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1 Kings 1:31

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 1:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
1 Kings 1:31 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28Then king David answered and said, Call to me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king`s presence, and stood before the king.
29And the king sware, and said, As Jehovah liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,
30verily as I sware unto thee by Jehovah, the God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; verily so will I do this day.
31Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
32And king David said, Call to me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.
33And the king said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:
34and let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel; and blow ye the trumpet, and say, [Long] live king Solomon.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, etc.] Thereby expressing her veneration of him, and thankfulness to him for his favour to her and her son, in fulfilling his promise and oath: and said, let my lord King David live for ever; which though a common form of salutation of kings, not only in Israel, but in other nations, is not to be considered as a mere compliment, but as expressing the real desires and affection of her heart to the king; signifying hereby that her solicitations on the behalf of her son did not arise from any desire of the king’s death; she heartily wished him health to live long and easy; and all her request was, that Solomon her…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A lower and humbler obeisance than before 1 Kings 1:16. In the Assyrian sculptures ambassadors are represented with their faces actually touching the earth before the feet of the monarch. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Live for ever - Though I desire thy oath may be kept, and the right of succession confirmed to my son, yet I am far from thirsting after thy death, and would rather rejoice, if it were possible for thee to live and enjoy the crown for ever. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:33”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:31-32 David affirmed his pledge by ordering a public display of support by the priestly, prophetic, and military representatives, Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“did reverence: Sa2 9:6; Est 3:2; Mat 21:37; Eph 5:33; Heb 12:9 Let my: Kg1 1:25; Neh 2:3; Dan 2:4, Dan 3:9, Dan 5:10, Dan 6:6, Dan 6:21 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:32”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification