1 Kings 1:3
1 Kings 1:3 in Multiple Translations
Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king.
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
So after searching through all the land of Israel for a fair young girl, they saw Abishag the Shunammite, and took her to the king.
So they searched the whole country of Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag from the town of Shunem and took her to the king.
So they sought for a faire young maide thoroughout all the coastes of Israel, and founde one Abishag a Shunamite, and brought her to the king.
And they seek a fair young woman in all the border of Israel, and find Abishag the Shunammite, and bring her in to the king,
So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunamite, and brought her to the king.
So they sought a beautiful young woman in all the coasts of Israel, and they found Abisag a Sunamitess, and brought her to the king.
The king gave them permission, so they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman. They found a woman named Abishag, from Shunem town, and brought her to the king.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:3
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 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְבַקְשׁוּ֙
נַעֲרָ֣ה
יָפָ֔ה
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
גְּב֣וּל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַֽ/יִּמְצְא֗וּ
אֶת
אֲבִישַׁג֙
הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
וַ/יָּבִ֥אוּ
אֹתָ֖/הּ
לַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יְבַקְשׁוּ֙
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
נַעֲרָ֣ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fs
יָפָ֔ה
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַֽ/יִּמְצְא֗וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲבִישַׁג֙
ʼĂbîyshag
H49
Abishag
N-proper
הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
Shunammites
Art | Ngfsa
וַ/יָּבִ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
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 1:3
וַ/יְבַקְשׁוּ֙
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
נַעֲרָ֣ה
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
יָפָ֔ה
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַֽ/יִּמְצְא֗וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲבִישַׁג֙
ʼĂbîyshag
H49
"Abishag"
N-proper
Abishag was a young woman who took care of King David in his old age. Her name means my father is a wanderer, and she is mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3 as a beautiful nurse. Abishag played an important role in David's life.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Abishag = "my father is a wanderer" David's beautiful young nurse
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Abishag. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:17; 1 Kings 2:22.
הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
"Shunammites"
Art | Ngfsa
A Shunammitess was a woman from the city of Shunem, a place in Issachar. The Shunammite is first mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3, referring to a female inhabitant of this city.
Definition: People descended from Shunam(?), first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Shunammite, of Shunen "double resting place" an inhabitant of Shunem
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Shunamite. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:22; 2 Kings 4:36.
וַ/יָּבִ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
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.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:3
Context — Abishag Cares for David
1Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.
2So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”
3Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king.
4The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her. 5At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 19:18 | Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, |
| 2 | Esther 2:4 | Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he acted accordingly. |
| 3 | Esther 2:2 | Then the king’s attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king, |
| 4 | 2 Kings 4:8 | One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 28:4 | The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 4:25 | So she set out and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, there is the Shunammite woman. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 2:17–25 | Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” “Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.” So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. “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.” So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.” King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died. |
1 Kings 1:3 Summary
This verse tells us that King David's servants searched for a beautiful girl to care for him because he was old and cold. They found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king to keep him warm and care for him. This shows us the importance of caring for others, just like we would want to be cared for (Matthew 7:12). It also reminds us that our physical needs are important, but they should not replace our spiritual needs, as Jesus taught in Matthew 4:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David's servants search for a beautiful girl to care for him?
King David's servants searched for a beautiful girl to care for him because he was old and could not keep warm, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:1-2. This was a common practice in ancient times, as seen in Esther 2:2-4, where young women were chosen to care for the king.
Who was Abishag the Shunammite and what was her role in the kingdom?
Abishag the Shunammite was a beautiful girl found by King David's servants to care for him, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3. Her role was to attend to the king, care for him, and keep him warm, but she did not have any romantic relationship with him, as stated in 1 Kings 1:4.
What can we learn from the fact that King David's servants searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl?
The fact that King David's servants searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl shows that they were willing to go to great lengths to find someone to care for their king, demonstrating their loyalty and dedication to him, much like the loyalty and dedication we should have towards God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible and God's plan?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of King David's life and the transition of power to his son Solomon, as seen in 1 Kings 1-2. It also highlights the importance of caring for others, as seen in Acts 20:35, and the value of loyalty and dedication, as seen in Ruth 3:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can show loyalty and dedication to those in need, just like King David's servants showed to him?
- How can we balance our physical needs with our spiritual needs, like King David's need for warmth and care?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of community and caring for one another?
- How can we apply the principle of searching for someone to care for, like King David's servants did, to our own relationships and responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:3
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel,.... Not only a damsel, but a beautiful one, that she might be the more acceptable to the king; who otherwise, if deformed and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:3
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. A Shunammite.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
A fair damsel; whose beauty might engage his affections, and refresh his spirits, and invite him to those embraces which might communicate some of her natural heat to him, as was designed. A Shunammite, of the city of Shunem in Issachar, . See .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.Ver. 3. So they sought for a fair damsel.] The natural cause why they went this way to work rather than by wines, furs, &c., was quia ille calor humanus in substantia erat simillimus calori hominis naturali, eiusque gradum non superabat, saith Valesius: because her heat would be likest to his in substance and degree. Virgins also have more natural heat than women who have had children. Sac. Theol, cap. 29. Gal., lib. 7. Method.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
(3) A Shunammite.—Shunem is in the territory of Issachar (Joshua 19:18), and in the plain of Jezreel (1 Samuel 28:4), near Mount Gilboa. As Eusebius, describing its position carefully, calls it “Sulem,” and as this variation of name is confirmed by its ready identification with the modern village of Solam, it has been conjectured , ingeniously and not improbably, that Abishag is the “fair Shulamite” of the Song of Solomon (1 Kings 6:13). The conjecture certainly throws some light on the occurrences of 1 Kings 2:13-25. Probably the whole notice of Abishag is only introduced on account of her subsequent connection with the fate of Adonijah.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:3
3. a fair damsel] Such as might be fitted to be one of the royal wives. A similar direction is given when Vashti has been deposed, and a new queen is to be sought for Ahasuerus (Esther 2:2). all the coasts] In the English of the Bible this word has no necessary reference to sea-board land, as it has in our modern use, but often signifies, as here, borders, territories. Abishag a Shunammite] The Hebrew has ‘the Shunammite’, as though she either was already, or from subsequent events became, well known. She was a native of Shunem, a city belonging to the tribe of Issachar and lying north of Jezreel and south of Mt Gilboa (see Joshua 19:18; 1 Samuel 28:4). The Syriac and Arabic read Sulamite (cf. Son 6:13).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:3
3. Abishag a Shunammite — So called from her native city Shunem, in the tribe of Issachar, the modern Solam, at the base of the Little Hermon. See on Joshua 19:18.
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Book of Esther by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of seasons in our lives, specifically the season of "mer" (shoes) and the season of "spite." The season of "mer" represents a tim |
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Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the fool |
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Insights by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 Peter 5:7, specifically the phrase "He careth for you." He begins by highlighting examples from the Old Testament where God show |
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Skyland Conference 1979-04 Elisha by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elisha and the great woman from 2 Kings chapter four. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God an |
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The Man of God by Robert Constable | Robert Constable emphasizes the identity and responsibility of being a 'man of God,' urging the congregation to recognize their status as holy and set apart for God's service. He d |
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The Walk of Faith - Part 1 by Larry Ainsworth | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the absence of some attendees from the morning session and provides a brief recap of the previous study on the words of Jesus, " |
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Elijah and Elisha 05 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hospitality and welcoming others in the name of God. He shares personal experiences of being welcomed into homes as a miss |