1 Kings 1:16 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Bathsheba bowed down and showed deep respect to the king. The king asked her, 'What do you want?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse shows Bathsheba approaching the aging King David with proper respect and him asking what she needs from him.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative of 1 Kings, King David is elderly and facing a crisis of succession, as his son Adonijah has attempted to seize the throne. Bathsheba, David's wife and Solomon's mother, enters the king's presence to remind him of his promise that Solomon would succeed him, following the advice of the prophet Nathan. This scene illustrates the cultural expectation in ancient Israel for subjects to show profound respect and submission to the monarch, even in urgent matters.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Kings 1:31

Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, showing respect to the king, and said, 'May my lord King David live forever.'

1 Kings 2:19

So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him about Adonijah's request. When the king saw her coming, he stood up to greet her and bowed down to show her respect. Then he sat back down on his throne and had a special seat brought for his mother, and she sat down at his right side.

1 Kings 1:28

Then King David responded and said, 'Bring Bathsheba to me.' So she came before the king and stood in his presence.

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📚 Historical Context

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