1 Kings 1:2

1 Kings 1:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”

King James Version KJV

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

American Standard Version ASV

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So his servants said to him, Let search be made for a young virgin for my lord the king, to take care of him and be waiting on him; and you may take her in your arms, and so my lord the king will be warm.

Free Bible Version FBV

So his officials suggested, “Let a search be made on behalf of Your Majesty for a young virgin to serve you and look after you. She can lie next to you and keep you warm.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherefore his seruants saide vnto him, Let there be sought for my lord ye King a yong virgin, and let her stand before the king, and cherish him: and let her lie in thy bosome, that my lord the King may get heate.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and his servants say to him, 'Let them seek for my lord the king a young woman, a virgin, and she hath stood before the king, and is to him a companion, and hath lain in thy bosom, and my lord the king hath heat.'

World English Bible WEB

Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young virgin be sought for my lord the king. Let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Wherefore his servants said to him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

His servants therefore said to him: Let us seek for our lord the king, a young virgin, and let her stand before the king, and cherish him, and sleep in his bosom, and warm our lord the king.

Translation for Translators T4T

So they said to him, “Your Majesty, allow us to search for a young virgin who can stay with you and take care of you. She can sleep close to you and enable you to become warm.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:2

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 1:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֧אמְרוּ ל֣/וֹ עֲבָדָ֗י/ו יְבַקְשׁ֞וּ לַ/אדֹנִ֤/י הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ נַעֲרָ֣ה בְתוּלָ֔ה וְ/עָֽמְדָה֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וּ/תְהִי ל֖/וֹ סֹכֶ֑נֶת וְ/שָׁכְבָ֣ה בְ/חֵיקֶ֔/ךָ וְ/חַ֖ם לַ/אדֹנִ֥/י הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ

וַ/יֹּ֧אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

ל֣/וֹ Prep | Suff

עֲבָדָ֗י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

יְבַקְשׁ֞וּ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Imperf-3mp

לַ/אדֹנִ֤/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord Prep | N-ms | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

נַעֲרָ֣ה naʻărâh H5291 maiden N-fs

בְתוּלָ֔ה bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin N-fs

וְ/עָֽמְדָה֙ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-3fs

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

וּ/תְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3fs

ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff

סֹכֶ֑נֶת çâkan H5532 be useful V-Qal

וְ/שָׁכְבָ֣ה shâkab H7901 to lie down Conj | V-Qal-3fs

בְ/חֵיקֶ֔/ךָ chêyq H2436 bosom Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/חַ֖ם châmam H2552 to warm Conj | V-Qal-3ms

לַ/אדֹנִ֥/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord Prep | N-ms | Suff

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:2

וַ/יֹּ֧אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֣/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

עֲבָדָ֗י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

יְבַקְשׁ֞וּ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

לַ/אדֹנִ֤/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

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.

נַעֲרָ֣ה naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" N-fs

A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.

Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.

בְתוּלָ֔ה bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" N-fs

A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.

Definition: virgin

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.

וְ/עָֽמְדָה֙ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

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.

וּ/תְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

סֹכֶ֑נֶת çâkan H5532 "be useful" V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to be useful or serve someone, like a steward helping their master. It appears in various forms, including being profitable or customary. In the Bible, it is used to describe being of benefit to others.

Definition: 1) to be of use or service or profit or benefit 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be of use or service 1a2) servitor, steward (participle) 1a3) to benefit, profit 1b) (Hiphil) to be used, be wont, exhibit use or habit, show harmony with, be familiar with, know intimately

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: acquaint (self), be advantage, [idiom] ever, (be, (un-)) profit(-able), treasurer, be wont. See also: Numbers 22:30; Job 22:21; Psalms 139:3.

וְ/שָׁכְבָ֣ה shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

בְ/חֵיקֶ֔/ךָ chêyq H2436 "bosom" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.

Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.

וְ/חַ֖ם châmam H2552 "to warm" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This Hebrew word means to warm or heat something, like in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers warm water to wash feet. It can also describe strong emotions, like passion or desire.

Definition: 1) to be hot, become warm 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow warm 1a2) of passion (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to become aroused, inflame oneself with 1c) (Piel) to warm 1d) (Hithpael) to warm oneself

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: enflame self, get (have) heat, be (wax) hot, (be, wax) warm (self, at). See also: Exodus 16:21; Ecclesiastes 4:11; Psalms 39:4.

לַ/אדֹנִ֥/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

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 1:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 1:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:2
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:2
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:2

Context — Abishag Cares for David

1Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.

2So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”

3Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. 4The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ecclesiastes 4:11	Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
2	Genesis 16:5	Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.”
3	Micah 7:5	Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.
4	1 Samuel 16:21–22	When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”
5	2 Samuel 12:3	but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.
6	Deuteronomy 13:6	If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known,
7	Deuteronomy 10:8	At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.
8	2 Chronicles 29:11	Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

1 Kings 1:2 Summary

This verse shows that King David was very old and cold, and his servants wanted to help him by finding a young woman to care for him and keep him warm. They were trying to show kindness and compassion to their king, as we are called to do for others in need, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46. The servants' suggestion was not about romance or marriage, but about caring for King David's physical needs, similar to how we are called to care for others, as in Galatians 6:2. This reminds us to prioritize caring for others and showing them kindness, just like the servants did for King David.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David's servants suggest finding a young virgin to care for him?

The servants suggested this because King David was old and could not keep warm, as stated in 1 Kings 1:1, and they wanted to find a way to care for him and keep him warm, as seen in the suggestion to find a young virgin in 1 Kings 1:2.

What was the role of the young virgin in relation to King David?

The young virgin was to attend to King David, care for him, and lie by his side to keep him warm, as stated in 1 Kings 1:2, similar to how a wife would care for her husband, as seen in Ephesians 5:28-29.

Was the suggestion by the servants a form of polygamy or adultery?

The Bible does not explicitly state that the young virgin was to be a wife to King David, but rather to care for him and keep him warm, as in 1 Kings 1:2, and as noted in 1 Kings 1:4, King David had no relations with her, which distinguishes this situation from polygamy or adultery, as condemned in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 5:27-28.

What can we learn from King David's physical limitations in this verse?

King David's physical limitations, as seen in 1 Kings 1:1-2, remind us that our bodies are temporary and will eventually weaken, as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:16, and we should prioritize our spiritual well-being, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 4:8.

Reflection Questions

How can I care for others, especially the elderly, in a way that honors God, as seen in the servants' suggestion to care for King David?
What are some ways I can prioritize my physical and spiritual well-being, as reminded by King David's physical limitations in this verse?
How can I apply the principle of caring for others, as in 1 Kings 1:2, to my relationships with family and friends, and to those in need around me?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of compassion and kindness towards others, especially in their time of need, as seen in the servants' concern for King David?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:2

Wherefore his servants said unto him,.... His physicians; so Joseph's physicians are called his servants, Genesis 50:2; let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin; not only a young

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:2

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2

His servants; his physicians. A young virgin; whose natural heat is fresh and wholesome, and not impaired with bearing or breeding of children. The same counsel doth Galen give for the cure of some cold and dry distempers. Let her stand before the king, i.e. minister unto him, or wait upon him, (as this phrase is oft used,) in his sickness, as occasion requires. Let her lie in thy bosom, as his wife or concubine; for that she was so may appear by divers arguments. First, Otherwise this had been a wicked counsel and course; which therefore neither his servants durst have prescribed, nor would David have used, especially being now in a dying condition. And seeing this was easily prevented by his taking her for his concubine, which then was esteemed allowable, it is absurd to think that he would not choose the safer way. Secondly, That passage, , but the king knew her not, implies that the king might have had carnal knowledge of her without sin or scandal. Thirdly, it appears from this phrase of lying in his bosom, which is every where in Scripture mentioned as the privilege of a wife and concubine, as . Fourthly, This made Adonijah’ s crime, in desiring her to wife, so heinous in Solomon’ s account, because he wisely saw, that by marrying the king’ s wife he designed to revive his pretence to the kingdom, at least in case of Solomon’ s death; which pretence had been ridiculous, if she had been only the king’ s handmaid.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2

1 Kings 1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.Ver. 2. Wherefore his servants said unto him,] i.e., His physicians, his Yεραποντεςθεραπευοντες. And let her lie in thy bosom.] In a medicinal way, to work heat in thy cold body, whilst she lieth with thee as a wife or concubine: for else they would never have advised it, nor David have taken their counsel.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2

Verse 2. Let there be sought - a young virgin] This was the best remedy which in his state could be prescribed. His nearly exhausted frame would infallibly absorb from her young and healthy body an additional portion of animal heat, and consequently trim and revive the flame of animal life. This is properly, as I have elsewhere expressed it, Friar Bacon's secret for the cure of old age.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:2

2. his servants] The word, though primarily applied to those who were occupied in servile work, had come by this time to be used regularly of those who were about a royal person, and in such a position as to venture on giving him counsel. Josephus (Ant. vii. 15.3) says they were the king’s physicians. (Cf. Genesis 1:2.) Let there be sought] Literally ‘Let them seek.’ This kind of variation is frequent in the A.V. for the sake of the English; as also the personal form of a sentence, put where the Hebrew verb is impersonal. Thus the last clause in 1 Kings 1:1 is literally ‘and it grew not warm to him.’ As such literal renderings are very often noticed on the margin, no special mention will hereafter be made of them. a young virgin] This device, whereby it was thought to communicate vital heat from a young frame to an old one, was adopted by the advice of physicians long after David’s time. See Bacon, Hist. Vitœ et Mortis, Medicamina ad longævitatem 1 Kings 9:25. and let her stand before the king] This phrase is used of those who serve or minister to another. Thus Deuteronomy 1:38, Joshua the minister of Moses is said to ‘stand before him.’ It seems clear from the language of Solomon (1 Kings 2:22) that Abishag was to be counted as one of the wives of David. Polygamy was not at this time confined to kings like David and Solomon, but was practised by other Israelites, as is shewn by the history of Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:2).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:2

Since the Jewish law allowed polygamy, David’s conduct in following - what has been said to have been - physician’s advice, was blameless.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2

2. His servants — Josephus calls them his physicians. Let her cherish him — Literally, let her be to him a female nurse.

Sermons on 1 Kings 1:2

	Sermon	Description
	When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel	Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l
	Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit
	Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a
	The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 6 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees	Dr. D. Vaughan Rees shares harrowing experiences with Communists, highlighting the cruelty and brutality faced by many, including being subjected to horrific methods of execution.
	K-027 the Fear of Man by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true submission to God rather than relying on material offerings or religious ceremonies. He uses the story of Abraham bei
	Stone Him to Death! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and the dangers posed by close relationships that may lead one away from God. He draws from Deuteronomy 13:6-10, urging believe
	A Burden Under Badger Skins by Allan Halton	Allan Halton preaches on the importance of bearing one another's burdens, emphasizing the beautiful law of Christ where we carry each other's burdens, reflecting Christ's act of ca