1 Kings 1:16
1 Kings 1:16 in Multiple Translations
And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?”
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
And Bath-sheba went down on her face on the earth before the king giving him honour. And he said, What is your desire?
Bathsheba bowed low in respect. He asked her, “What is it that you want?”
And Bath-sheba bowed and made obeisance vnto the King. And the King saide, What is thy matter?
and Bath-Sheba boweth and doth obeisance to the king, and the king saith, 'What — to thee?'
Bathsheba bowed and showed respect to the king. The king said, “What would you like?”
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance to the king. And the king said, What wouldst thou?
Bethsabee bowed herself, and worshipped the king. And the king said to her: What is thy will?
Bathsheba bowed very low in front of the king, and the king asked her, “What do you want?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:16
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 1:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקֹּ֣ד
בַּת
שֶׁ֔בַע
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
לַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
מַה
לָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/תִּקֹּ֣ד
qâdad
H6915
to bow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּת
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
N-proper
שֶׁ֔בַע
Bath-Shebaʻ
H1339
Bathsheba
Adj
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fs
לַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לָּֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:16
וַ/תִּקֹּ֣ד
qâdad
H6915
"to bow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
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.
שֶׁ֔בַע
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.
וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
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.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָּֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:16
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:16
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:16
Context — Nathan and Bathsheba before David
14Then, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words.”
15So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.
16And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?”
17“My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ 18But now, behold, Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, do not know it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:23 | When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 24:8 | After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 20:41 | When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. |
| 4 | Matthew 20:21 | “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” |
| 5 | Matthew 20:32 | Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. |
| 6 | Esther 7:2 | and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” |
| 7 | 1 Kings 2:20 | “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.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 1:23 | So the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king. |
1 Kings 1:16 Summary
In this verse, Bathsheba shows respect to King David by bowing down to him, and King David asks her what she wants, showing that he values her thoughts. This is an important moment in the story, as it sets the stage for Bathsheba to remind King David of his promise to make Solomon king, as seen in Second Samuel 7:12-13. We can learn from Bathsheba's example by being respectful and humble in our interactions with others, and by being willing to listen to and value their thoughts, as seen in James 1:19 where it says to 'be quick to listen, slow to speak'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bathsheba bow down in homage to King David?
Bathsheba bowed down in homage to King David as a sign of respect and submission, recognizing his authority as the king, similar to how people showed respect to kings in other parts of the Bible, such as in First Samuel 24:8 where David bowed down to King Saul.
What can we learn from King David's question to Bathsheba?
King David's question to Bathsheba, 'What is your desire?', shows that he values her thoughts and opinions, and is willing to listen to her, which is an important aspect of leadership, as seen in the book of Proverbs 11:14 where it says that 'where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety'.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the chapter, as it sets the stage for Bathsheba's conversation with King David about who will succeed him as king, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to David in Second Samuel 7:12-13.
What can we learn from Bathsheba's actions in this verse?
Bathsheba's actions in this verse show that she is a humble and respectful person, who is willing to submit to authority, which is an important characteristic for Christians to have, as seen in Ephesians 5:21 where it says to 'submit to one another out of reverence for Christ'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show respect and submission to those in authority over me, like Bathsheba did in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a listening ear, like King David did in this verse, in my relationships with others?
- What are some desires that I have that I can bring before God, like Bathsheba did in this verse, and trust that He will hear and answer them?
- How can I balance humility and confidence, like Bathsheba did in this verse, when interacting with others?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:16
And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance to the king,.... Not only as being her husband, but her sovereign; and this behaviour might intimate, that she had something to say to him, and more than to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:16
Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:16
1 Kings 1:16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?Ver. 16. What wouldest thou?] Heb., What to thee? q.d., I am ready to hearken to thee. She had been a good wife to him, and knew how to command him by obeying him, as Livia did Augustus, and much better. For Livia, notwithstanding her smooth carriage toward her husband, is foully slandered, if she were not over familiar with Eudemus her physician, and if she did not at his death help to set him going, lest he should alter his will, and put her son Tiberius beside the empire. But good Bathsheba was none such. Plin. Eutrop.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:16
16. bowed and did obeisance] After the fashion of Orientals in the presence of a monarch.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:16
Bath-sheba bowed, like the woman of Tekoah 2 Samuel 14:4, with the humble prostration of a suppliant. Hence, the king’s question, “What wouldest thou?”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:16
16. Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance — Though the wife of his fondest love, she is careful to observe the etiquette of those who appear in the royal presence. Nathan the prophet shows the same respect and reverence.
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Self-Exaltation and Humility by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others. He encourages the congregation to have a humble attitude and to be willing to serve, rather t |
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Prayer-03 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a missionary who had to travel to a distant city to collect money for a hospital. On their way back through a dangerous area, the |
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Homily 66 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of two blind men who cried out to Jesus for mercy as He passed by. Despite being rebuked, their enduring faith and earnestness led to their he |
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What Is Thy Petition, and It Shall Be Granted Thee: by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound connection between Esther and King Ahasuerus, illustrating how a noble character can awaken a higher nature within others. He draws parallels to |