1 Kings 1:31
1 Kings 1:31 in Multiple Translations
Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
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.
Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
Then Bath-sheba went down on her face on the earth before the king giving him honour, and said, May my lord King David go on living for ever.
Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground, honoring the king and said, “May Your Majesty King David live forever.”
Then Bath-sheba bowed her face to the earth, and did reuerence vnto the King, and said, God saue my lord King Dauid for euer.
And Bath-Sheba boweth — face to the earth — and doth obeisance to the king, and saith, 'Let my lord, king David, live to the age.'
Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth and showed respect to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live forever!”
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.
And Bethsabee bowing with her face to the earth worshipped the king, saying: May my lord David live for ever.
Bathsheba knelt down with her face on the ground and said, “Your Majesty, I hope/desire that you will live for many more years [HYP]!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:31
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 1:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקֹּ֨ד
בַּת
שֶׁ֤בַע
אַפַּ֨יִם֙
אֶ֔רֶץ
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
לַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
יְחִ֗י
אֲדֹנִ֛/י
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
דָּוִ֖ד
לְ/עֹלָֽם
וַ/תִּקֹּ֨ד
qâdad
H6915
to bow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּת
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
N-proper
שֶׁ֤בַע
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
Adj
אַפַּ֨יִם֙
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fs
לַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יְחִ֗י
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
אֲדֹנִ֛/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
לְ/עֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:31
וַ/תִּקֹּ֨ד
qâdad
H6915
"to bow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
בַּת
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.
שֶׁ֤בַע
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
"Bathsheba"
Adj
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.
אַפַּ֨יִם֙
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | 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.
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
יְחִ֗י
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
אֲדֹנִ֛/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
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/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
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.
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לְ/עֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:31
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:31
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:31
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:31
Context — David Renews His Oath to Bathsheba
29And the king swore an oath, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,
30I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
31Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
32Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33“Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 2:4 | Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 2 | Daniel 5:10 | Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. |
| 3 | Daniel 3:9 | saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever! |
| 4 | Daniel 6:21 | Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! |
| 5 | Hebrews 12:9 | Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? |
| 6 | Daniel 6:6 | So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! |
| 7 | 1 Kings 1:25 | For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ |
| 8 | Esther 3:2 | All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded that this be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 2:3 | and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” |
| 10 | Matthew 21:37 | Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. |
1 Kings 1:31 Summary
This verse shows us Bathsheba's deep respect and love for King David, as she bows down and wishes him a long life. Her actions teach us about the importance of honoring those in authority over us, as seen in Romans 13:1-7. By submitting to King David, Bathsheba is also submitting to God's plan for her son Solomon to become king, as promised in 1 Kings 1:30. This reminds us to trust in God's plan and timing, even when things seem uncertain, and to show respect and gratitude to those who are in positions of authority over us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Bathsheba bowing facedown in homage to King David?
This gesture signifies great respect and submission, as seen in other biblical accounts such as in 1 Samuel 20:41 where David bowed to Jonathan, demonstrating humility and honor towards those in authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-7.
Why does Bathsheba say 'May my lord King David live forever'?
Bathsheba's statement is an expression of loyalty and devotion to King David, similar to the sentiment expressed in 1 Samuel 10:24, where the people acclaim Saul as their king, and in Psalm 72:15, where the psalmist prays for the long life of the king.
Is Bathsheba's action a sign of her faith in God's plan for Solomon's kingship?
While the verse does not explicitly state this, her actions and words are in line with the preceding conversation where King David affirms his oath to make Solomon king, as seen in 1 Kings 1:30, indicating her trust in the divine plan unfolding, similar to the trust expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the transition of power from David to Solomon?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the transition, as it follows King David's oath to make Solomon king and precedes the practical steps taken to ensure Solomon's accession, as described in 1 Kings 1:32-33, reflecting the importance of honoring and submitting to authority, as taught in Hebrews 13:7.
Reflection Questions
- What does Bathsheba's gesture of bowing facedown reveal about her character and her relationship with King David?
- How can I apply the principle of honoring authority, as seen in Bathsheba's actions, in my own life and relationships?
- What role does loyalty and devotion play in our relationships, especially in situations of transition or change, as seen in this verse?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's plan and timing, even when the future seems uncertain?
- In what ways can I express my respect and gratitude towards those in authority over me, as Bathsheba does towards King David?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:31
Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king,.... Thereby expressing her veneration of him, and thankfulness to him for his favour to her and her son, in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:31
And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:31
i.e. For a long time, as that word is oft used, as . Though I desire thy oath may be kept, and the right of succession confirmed to my son; yet I am far from thirsting after thy death for his advancement, and should rather rejoice, if it were possible for thee to live and enjoy thy crown for ever.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:31
1 Kings 1:31 Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.Ver. 31. Let my lord king David live for ever,] i.e., Let him live his utmost. Agrippina hastened her husband Claudius the emperor’ s death, that her son Nero might succeed: yea, she cried out Occidar, modo imperet. But good Bathsheba was not so hasty.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:31
31. Let my lord king David live for ever] On this common Oriental hyperbole, compare Daniel 2:4; Daniel 3:9; Daniel 5:10, &c. It was the common Eastern formula. Bath-sheba implied thereby that in her zeal for Solomon’s succession there was no desire for David’s death but only that the promise made to her concerning Solomon should not be broken.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:31
A lower and humbler obeisance than before 1 Kings 1:16. In the Assyrian sculptures ambassadors are represented with their faces actually touching the earth before the feet of the monarch.
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Olympics by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the prodigal son and relates it to the journey of a Christian. He emphasizes the importance of patience and endurance in the Chr |
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Disciplines to Maturity by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the mysterious ways in which God works and how we should trust in His grace rather than relying on our own understanding. He uses examples fr |
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(In the Word) 14 - Healing (Continued) the Word in the Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. They urge the listeners to listen to the entire series of tape |
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A Son That Brings Shame by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the word of God and traveling across the nation. He recalls a powerful encounter with a man who commended him for fe |
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An Hour With Norman Grubb by Norman Grubb | Norman Grubb explores the profound questions of life: what it is, how to live it, and why we live it, emphasizing that true humanity is found in self-forgetfulness and spontaneous |
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"All Life's Problems Are Basically Theological" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that all of life's problems are fundamentally theological, rooted in our relationship with God. He argues that understanding our origin as creations made in G |
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Your Heavenly Father by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound relationship between God and His people, who are both His creation and His adopted children through Christ. He highlights the privilege of add |