Old Testament
1 Kings 1:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Bathsheba bowed low before the king. He asked her, "What do you want?"
Compare translations
And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
What 1 Kings 1:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Bathsheba approaches King David with deep respect, bowing low before him. This act of bowing signifies her acknowledgment of his authority and her desire to communicate something important. The king, noticing her presence and demeanor, asks her directly what she needs. This exchange highlights the relationship between a ruler and his subjects, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect in communication. Bathsheba's approach is not just about seeking a favor; it reflects her understanding of the king's power and her own position. Her respectful demeanor sets the tone for the conversation, showing that she values the king's role. This moment is a reminder of how we should approach those in authority, with respect and clarity about our intentions. It teaches us that how we present ourselves can influence the outcome of our requests, making it essential to be humble yet direct when seeking help or guidance from others. Bathsheba's actions exemplify the balance of respect and assertiveness in important conversations.
How to apply 1 Kings 1:16 to your life
When you need something from someone in a position of power, approach them with respect and clarity. Acknowledge their authority while being direct about your needs. This balance can help foster positive interactions and increase the likelihood of a favorable response. Remember, how you present yourself matters in these situations!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Solomon Is Made King (1 Kings 1:1–53)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 1:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 1:16
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 1:16 mean?
1 Kings 1:16 describes Bathsheba approaching King David with deep respect by bowing low. This act signifies her acknowledgment of his authority and her intention to communicate something important.
How can we apply the lessons from 1 Kings 1:16 in our lives?
The verse teaches us to approach those in authority with respect and clarity. By acknowledging their position while being direct about our needs, we can foster positive interactions and improve our chances of receiving help.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.