1 Kings 1:43 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:43 mean?

1 Kings 1:43 reports that Jonathan tells Adonijah the news that King David has officially made Solomon king. This statement means that the authority to rule has been given to Solomon by David, not to Adonijah, despite Adonijah’s earlier attempt to claim the throne for himself.

Jonathan, who is the son of the priest Abiathar, is speaking directly to Adonijah, who had gathered supporters to make himself king while David was still alive. In this moment, Jonathan brings a clear and decisive message: David, the current king, has chosen Solomon as his successor. This announcement changes the situation for Adonijah and his followers, making it clear that their plans have been overtaken by David’s official decision.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:43

• "Verily" (אָמְנָם, ’omnam) is a word that means "truly" or "certainly," emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of Jonathan’s message. It signals that what follows is not a rumor or a possibility, but a definite fact.
• "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh) and "to make king" (מָלַךְ, malakh) both appear in this verse. The first refers to the title or office, while the second is the action of installing someone as king. The use of both words highlights the official transfer of royal authority from David to Solomon.

Why 1 Kings 1:43 matters

• This verse clarifies that the true royal authority comes from David’s decision, not from Adonijah’s self-appointment, which is a key turning point in the story.
• The use of the word "verily" shows that Jonathan is not just passing along gossip; he is delivering an official and trustworthy report.
• The verse connects to the larger narrative by marking the moment when Solomon’s kingship becomes public and recognized, setting the stage for the events that follow in the rest of the chapter.