1 Kings 1:4
1 Kings 1:4 in Multiple Translations
The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her.
And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.
And the damsel was very fair; and she cherished the king, and ministered to him; but the king knew her not.
Now she was very beautiful; and she took care of the king, waiting on him at all times; but the king had no connection with her.
She was very beautiful, and she looked after the king, attending to his needs, but he did not have sex with her.
And the maid was exceeding faire, and cherished the king, and ministred to him, but the King knew her not.
and the young woman [is] very very fair, and she is to the king a companion, and serveth him, and the king hath not known her.
The young lady was very beautiful; and she cherished the king, and served him; but the king didn’t know her intimately.
And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.
And the damsel was exceeding beautiful, and she slept with the king: and served him, but the king did not know her.
She was truly very beautiful. She took care of [DOU] the king, but the king did not have sexual relations with her.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:4
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 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֖ה
יָפָ֣ה
עַד
מְאֹ֑ד
וַ/תְּהִ֨י
לַ/מֶּ֤לֶךְ
סֹכֶ֨נֶת֙
וַ/תְּשָׁ֣רְתֵ֔/הוּ
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
לֹ֥א
יְדָעָֽ/הּ
וְ/הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֖ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Conj | Art | N-fs
יָפָ֣ה
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וַ/תְּהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לַ/מֶּ֤לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
סֹכֶ֨נֶת֙
çâkan
H5532
be useful
V-Qal
וַ/תְּשָׁ֣רְתֵ֔/הוּ
shârath
H8334
to minister
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | Art | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְדָעָֽ/הּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:4
וְ/הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֖ה
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Conj | Art | 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.
יָפָ֣ה
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַ/תְּהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לַ/מֶּ֤לֶךְ
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.
סֹכֶ֨נֶת֙
çâkan
H5532
"be useful"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to be useful or serve someone, like a steward helping their master. It appears in various forms, including being profitable or customary. In the Bible, it is used to describe being of benefit to others.
Definition: 1) to be of use or service or profit or benefit 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be of use or service 1a2) servitor, steward (participle) 1a3) to benefit, profit 1b) (Hiphil) to be used, be wont, exhibit use or habit, show harmony with, be familiar with, know intimately
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: acquaint (self), be advantage, [idiom] ever, (be, (un-)) profit(-able), treasurer, be wont. See also: Numbers 22:30; Job 22:21; Psalms 139:3.
וַ/תְּשָׁ֣רְתֵ֔/הוּ
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | 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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְדָעָֽ/הּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:4
Context — Abishag Cares for David
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. 6(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 1:25 | But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus. |
1 Kings 1:4 Summary
This verse tells us about a beautiful girl named Abishag who was chosen to care for the aging King David. Even though she was very attractive, the king did not have a romantic relationship with her. This shows that King David was able to control his desires and prioritize his relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 38:9. We can learn from Abishag's example by caring for those around us and using our gifts to serve others, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10, and by trusting in God's timing, as King David did in 1 Samuel 26:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David not have relations with Abishag despite her great beauty?
The Bible does not explicitly state why King David did not have relations with Abishag, but it may be because he was old and weak, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:1-4, or because he was waiting on God's timing, as seen in his patience in 1 Samuel 26:10 and Psalm 37:7.
What does it mean that Abishag was 'unsurpassed in beauty'?
Abishag's exceptional beauty is highlighted in 1 Kings 1:4, but her physical attractiveness is not the main focus, rather her role as a caregiver to the king, similar to the way God desires us to care for one another, as seen in Galatians 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:10.
Is this verse suggesting that King David's relationships with women were always pure?
No, this verse is not implying that all of King David's relationships were pure, as his past actions, such as those with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:2-5, demonstrate his capacity for sin, but rather it highlights a specific instance where he chose not to act on his desires, possibly due to his advanced age or a newfound sense of humility, as mentioned in Psalm 51:17.
How does Abishag's role relate to our modern understanding of caregiving?
Abishag's selfless care for King David, as seen in 1 Kings 1:4, serves as a model for us to care for one another, particularly the elderly and weak, as commanded in Isaiah 58:7 and Acts 6:1-4, demonstrating the importance of compassion and service in our daily lives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate selfless care for those around me, like Abishag did for King David?
- How can I balance my physical and emotional needs with my spiritual priorities, as King David seemed to do in his old age?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait on God's timing, rather than taking matters into my own hands, as King David may have done with Abishag?
- In what ways can I use my gifts and talents to serve others, just as Abishag used her beauty and caregiving skills to serve the king?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:4
And the damsel [was] very fair,.... And so very agreeable to the king to be in his presence, and wait upon him, and take things of her hand, as well as lie with him: and cherished the king; enlivened
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:4
And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
Which is mentioned to note the continuance and progress of the king’ s malady, and the ground of Adonijah’ s rebellion, and of his following request, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
1 Kings 1:4 And the damsel [was] very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.Ver. 4. And the damsel was very fair.] And therefore lovely, οττικαλονφιλονεστι, and fitter for the purpose. But the king knew her not.] Utpote frigidus et inhabilis ad generandum; neither would it have been for his health, as the case then stood.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
Verse 4. The king knew her not.] The maxim of Bacon in his enigmatical cure is, "Take all you can from the medicine, but give nothing to it; if you give any thing, it increases the disease and hastens death." I have seen this abundantly verified; but it is a subject on which it would be improper to dilate except in a medical work. An extract from Friar Bacon's Cure of Old Age may be found at the end of the chapter. 1Kg 1:53.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:4
4. cherished the king] Being always at hand to perform, as his nurse, such duties as the weak condition of king David needed. knew her not] These words seem added to explain how it came to pass that Adonijah afterwards could ask her for his wife. (1 Kings 2:17.)
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:4
4. The king knew her not — This explicit statement, as well as all that goes before, is a sufficient vindication of David from the charge of taking a fair young concubine in his old age in order to gratify lewd passions.
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Incarnation by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley emphasizes the importance of upholding the integrity and accuracy of the Authorized Version of the Bible, pointing out discrepancies and doctrinal changes in modern tra |