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 1:25KJV
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1 Kings 1:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:25 mean?

1 Kings 1:25 describes how Adonijah has hosted a large feast, sacrificing many animals and inviting the king’s sons, military leaders, and the priest Abiathar, where they publicly declare him as king. This is reported as part of Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne while King David is still alive.

Nathan the prophet is speaking to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, explaining the seriousness of Adonijah’s actions. The verse highlights that Adonijah is gathering support from influential people and making a public show of being crowned, which is a direct challenge to David’s intended successor, Solomon.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:25

  • "Slain" (זָבַח, zāvaḥ): This word means to offer a sacrifice, not just to kill. Adonijah’s feast is presented as a religious ceremony, giving his claim to the throne a sense of legitimacy.
  • "Abundance" (רֹב, rov): The word means a great quantity, emphasizing the scale of the celebration and the resources Adonijah is using to impress and win over supporters.
  • "Save" (חָיָה, ḥāyāh): This word is often used in the phrase “Long live the king!” The people at the feast are openly proclaiming Adonijah as king, not just celebrating but giving him royal honor.

Why 1 Kings 1:25 matters

  • This verse shows that Adonijah is not acting in secret; he is making a bold, public move to become king, which would have been seen as a direct threat to Solomon and David’s wishes.
  • The mention of key figures like Abiathar the priest and the king’s sons reveals that Adonijah has significant backing, making his claim to the throne more serious.
  • Understanding the sacrificial feast as a religious-political event helps clarify why Nathan and Bathsheba are so alarmed and why immediate action is necessary to secure Solomon’s succession.

Where else these words appear

“cattle” Hebrew H4806 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
  • 1 Kings 1:19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.
  • Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

“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 1:24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?
  • 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.

“Abiathar” Hebrew H54 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 2 Samuel 15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
  • 1 Kings 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

“oxen” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.