1 Kings 2:1
1 Kings 2:1 in Multiple Translations
As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon,
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
Now the time of David's death came near; and he gave orders to Solomon his son, saying,
The time of David's death was approaching, so he gave his son Solomon these last instructions:
Then the dayes of Dauid drewe neere that he should die, and hee charged Salomon his sonne, saying,
And draw near do the days of David to die, and he chargeth Solomon his son, saying,
Now the days of David came near that he should die; and he commanded Solomon his son, saying,
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
And the days of David drew nigh that he should die, and he charged his son Solomon, saying:
When David knew that he was about to die, he gave these final instructions to his son Solomon:
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:1
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 2:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרְב֥וּ
יְמֵֽי
דָוִ֖ד
לָ/מ֑וּת
וַ/יְצַ֛ו
אֶת
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
בְנ֖/וֹ
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יִּקְרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
יְמֵֽי
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
לָ/מ֑וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וַ/יְצַ֛ו
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
בְנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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 2:1
וַ/יִּקְרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
יְמֵֽי
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לָ/מ֑וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יְצַ֛ו
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
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.
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
בְנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
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.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 2:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:1
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:1
- Sermons on 1 Kings 2:1
Context — David Instructs Solomon
1As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon,
2“I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. 3And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 47:29 | When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 31:14 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 1:18 | Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight, |
| 4 | Acts 20:28–31 | Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:6 | For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 1:13–15 | I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 31:23 | Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 4:1 | I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: |
| 9 | Numbers 27:19 | Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 6:13 | I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: |
1 Kings 2:1 Summary
[As David nears the end of his life, he knows it's time to pass on the responsibility of leading Israel to his son Solomon. This is a big deal, and David wants to make sure Solomon is ready, just like Moses did with Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8. David is reminding Solomon that he will one day die, just like everyone else, and that Solomon needs to be strong and follow God's ways, as written in the Law of Moses, so that he can prosper in all he does. By doing so, Solomon will be able to fulfill his role as leader and bring glory to God, as seen in Proverbs 22:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of David charging his son Solomon as he nears death?
This charge is significant because it shows David's concern for the future of Israel and his desire to ensure that Solomon follows God's ways, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 where Moses also gave a charge to Joshua before his death.
Why is it important for David to remind Solomon of his impending death?
David reminds Solomon of his own mortality to emphasize the importance of Solomon's responsibility and the consequences of his actions, as noted in Psalm 39:4 where David himself acknowledges the brevity of life.
What can we learn from David's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of planning for the future and ensuring that our legacy is one that honors God, as seen in Proverbs 22:28 where it is written to not move ancient boundary stones.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership and succession?
This verse highlights the importance of intentional leadership transition and the need for leaders to prepare their successors, as seen in Numbers 27:18-23 where Moses lays hands on Joshua to commission him as the new leader.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply David's example of planning for the future to my own life and legacy?
- How can I, like Solomon, take responsibility for the charge that has been given to me by my spiritual leaders or mentors?
- What are some potential consequences of not following God's ways, as David warns Solomon in the surrounding verses?
- In what ways can I demonstrate strength and prove myself as a person of faith, as David encourages Solomon to do in 1 Kings 2:2?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:1
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die,.... The number of his days fixed and determined by the Lord, Job 14:5; and which might be perceived as drawing nigh, both by himself and others,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:1
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, David ... charged ... his son.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:1
1 Kings 2:1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,Ver. 1. Now the days of David.] Days are one of the shortest measures of time; but long enough to decipher man’ s life by. We are Eρημεροβιοι. That he should die.] Death is the only king against whom there is no rising up. He may give for his motto that of Terminus, Nulli cedo, I give place to none. And he charged Solomon his son, saying.] Natural motion is more swift and violent toward the end of it. And grace will bestir itself when it hath not long to act; being oft most lively in those that lie a-dying.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:1
CHAPTER II David leaves his dying charge with Solomon, relative to his own personal conduct, 1-4; to Joab, 5, 6; to Barzillai, 7; to Shimei, 8, 9. He dies, and Solomon is established in the kingdom, 10-12. Adonijah requests to have Abishag to wife, and is put to death by Solomon, 13-25. Abiathar the priest is banished to his estate at Anathoth, 26, 27. Joab, fearing for his life, flees to the horns of the altar, and is slain there by Benaiah, 28-34. Benaiah is made captain of the host in his stead, 35. Shimei is ordered to confine himself to Jerusalem, and never leave it on pain of death, 36-38. After three years he follows some of his runaway servants to Gath, and thereby forfeits his life, 39, 40. Solomon sends for him, upbraids him, and commands him to be slain by Benaiah, 41-46. NOTES ON CHAP.
II
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:1
Ch. 1 Kings 2:1-11. David’s last charge to Solomon, and his death (Not in Chronicles) 1. Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die] According to the narrative of Josephus (Antiq. vii. 14, 7) all the events recorded in 1 Chronicles 28, 29 took place in the interval between the first anointing of Solomon and the death of David. There is nothing in those chapters beyond what an aged man might do, especially if he had a brief period of better health, and 1 Chronicles 29:22 makes special mention of Solomon’s second anointing which, like the first, preceded the death of his father.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:1
The events related in 1 Chr. 28–29 had occurred in the interval which separates the last and this present chapter.
Sermons on 1 Kings 2:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Living by New Covenant Standards by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a key aspect of being ready for the Lord's coming. It delves into the story of David and Shimei, highlighting the critical n |
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On the Approach of Death by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the approaching reality of death, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to meet God. He highlights the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Timothy 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching the gospel rather than focusing on the law. He emphasizes that the law is not meant for righteous people, but rath |
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(1 Timothy) Waging the Good Warfare by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the fight of faith. He uses the analogy of a shipwrecked vessel to illustrate how people can lose thei |
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What Is Our Charge? by Stephen Kaung | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the charge and vision God has given to His people, drawing parallels from biblical figures like Abraham and Moses who were en |
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Remember What He Said by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of a woman who was painfully shy and afraid to speak in public. However, one day she had a vision where she saw herself directing peop |
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The Spiritual Basis of the Christian Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical need for Christians to recognize the spiritual foundation of their faith, warning against the tendency to slip into a mere formalism that l |