1 Kings 1:15
1 Kings 1:15 in Multiple Translations
So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.
¶ And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.
And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering unto the king.
Then Bath-sheba went into the king's room; now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was waiting on him.
So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old and Abishag was looking after him.
So Bath-sheba went in vnto the King into the chamber, and the King was verie olde, and Abishag the Shunammite ministred vnto ye King.
And Bath-Sheba cometh in unto the king, to the inner chamber, and the king [is] very aged, and Abishag the Shunammite is serving the king:
Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.
And Bath-sheba went to the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunamite ministered to the king.
So Bethsabee went in to the king into the chamber: now the king was very old, and Abisag the Sunamitess ministered to him.
So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag was taking care of him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:15
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 1:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תָּבֹ֨א
בַת
שֶׁ֤בֶע
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
הַ/חַ֔דְרָ/ה
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
זָקֵ֣ן
מְאֹ֑ד
וַֽ/אֲבִישַׁג֙
הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
מְשָׁרַ֖ת
אֶת
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/תָּבֹ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַת
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
N-proper
שֶׁ֤בֶע
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הַ/חַ֔דְרָ/ה
cheder
H2315
chamber
Art | N-ms | Suff
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | Art | N-ms
זָקֵ֣ן
zâqên
H2204
be old
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וַֽ/אֲבִישַׁג֙
ʼĂbîyshag
H49
Abishag
Conj | N-proper
הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
Shunammites
Art | Ngfsa
מְשָׁרַ֖ת
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:15
וַ/תָּבֹ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בַת
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
"Bathsheba"
N-proper
Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon and wife of King David and Uriah. Her name means daughter of an oath, and she is also called Bath-shua. She is mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.11.3; daughter of: Eliam (H0463); married to David (H1732) and Uriah (H0223A); mother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416) and Solomon (H8010); also called Bath-shua at 1Ch.3.5; Also named: bat-shu.a (בַּת־שׁוּעַ "Bath-shua" H1340) § Bath-sheba = "daughter of an oath" the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Bath-sheba. See also: 2 Samuel 11:3; 1 Kings 1:28; Psalms 51:2.
שֶׁ֤בֶע
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
"Bathsheba"
N-proper
Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon and wife of King David and Uriah. Her name means daughter of an oath, and she is also called Bath-shua. She is mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.11.3; daughter of: Eliam (H0463); married to David (H1732) and Uriah (H0223A); mother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416) and Solomon (H8010); also called Bath-shua at 1Ch.3.5; Also named: bat-shu.a (בַּת־שׁוּעַ "Bath-shua" H1340) § Bath-sheba = "daughter of an oath" the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Bath-sheba. See also: 2 Samuel 11:3; 1 Kings 1:28; Psalms 51:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הַ/חַ֔דְרָ/ה
cheder
H2315
"chamber"
Art | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a private room or chamber, often the innermost part of a building. It is used in the Bible to describe a private space, like a bedroom or a parlour. The KJV translates it as 'inner chamber'.
Definition: chamber, room, parlour, innermost or inward part, within
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: ((bed) inner) chamber, innermost(-ward) part, parlour, [phrase] south, [idiom] within. See also: Genesis 43:30; 2 Chronicles 18:24; Psalms 105:30.
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
זָקֵ֣ן
zâqên
H2204
"be old"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַֽ/אֲבִישַׁג֙
ʼĂbîyshag
H49
"Abishag"
Conj | N-proper
Abishag was a young woman who took care of King David in his old age. Her name means my father is a wanderer, and she is mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3 as a beautiful nurse. Abishag played an important role in David's life.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Abishag = "my father is a wanderer" David's beautiful young nurse
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Abishag. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:17; 1 Kings 2:22.
הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
"Shunammites"
Art | Ngfsa
A Shunammitess was a woman from the city of Shunem, a place in Issachar. The Shunammite is first mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3, referring to a female inhabitant of this city.
Definition: People descended from Shunam(?), first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Shunammite, of Shunen "double resting place" an inhabitant of Shunem
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Shunamite. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:22; 2 Kings 4:36.
מְשָׁרַ֖ת
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
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.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:15
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:15
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:15
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:15
Context — Nathan and Bathsheba before David
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.”
15So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.
16And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” 17“My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 1:1 | Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. |
1 Kings 1:15 Summary
This verse shows us that King David was very old and needed help, even in his personal life, which is why Abishag was serving him. Bathsheba went to talk to the king in his bedroom to remind him of a promise he made to her, as we see in 1 Kings 1:13. This situation teaches us about the importance of planning for the future and taking care of one another, as encouraged in Psalm 71:9 and Isaiah 46:4. By looking at King David's life, we can learn valuable lessons about leadership, family, and faith, as also seen in Proverbs 22:1 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abishag the Shunammite serving King David?
Abishag's role in serving King David highlights the king's old age and physical limitations, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:15, and may also symbolize the transfer of royal authority, as seen in similar contexts like Genesis 24:2 and Ruth 3:6.
Why did Bathsheba go to see King David in his bedroom?
Bathsheba went to see King David in his bedroom to remind him of his promise to make Solomon king, as instructed by Nathan in 1 Kings 1:13, and to secure the throne for her son, as also seen in the actions of Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:5-10.
What can we learn from King David's physical state in this verse?
King David's old age, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:15, serves as a reminder of the natural cycle of life and the importance of planning for the future, as emphasized in Proverbs 27:24 and Psalm 39:4-5.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of succession in the Bible?
The theme of succession, as seen in 1 Kings 1:15, is a common one in the Bible, with examples like Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 and Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:9-15, highlighting the importance of leadership transition and the need for wise planning.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of planning for the future, as seen in King David's situation, to my own life?
- How can I, like Bathsheba, trust in God's sovereignty and timing when faced with uncertain circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 27:14 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of honoring and caring for the elderly, as also seen in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:32?
- In what ways can I, like Abishag, serve others selflessly and with humility, as exemplified in Matthew 20:26-28 and Philippians 2:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:15
And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber,.... Where he lay, being bedridden; she took Nathan's advice, and directly went to the king's apartment: and the king was very old: and decrepit,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:15
Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:15
1 Kings 1:15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.Ver. 15. And the king was very old.] Yet little more than half so old as a plain countryman whom I spoke with yesterday, being May 15, A.D. 1656, at Stratford-upon-Avon, who assured me, and gave good proof of it, that he was a hundred and twenty-eight of age, being born A.D. 1527. He is still hearty and healthy, living at Bedworth in Warwickshire, Thomas Egerton by name.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:15
15–21. Bath-sheba before King David (Not in Chronicles) 15. and the king was very old] This sentence is in explanation why Bath-sheba went into the bedchamber of the king. David was too feeble to go forth, and those who would see him must come there for audience.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:15
Into the chamber - The “bed-chamber” or “inner chamber.” Abishag was a disinterested witness present, who heard all that Bath-sheba said to David.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:15
15. Into the chamber — Into the bedchamber, where, on account of his age and infirmities, the king was obliged to keep himself.
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joab, Abiathar, and Adonijah by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of wickedness and self-promotion. He begins by describing the actions of those who engage in evil deeds, using the metaphor of wet |