1 Kings 1 14

1 Kings 1:14 kjv

Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.

1 Kings 1:14 nkjv

Then, while you are still talking there with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words."

1 Kings 1:14 niv

While you are still there talking to the king, I will come in and add my word to what you have said."

1 Kings 1:14 esv

Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words."

1 Kings 1:14 nlt

And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said."

1 Kings 1 verses

1 Kings 1 14 Meaning

1 Kings 1:14 describes a pivotal moment in the succession crisis of King David. While Bathsheba was in conversation with the aged King David, presenting her plea concerning Adonijah's self-proclamation as king and reminding David of his oath regarding Solomon's succession, Nathan the prophet dramatically entered the king's chambers. This synchronized entry was divinely orchestrated and meticulously planned by Nathan, not only to confirm Bathsheba's words but also to provide immediate, irrefutable corroboration of the unfolding usurpation and David's own commitment to Solomon. It signals a critical turning point where human strategy aligns with divine purpose to ensure God's chosen successor ascends the throne.

1 Kings 1 14 Context

1 Kings chapter 1 opens with King David, advanced in age and in great physical decline. This state of infirmity created a vacuum of power, which Adonijah, David's fourth and oldest surviving son, attempted to exploit by prematurely declaring himself king. Adonijah gathered support from key figures like Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the priest, excluding other potential successors like Solomon and other loyal figures like Nathan, Zadok, and Benaiah. This self-coronation was a direct challenge to God's previously revealed will and David's unfulfilled oath concerning Solomon's succession. Nathan the prophet, understanding both David's earlier divine promise concerning Solomon (rooted in the Davidic Covenant) and the imminent danger of Adonijah's rebellion, strategically intervened. He masterminded a plan with Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, for her to petition David first. Her words about Adonijah's usurpation, combined with the reminder of David's solemn oath, were timed to precede Nathan's dramatic entrance, which serves to confirm her testimony and further emphasize the gravity of the situation, directly asking David if he authorized Adonijah's coronation. Verse 14 is the precise moment Nathan executes the second phase of this divinely guided plan.

1 Kings 1 14 Word analysis

• While she was still speaking:
  • "While she was still" (עוֹדֶנָּה - ʿōdennāh): This adverb emphasizes an ongoing, continuous action. It highlights the immediacy and precision of Nathan's entrance—not after Bathsheba finished, but precisely during her conversation. This is crucial for establishing direct, synchronized corroboration.
  • "speaking" (מְדַבֶּרֶת - məḏabberet): This is a feminine singular participle, indicating an active, current state of speaking. It paints a picture of Bathsheba mid-sentence or mid-argument, making Nathan's appearance all the more impactful as a planned, perfectly timed interjection.
• with the king: Indicates the direct and private nature of Bathsheba's petition to David, emphasizing the high-stakes conversation taking place.
• Nathan the prophet:
  • "Nathan" (נָתָן - Nātan): His name means "He [God] has given," subtly hinting at his role as God's instrument in this pivotal moment. Nathan is a well-established figure in David's life, previously confronting him regarding Bathsheba and Uzzah (2 Sam 12) and delivering the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam 7).
  • "the prophet" (הַנָּבִיא - hannābîʾ): This title signifies his divine authority and unique position as God's spokesperson. His arrival isn't just that of a trusted advisor, but of one who speaks for the Almighty. This adds immense weight and validation to the narrative's unfolding.
• also came in: The conjunction "and behold" (וְהִנֵּה - wəhinnēh) preceding "Nathan... came in" is a common Hebrew particle used to draw attention to something significant, sudden, or a surprising turn of events. It adds a sense of drama and immediacy, as if signaling a direct divine intervention. His coming "in" signifies entry into the king's private chamber, indicating his privileged access and the urgency of his mission.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.": This entire phrase reveals highly calculated and precise timing. It underscores the masterful strategy orchestrated by Nathan to ensure David was thoroughly and immediately informed and compelled to act. The synchronicity is not accidental; it is providential. It presents a divine plan unfolding through human agency, with Bathsheba setting the stage and Nathan providing the definitive, prophetically authorized confirmation. The narrative aims to emphasize the dramatic impact and undeniable credibility established by the simultaneous testimonies, leaving David no room for doubt or delay in affirming Solomon's succession.

1 Kings 1 14 Bonus section

The scene described in 1 Kings 1:14 is rich in dramatic tension and narrative artistry. The Hebrew phrase "וְהִנֵּה נָתָן הַנָּבִיא בָּא" (and behold, Nathan the prophet came) creates an immediate sense of heightened drama and revelation. This literary device emphasizes the impact and authority of Nathan's unexpected appearance. It signals to the reader that this is no ordinary visit but a divinely appointed moment, designed to pivot the entire succession narrative. Nathan’s actions throughout 1 Kings 1 reveal him not just as a messenger of God, but a wise political strategist, understanding the nuances of court dynamics and the urgency required to implement God’s will when a king is weak. This orchestrated entry underscores the themes of divine providence and God's faithfulness to His covenant, even amidst human frailty and ambition. It is a powerful example of how God uses human wisdom and relationships to achieve His purposes for His people.

1 Kings 1 14 Commentary

1 Kings 1:14 captures a masterclass in strategic intervention, showcasing the intricate interplay between divine will and human action. Nathan's precise timing is crucial; his arrival "while she was still speaking" transforms Bathsheba's emotional appeal into a divinely validated statement. This setup, where Bathsheba presents the problem and Nathan confirms it, adheres to the principle of corroboration by multiple witnesses (Deut 19:15). It strategically removes any possibility of David doubting the truth of Adonijah's rebellion or conveniently forgetting his oath. This moment demonstrates God's sovereignty over kingship and succession, intervening not through a miraculous display but through the wise counsel and synchronized actions of His appointed servants. Nathan's entrance seals the fate of Adonijah's rebellious coup and ensures Solomon's ascension as per God's promise to David. This serves as a powerful illustration that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, often through the diligent and obedient service of His people.