Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?

1 KINGS 1:11KJV
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1 Kings 1:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:11 mean?

1 Kings 1:11 describes how Nathan the prophet went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, to warn her that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, had made himself king without David’s knowledge. Nathan is alerting Bathsheba to a serious situation that threatens Solomon’s future.

Nathan is speaking privately to Bathsheba because King David is old and unaware that Adonijah has taken steps to claim the throne. The verse shows the urgency and secrecy of the situation, as Nathan involves Bathsheba to help protect Solomon’s rightful place as David’s successor. This moment sets in motion the events that will lead to Solomon becoming king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:11

  • "Reign" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This word means to act as king or to rule. Nathan’s use of this word signals that Adonijah is not just planning but is already behaving as if he is king, which makes the situation urgent.
  • "Knoweth" (יָדַע, yada‘): This verb means to know or be aware. Nathan points out that David, the current king, is completely unaware of Adonijah’s actions, highlighting the danger and the need for immediate intervention.

Why 1 Kings 1:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Adonijah’s attempt to become king is happening without David’s consent or knowledge, which is a direct challenge to the established line of succession.
  • The verse shows Nathan’s wisdom and loyalty, as he acts quickly to protect Solomon’s claim and to involve Bathsheba, who has a personal stake in the outcome.
  • 1 Kings 1:11 sets the stage for the political drama that follows, explaining why Bathsheba and Nathan work together to approach David and secure Solomon’s future.

Where else these words appear

“Haggith” Hebrew H2294 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
  • 1 Kings 1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
  • 1 Kings 2:13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

“Bathsheba” Hebrew H1339 · used in 11 verses

  • 2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
  • 1 Kings 1:16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
  • 1 Kings 2:13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

“Adonijah” Hebrew H138 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
  • 1 Kings 1:25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.

“Nathan” Hebrew H5416 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
  • 1 Kings 1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,