1 Kings 1:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Bathsheba bows low before David in respect, and the king asks what she desires.
What Does 1 Kings 1:16 Mean?
Bathsheba honors David with a deep bow, the gesture of a subject before her sovereign, even though she is his wife. The king, roused, asks simply, What wouldest thou? The exchange opens the door for her to present the matter Nathan has prepared.
Her reverence before the king models the humility with which we approach one in rightful authority. She does not demand; she bows and waits to be received. So the faithful come before the King of kings, not with entitlement but with honor, trusting that He will incline His ear and ask, in His grace, what they would have Him do.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 1:16
What does 1 Kings 1:16 mean?
Bathsheba bows low before David in respect, and the king asks what she desires.