Old Testament
1 Kings 1:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
She answered, "My lord, you swore to me by the LORD your God, saying, 'Your son Solomon will be king after me and will sit on my throne.'"
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And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.
What 1 Kings 1:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, a woman is reminding a powerful figure of a promise made to her. She refers to a vow made by the king, emphasizing the importance of that commitment. The promise was that her son, Solomon, would become the next king and take the throne. This statement highlights the significance of loyalty and trust in relationships. It also shows how promises can shape the future and influence decisions. The woman is not just recalling a past conversation; she is asserting her belief in the promise and its implications for her family. This moment is a powerful reminder of how words can carry weight and impact lives. It encourages us to reflect on the promises we make and the responsibilities that come with them. Keeping our word is essential in building trust and maintaining relationships, whether in personal or professional settings. The legacy of our promises can last far beyond our immediate circumstances, affecting generations to come. Thus, we should be mindful of the commitments we make.
How to apply 1 Kings 1:17 to your life
Consider the promises you make in your life. Are you keeping your word to those who depend on you? Reflect on how your commitments can shape the future for yourself and others. Strive to be a person of integrity and reliability in all your relationships. Your words matter more than you might think, so choose them wisely.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: Solomon Is Made King (1 Kings 1:1–53)
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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.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying 1 Kings 1:17
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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 1:17 mean?
1 Kings 1:17 describes a woman reminding a powerful figure of a promise made to her by the king, stating that her son Solomon would be the next king. This highlights the importance of keeping promises and the impact they have on people's lives.
What is the significance of the promise in 1 Kings 1:17?
The promise in 1 Kings 1:17 signifies loyalty and trust, as the woman emphasizes the commitment made by the king regarding her son Solomon's future as king. It illustrates how promises can shape destinies and influence decisions.
How does 1 Kings 1:17 relate to trust?
1 Kings 1:17 relates to trust by showing how the woman's reminder of the king's promise reflects her reliance on his word. It highlights the importance of trust in relationships and the responsibility that comes with making commitments.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 1:17?
The themes present in 1 Kings 1:17 include promise, loyalty, trust, legacy, and commitment. These themes emphasize the significance of keeping one's word and the long-lasting effects of promises on individuals and families.
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