1 Kings 1:23

Verse

So the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king.

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

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.

Free Bible Version

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

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.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

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.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The servants told the king, “Nathan the prophet is here.” When he came in before the king, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

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.

Young's Literal Translation

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.

Context

Nathan and Bathsheba before David

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.

Summary

In 1 Kings 1:23, we see the urgency and determination of Nathan the prophet as he ensures that King David fulfills his promise to make Solomon king. Nathan's actions reveal his loyalty to God's chosen successor and his commitment to God's plan for the kingdom. This verse showcases the importance of prophetic guidance in ensuring the continuity of God's divine purposes and the establishment of rightful leadership. It also highlights the role of faithful individuals in upholding God's will and bringing about His intended outcomes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 sensible of: and when he was come in before the king; nearer to him, and as to be properly in his presence: he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground; showing him the same reverence, though in bed, as if on his throne.