1 Kings 1:16
ESV
Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, "What do you desire?"
NIV
Bathsheba bowed down, prostrating herself before the king. "What is it you want?" the king asked.
NASB
Then Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself before the king. And the king said, 'What is on your mind?'
CSB
Bathsheba knelt low and paid homage to the king, and he asked, "What do you want?"
NLT
Bathsheba bowed down before the king. 'What can I do for you?' he asked her.
KJV
And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
NKJV
And Bathsheba bowed and did homage to the king. Then the king said, “What is your wish?”
What does 1 Kings 1:16 mean?
Bathsheba's relationship with David started horribly. While her husband Uriah was at battle, David impregnated her (2 Samuel 11:2–5). When he couldn't hide his sin, he murdered her husband (2 Samuel 11:14–21). As part of God's punishment of David, their baby boy died (2 Samuel 12:13–18).When David saw how distraught Bathsheba was, something in him seemed to have shifted. Lust grew into love, and Solomon was the result (2 Samuel 12:24). It appears David had more sons with Bathsheba than with any of his other wives (1 Chronicles 3:1–9). Even so, when Bathsheba enters his chambers, she shows the respect of a subject, not the familiarity of a modern wife. He responds immediately.
Nathan the prophet has given her words (1 Kings 1:11–14). David had sworn that her son Solomon would be king. Right now, David's son Adonijah is making a bid for the throne. Many of David's servants support him, but only David can choose. Will he make Solomon king? Or will Adonijah take the crown and murder her and Solomon (1 Kings 1:17–21)?
David finally understands what's happening. His sons and closest servants have assumed that because he's old and weak, they can choose the fate of the nation without him and without God. He will not betray Bathsheba. He vows to her that Solomon will be king (1 Kings 1:28–31).
