1 Kings 2:18
1 Kings 2:18 in Multiple Translations
“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”
And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.
And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.
And Bath-sheba said, Good! I will make your request to the king.
“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will talk to the king for you.”
And Bath-sheba sayd, Well, I will speake for thee vnto the King.
And Bath-Sheba saith, 'Good; I do speak for thee unto the king.'
Bathsheba said, “All right. I will speak for you to the king.”
And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee to the king.
And Bethsabee said: Well, I will speak for thee to the king.
Bathsheba replied, “Okay, I will speak to the king for you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:18
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 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
בַּת
שֶׁ֖בַע
ט֑וֹב
אָנֹכִ֕י
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
אֶל
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּת
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
N-proper
שֶׁ֖בַע
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
Adj
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
אָנֹכִ֕י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:18
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
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.
שֶׁ֖בַע
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.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
אָנֹכִ֕י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
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/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 2:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Execution of Adonijah
16So now I have just one request of you; do not deny me.” “State your request,” she told him.
17Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”
18“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”
19So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. 20“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:15 | The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. |
1 Kings 2:18 Summary
[In this verse, Bathsheba agrees to speak to King Solomon on Adonijah's behalf, showing her kindness and respect towards him. However, as we see in the surrounding verses, Adonijah's request is not entirely pure, and King Solomon ultimately decides to have him put to death for his treachery. This teaches us the importance of being wise and discerning in our relationships, while still showing kindness and respect to those around us, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:1 and Matthew 5:44.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bathsheba agree to speak to King Solomon on Adonijah's behalf?
Bathsheba agreed to speak to King Solomon because Adonijah asked her to, and she likely wanted to maintain a positive relationship with her son's potential adversaries, as seen in other interactions between royalty and their subjects in the Bible, such as in 1 Samuel 25:23-35.
Was Bathsheba being naive or complicit in Adonijah's request?
It is unclear whether Bathsheba was fully aware of Adonijah's intentions, but as a mother of King Solomon, she may have been trying to navigate the complex web of relationships and alliances within the royal family, similar to the way Queen Esther navigated the royal court in Esther 5:1-8.
What can we learn from Bathsheba's response to Adonijah's request?
We can learn that Bathsheba was a gracious and respectful person, as seen in her willingness to listen to Adonijah and speak on his behalf, much like the apostle Paul's instruction to 'honor one another above yourselves' in Romans 12:10.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Kings 2?
This verse sets the stage for the events that unfold in 1 Kings 2:19-25, where King Solomon ultimately decides to have Adonijah put to death for his treachery, illustrating the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to God and His appointed leaders, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and kindness to those who may not have my best interests at heart, like Bathsheba did with Adonijah?
- How can I balance being gracious and respectful with being wise and discerning, especially in complex or potentially treacherous situations?
- What are some potential consequences of speaking on behalf of someone who may have ulterior motives, and how can I avoid being complicit in their schemes?
- In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of humility and respect, like Bathsheba showed in her interaction with Adonijah, in my own relationships and interactions?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:18
And Bathsheba said, well,.... Very well spoken, the thing is good and right: I will speak for thee unto the king; and use her interest with him, not seeing into his design, but pitying an unfortunate man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:18
He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:18
1 Kings 2:18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.Ver. 18. Well; I will speak for thee.] Though Bathsheba were a wise woman, grandchild to Ahithophel, yet she perceived not Adonijah’ s drift - viz., to undermine her son Solomon, and to shoulder him out of the throne. Hence she was so facile and forward to gratify him.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:18
18. I will speak for thee] Bath-sheba does not seem to have suspected Adonijah’s design, and this simplicity of hers he perhaps hoped to trade upon, and thought that his petition, coming to Solomon through her, might appear less dangerous. That she should consent to ask the king was not unnatural. ‘The damsel was very fair’ (1 Kings 1:4) and Adonijah ‘a very goodly man’ (1 Kings 1:6), and such a marriage might appear to her not unfitting.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:18
18. Well; I will speak for thee — But did not Bathsheba perceive the treasonable project hidden under Adonijah’s petition? Probably not in all its consequences.
Sermons on 1 Kings 2:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith |
|
(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
|
Introduction by J. Vyrnwy Morgan | J. Vyrnwy Morgan delves into the history and impact of revivals, emphasizing the need for discernment in evaluating their authenticity and lasting effects. He explores the various |
|
Faith and Fiction by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between faith and credulity, illustrating that while they may appear similar, their effects are fundamentally different. True faith is charact |
|
Religious News by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual edification rather than being consumed by the gossip and news-mongering prevalent in the religious world. He caution |
|
Homily 6 by Clement of Rome | Clement meets Appion in Tyre, where Appion begins to discuss the false accusations he made against the gods, claiming they were allegorical and not to be taken literally. Appion pr |