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And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They informed the king, saying, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And when he came into the king’s presence, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They told the king, saying, &#8220Here is Nathan the prophet.&#8221 And when he came in before the king, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And then he came in before the king and prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The king was told, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came before the king, he bowed before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and it was announced to the king, “The prophet Nathan is here.” He came into the king’s presence and paid homage to him with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and it was announced to the king, &#8220Nathan the prophet is here.&#8221 He came into the king&#8217s presence and bowed to him with his face to the ground.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Someone told David that he was there, and Nathan came in. He bowed with his face to the ground <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The servants told the king, "The prophet Nathan is here." When he came to the king, he bowed down in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king was told that the prophet was there, and Nathan went in and bowed low before the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They informed the king, "Nathan the prophet is here." When he had been ushered into the presence of the king, Nathan bowed low in front of the king with his face to the ground <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king was told, ?Nathan the prophet is here.? And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king was told, "Nathan the prophet is here." Nathan entered and bowed before the king with his face to the floor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying, "Look, Nathan the prophet." And when he came in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And when he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They told the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet!” When he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they declare to the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet”; and he comes in before the king, and bows himself to the king, on his face to the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they declare to the king, saying, 'Lo, Nathan the prophet;' and he cometh in before the king, and boweth himself to the king, on his face to the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will announce to the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And he will come in before the king, and he will worship to the king upon his face to the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying: Nathan the prophet is here. And when he was come in before the king, and had worshipped, bowing down to the ground, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they announced to the king, saying, “Nathan, the prophet, is here.” And when he had entered in the sight of the king, and he had reverenced prone on the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They told the king, “Nathan the prophet is here.” He entered the king’s presence and did him homage, bowing to the floor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king was told, “Here is the prophet Nathan.” When he came in before the king, he did obeisance to the king, with his face to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet has come. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground and did obeisance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they told the King and they said to him: “Behold Nathan the Prophet has come!” And he entered before the King and he fell on his face on the ground, and he bowed down.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they told the king, saying: 'Behold Nathan the prophet.' And when he was come in before the king, he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Behold, Nathan the prophet <i>is here</i>: and he came in to the king's presence, and did obeisance to the king with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/1-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=232" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm">Nathan and Bathsheba Before David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>And just then, while Bathsheba was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·me·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">So the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gî·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">was told,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5416.htm" title="5416: nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- The name of a number of Isr. From nathan; given; Nathan, the name of five Israelites.">“Nathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nā·ḇî (Art:: N-ms) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">the prophet</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">is here.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">And Nathan went in</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">and bowed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pāw (N-mdc:: 3ms) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·rə·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·me·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>“My lord the king,” said Nathan, “did you say, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne’?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">1 Samuel 9:6-10</a></span><br />“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-7</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">2 Samuel 14:1-20</a></span><br />Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. / So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. / Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-37.htm">2 Samuel 15:37</a></span><br />So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">2 Samuel 20:16-22</a></span><br />a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” / When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. / Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">2 Kings 1:9-15</a></span><br />Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. / So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8-13</a></span><br />One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm">2 Kings 6:32-33</a></span><br />Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” / While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-1.htm">2 Kings 9:1-3</a></span><br />Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-12.htm">2 Chronicles 18:12-27</a></span><br />Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” / When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for they will be delivered into your hand.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-14.htm">Jeremiah 38:14-28</a></span><br />Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.” / “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” / But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-12</a></span><br />After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23-27</a></span><br />When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” / “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. / What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">Matthew 26:57-68</a></span><br />Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered. / But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. / Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-27.htm">Mark 11:27-33</a></span><br />After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. / “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” / “I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.</p><p class="hdg">he bowed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">1 Kings 1:16</a></b></br> And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Romans 13:7</a></b></br> Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute <i>is due</i>; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a></b></br> Honour all <i>men</i>. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-20.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-20.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm">Nathan</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Prostrated</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-36.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Face</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-24.htm">Nathan</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Prostrated</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">By the council of Nathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Bathsheba moves the king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm">And Nathan seconds her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-28.htm">David renews his oath to Bathsheba</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">Solomon, by David's appointment, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So the king was told</b><br>This phrase indicates a formal announcement to King David, who was nearing the end of his reign. The context is a time of political tension as Adonijah, David's son, was attempting to seize the throne. The king being informed suggests the importance of Nathan's visit, as Nathan was a trusted prophet and advisor to David. This reflects the protocol and respect for the king's authority in ancient Israel.<p><b>“Nathan the prophet is here.”</b><br>Nathan was a significant figure in David's life, known for delivering God's messages, including the rebuke for David's sin with Bathsheba (<a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-15</a>). His presence here underscores the gravity of the situation. Prophets in Israel were seen as God's mouthpieces, and Nathan's involvement highlights the divine interest in the succession of the throne. This moment is pivotal in ensuring Solomon's rightful kingship, aligning with God's covenant with David (<a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a>).<p><b>And Nathan went in</b><br>Nathan's entrance into the king's presence signifies his role as an intermediary between God and the king. It also reflects the court protocol, where only certain individuals could approach the king directly. Nathan's access to David underscores his high status and the trust David placed in him.<p><b>and bowed facedown before the king.</b><br>Bowing facedown was a customary act of deep respect and submission in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This gesture by Nathan, despite his prophetic authority, shows his acknowledgment of David's royal position. It also reflects the cultural norms of showing deference to a king, which was expected in the hierarchical society of ancient Israel. This act of humility by Nathan sets the stage for his important message regarding the succession of the throne.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nathan_the_prophet.htm">Nathan the Prophet</a></b><br>A key figure in the court of King David, Nathan was a prophet who played a significant role in advising the king and delivering God's messages. He is known for confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba and for supporting Solomon's claim to the throne.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel at this time, David is in his old age and facing the challenge of succession. His health is failing, and there is uncertainty about who will succeed him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_court.htm">The Royal Court</a></b><br>The setting is the royal court of King David, where political maneuvering is taking place regarding the succession of the throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/adonijah's_attempted_usurpation.htm">Adonijah's Attempted Usurpation</a></b><br>Adonijah, one of David's sons, is attempting to take the throne without David's blessing, prompting Nathan and Bathsheba to intervene.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon's_anointing.htm">Solomon's Anointing</a></b><br>The events in this chapter lead to the anointing of Solomon as king, ensuring the continuation of David's line as ordained by God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Nathan's role underscores the importance of prophets as God's messengers who provide guidance and correction. In our lives, we should seek and heed godly counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>Nathan's approach to King David, bowing facedown, demonstrates respect for God-ordained authority. We are called to respect and pray for our leaders, even when they are flawed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>The events surrounding Solomon's anointing remind us that God is sovereign over leadership transitions. We can trust His plans and timing in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_to_speak_truth.htm">Courage to Speak Truth</a></b><br>Nathan's willingness to confront David and support Solomon shows the courage required to speak truth in difficult situations. We are encouraged to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_timing_and_intervention.htm">Divine Timing and Intervention</a></b><br>The account illustrates how God intervenes at the right time to fulfill His purposes. We should be patient and trust in God's perfect timing in our circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_kings_13_align_with_protected_prophets.htm">How does 1 Kings 13 align with other biblical passages where faithful prophets are protected rather than misled or punished?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_send_a_'lying_spirit'.htm">In 1 Kings 22:19-23, how can a just and holy God send a 'lying spirit' to deceive Ahab's prophets?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_bypass_primogeniture_in_1_kings_1.htm">Why does Solomon's succession in 1 Kings 1:28-40 ignore the usual primogeniture, given the elder sons who remained alive?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_many_prophets_in_1_kings_18_19.htm">In 1 Kings 18:19, is there any archaeological or textual evidence supporting the existence of such large numbers of prophets?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/1-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the king</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(lam·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was told,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yag·gî·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Nathan</span><br /><span class="heb">נָתָ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5416.htm">Strong's 5416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nathan -- the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the prophet</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנָּבִ֑יא</span> <span class="translit">(han·nā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is here.”</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And [Nathan] went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bowed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ta·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">facedown</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [him].</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lam·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/1-23.htm">1 Kings 1:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/1-23.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 1:23 They told the king saying Behold Nathan (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 1:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/1-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 1:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>