1 kings 1:2 - Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young virgin be sought for my lord the king. Let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.”

Generated Verse: 1 kings 1:2

What does "1 kings 1:2" mean?


This verse from 1 Kings 1:2 describes a plan devised by King David's servants to help him stay warm as he aged. Let's break it down:

"Therefore his servants said to him..." - This indicates that the servants are suggesting a solution to a problem they've observed: King David is no longer able to stay warm.

"...“Let a young virgin be sought for my lord the king." - The suggestion is to find a young, unmarried woman. Her virginity is explicitly mentioned, which was important in the context of the time. This likely was for maintaining purity/cleanliness of the person to assist the king.

"Let her stand before the king, and cherish him..." - The young woman would be in the king's presence and take care of him, providing companionship and attentiveness. The term "cherish" (sometimes translated as "attend to") implies a caring and devoted role.

"...and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.”" - This is the most sensitive part of the verse. The primary purpose, at least as presented by the servants, was to use the young woman's body heat to keep the king warm. "Bosom" here refers to the chest area. It is often debated how far the relationship was meant to go, some religious scholars would argue for a platonic caregiver role.

Key Interpretations and Considerations:

Medical Remedy: The most straightforward interpretation is that this was a practical solution to David's coldness, employing a young woman's body heat. In the absence of modern medicine and heating, this would be a viable option.

Succession Concerns: There is a sense in which it might be seen as a political move, to see if the king was still fit to rule.

Cultural Context: It's essential to understand the cultural norms of the time. Royal households often included individuals in various roles, and this practice may not have been viewed as unusual or scandalous in that context.

In short, the verse depicts a situation where King David's servants propose bringing a young virgin into his presence to care for him and provide warmth. The intent of the arrangement, especially regarding the intimate physical aspect, is a subject of interpretation and debate among scholars.

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