
Verse 12. Save thine own life, and the life of thy son] Nathan took for granted that Adonijah would put both Bath-sheba and Solomon to death as state criminals, if he got established on the throne. O cursed lust of rule! a father will destroy his son, a son depose his father, and a brother murder a brother, in order to obtain a crown! At this time the monarchy of Israel was unsettled; no man knew who was to succeed to the crown, and the minds of the people were as unsettled as the succession. I have examined both systems, and find that, with all its alleged disadvantages, hereditary monarchy has a high balance of evidence in its favour beyond that which is elective, and is every way more safe for the state and more secure for the subject.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:12
12. save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon] Because it has ever been the policy of an Oriental usurper, as soon as ever he had power enough, to put out of the way those who were likely to oppose him, and so make his throne more secure.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:12
It would have been in accordance with general Eastern custom for Solomon to suffer death, if Adonijah had succeeded in his attempt. But to have executed his mother also would have been an unusual severity.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:12
12. Save thine own life — If Adonijah became king, he would doubtless, according to the barbarous custom of Oriental monarchs, destroy all persons suspected of claiming a title to the kingdom, and
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Young Man's Attitude Towards Women by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the loss of innocence and beauty in our culture. He laments how the simple act of touching hands can no longer evoke a sense of awe and excite |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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(Basics) 70. Proving God's Perfect Will(3) by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to find the perfect will of God for our lives. They emphasize that in the new covenant age, God primarily speaks to us through our renewed |
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Blowing Up Your House by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of analyzing and learning from the stories in the Bible, even those with unhappy endings. He emphasizes the need to seek truth |
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What Is the True Nature of the Local Church by Ralph Sutera | The video discusses the topic of world evangelism and the three ways to witness to the world: love, unity, and joy. The speaker emphasizes that these are the only three ways God ha |
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The Lord Has Need of Them by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the life and testimony of a woman who lived a good life and passed away. He emphasizes the importance of following in the footsteps of Chri |
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Peacemakers by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of tailoring the message of the word of God to different cultures. He mentions the Prosperity Code and extremism in America, c |