1 Kings 1:23
1 Kings 1:23 in Multiple Translations
So the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king.
And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
And they said to the king, Here is Nathan the prophet. And when he came in before the king, he went down on his face on the earth.
The king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” Nathan went in to see the king. He bowed down with his face to the ground.
And they tolde the King, saying, Beholde, Nathan the Prophet. And when he was come in to the King, hee made obeisance before the King vpon his face to the ground.
and they declare to the king, saying, 'Lo, Nathan the prophet;' and he cometh in before the king, and boweth himself to the king, on his face to the earth.
They told the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet!” When he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And when he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
And they told the king, saying: Nathan the prophet is here. And when he was come in before the king, and had worshipped, bowing down to the ground,
The king’s servants/advisors told David, “Nathan the prophet has come.” So Bathsheba left, and Nathan went into where the king was and knelt down, with his face on the ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:23
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 1:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
לַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
הִנֵּ֖ה
נָתָ֣ן
הַ/נָּבִ֑יא
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
לַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
עַל
אַפָּ֖י/ו
אָֽרְצָ/ה
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נָתָ֣ן
Nâthân
H5416
Nathan
N-proper
הַ/נָּבִ֑יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אַפָּ֖י/ו
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md | Suff
אָֽרְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:23
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָתָ֣ן
Nâthân
H5416
"Nathan"
N-proper
Nathan was a prophet in the time of King David and Solomon, and his name means 'giver' in Hebrew, as mentioned in 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.39 § Nathan = "giver" 1) a son of David by Bathsheba 2) the eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon 3) a man of Zobah, father of one of David's mighty warriors 4) father of Azariah who was over the officers of Solomon 5) son of Attai and father of Zabad of the tribe of Judah 6) brother of Joel of the tribe of Judah 7) one of the head men who returned from Babylon with Ezra 8) a man with a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) head of a family of Israel who shall mourn when they look on Him whom they pierced
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Nathan. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 51:2.
הַ/נָּבִ֑יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-ms
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
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/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַפָּ֖י/ו
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
אָֽרְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Nathan and Bathsheba before David
21Otherwise, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be counted as criminals.”
22And just then, while Bathsheba was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived.
23So the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king.
24“My lord the king,” said Nathan, “did you say, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne’? 25For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 1:16 | And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:17 | Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
| 3 | Romans 13:7 | Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
1 Kings 1:23 Summary
In 1 Kings 1:23, Nathan the prophet shows respect and humility by bowing facedown before the king. This action demonstrates Nathan's character and sets an example for us to follow when interacting with those in authority. We can learn from Nathan's example by being respectful and humble, while also being bold and truthful in our words and actions, as seen in (Proverbs 24:21) and (Acts 4:19-20). By following Nathan's example, we can cultivate a sense of humility and respect in our daily interactions with others, and trust that God will guide us in our relationships with those in authority, as promised in (Psalm 32:8) and (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nathan the prophet bow facedown before the king in 1 Kings 1:23?
Nathan bowed facedown before the king as a sign of respect and humility, similar to how people showed respect to authorities in other parts of the Bible, such as in Genesis 33:3 and Exodus 18:7.
What is the significance of Nathan the prophet arriving at this particular moment in 1 Kings 1:23?
Nathan's arrival is significant because it interrupts the conversation between Bathsheba and the king, allowing Nathan to speak with the king and potentially influence his decisions, as seen in 1 Kings 1:22-24.
How does Nathan's actions in 1 Kings 1:23 demonstrate his character?
Nathan's actions demonstrate his humility and respect for authority, as well as his boldness in speaking truth to power, which is a key aspect of his character as a prophet, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:1-17 and 1 Kings 1:24-27.
What can we learn from Nathan's example in 1 Kings 1:23 about interacting with those in authority?
We can learn the importance of showing respect and humility when interacting with those in authority, while also being bold and truthful in our words and actions, as seen in Proverbs 24:21 and Acts 4:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and humility to those in authority, like Nathan did in 1 Kings 1:23?
- How can I balance being respectful with being bold and truthful in my interactions with others, especially those in positions of power?
- What are some times in my life when I have had to navigate complex relationships with people in authority, and what can I learn from Nathan's example in 1 Kings 1:23?
- How can I cultivate a sense of humility and respect in my daily interactions with others, and what role does prayer and seeking guidance from God play in this process, as seen in Psalm 25:9 and James 1:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:23
And they told the king,.... Some that attended at the door, or were in the chamber: saying, behold, Nathan the prophet; or he is in the room, which the king through his infirmities might not be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:23
And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:23
1 Kings 1:23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.Ver. 23. Behold Nathan the prophet.] Who was a privy counsellor to David, though he had so sharply reproved him. He bowed himself before the king.] Note here the exemplary modesty and submission of so great a prophet. How far from this is the false prophet of Rome!
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |
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Five Rules for Holy Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fi |
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The Kingdom vs. Patriotism by Art Katz | The video is a sermon transcript discussing the book written by John ML Young, a missionary in Japan. The speaker describes Young as an evangelical, fundamental Christian missionar |
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A Reverential Fear of God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holine |
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Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicat |
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Exhortation and Explanation by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity and compassion among believers. He refers to the events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The |
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The Fear of God (01) Introduction by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a man struggling to walk and falling down. Instead of laughing, the speaker realizes that this is an opportun |