1 Kings 1:1
New International Version
When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him.

New Living Translation
King David was now very old, and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm.

English Standard Version
Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm.

Berean Standard Bible
Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.

King James Bible
Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

New King James Version
Now King David was old, advanced in years; and they put covers on him, but he could not get warm.

New American Standard Bible
Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with garments, but he could not keep warm.

NASB 1995
Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm.

NASB 1977
Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm.

Amplified Bible
Now King David was old, advanced in years; they covered him with clothes, but he could not get warm.

Christian Standard Bible
Now King David was old and advanced in age. Although they covered him with bedclothes, he could not get warm.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now King David was old and getting on in years. Although they covered him with bedclothes, he could not get warm.

American Standard Version
Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

Contemporary English Version
King David was now an old man, and he always felt cold, even under a lot of blankets.

English Revised Version
Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
King David had grown old, and although he was covered with blankets, he couldn't get warm.

Good News Translation
King David was now a very old man, and although his servants covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.

International Standard Version
When David had grown very old, they covered him with blankets, but he could not keep warm,

Majority Standard Bible
Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.

NET Bible
King David was very old; even when they covered him with blankets, he could not get warm.

New Heart English Bible
Now king David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he couldn't keep warm.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now king David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he got no heat.

World English Bible
Now King David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he couldn’t keep warm.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And King David [is] old, entering into days, and they cover him with garments, and he has no heat,

Young's Literal Translation
And king David is old, entering into days, and they cover him with garments, and he hath no heat,

Smith's Literal Translation
And king David was old, going in days; and they will cover him with garments, and he will not be warm.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now king David was old, and advanced in years: and when he was covered with clothes, he was not warm.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now king David had become elderly, and he had many days in his lifetime. And though he was covered with clothes, he was not warmed.

New American Bible
When King David was old and advanced in years, though they covered him with blankets he could not get warm.

New Revised Standard Version
King David was old and advanced in years; and although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW King David was old and well advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not get warm.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And King David, he was old, and had entered into years, and they were covering him with clothing and he did not feel warm .
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now King David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he could get no heat.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And king David was old and advanced in days, and they covered him with clothes, and he was not warmed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abishag Cares for David
1Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. 2So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 5:4
David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

1 Chronicles 23:1
When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

1 Chronicles 29:28
He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.

2 Samuel 11:1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 13:39
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

2 Samuel 19:9-10
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

2 Samuel 21:15-17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”

1 Kings 2:10-11
Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 29:26-27
David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 3:39
And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!”

2 Samuel 15:3-4
Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” / And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”

2 Samuel 16:21-22
Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2 Samuel 17:1-2
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king

2 Samuel 19:32-35
Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. / The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” / But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? ...

2 Samuel 23:1
These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:


Treasury of Scripture

Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he got no heat.

2 Samuel 5:4
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

1 Chronicles 23:1
So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

1 Chronicles 29:27,28
And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem…

Genesis 18:11
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

Genesis 24:1
And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

Joshua 23:1,2
And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age…

Jump to Previous
Advanced Age Although Body Clothes Cold Cover Covered Covers David Entering Far Garments Gat Heat Obtained Stricken Warm Warmth
Jump to Next
Advanced Age Although Body Clothes Cold Cover Covered Covers David Entering Far Garments Gat Heat Obtained Stricken Warm Warmth
1 Kings 1
1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age
5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom
11. By the council of Nathan
15. Bathsheba moves the king
22. And Nathan seconds her
28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba
32. Solomon, by David's appointment,
38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph
41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly
50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon














Now
The word "Now" serves as a transitional marker, indicating a shift in the narrative. It connects the preceding events of David's reign with the new developments that are about to unfold. This transition is crucial as it sets the stage for the succession narrative, highlighting the urgency and importance of the events that follow. In the Hebrew text, the word often translated as "now" is "וַיְהִי" (vayehi), which is frequently used to introduce a new section or story, emphasizing continuity in the biblical narrative.

King David
David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his heart for God, his psalms, and his leadership. The mention of "King David" here underscores his established authority and the legacy he has built. Historically, David's reign is marked by the unification of Israel and Judah and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. His life is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness, despite David's personal failings.

was old and advanced in years
This phrase highlights David's physical decline and the natural progression of life. In Hebrew, the phrase "זָקֵן בָּא בַּיָּמִים" (zaken ba bayamim) conveys not just age but the accumulation of experiences and wisdom. David's advanced age signifies a transition period for the nation of Israel, as the need for a new leader becomes apparent. It also serves as a reminder of the human condition and the inevitability of aging, even for a king chosen by God.

and though they covered him with blankets
The act of covering David with blankets indicates an attempt to provide comfort and warmth, a basic human need. This detail reflects the care and concern of those around him, possibly his servants or family members. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such actions were common for the elderly or infirm, highlighting the communal responsibility to care for the vulnerable. It also symbolizes the limitations of human efforts in addressing the deeper issues of life and mortality.

he could not get warm
This phrase underscores David's frailty and vulnerability in his old age. Despite the efforts to warm him, his inability to retain heat signifies a deeper, spiritual truth about human insufficiency and the need for divine intervention. In a broader biblical context, warmth can symbolize life and vitality, and David's inability to get warm foreshadows the need for a new source of leadership and strength for Israel. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring need for God's presence and guidance.

(1) Now king David.--"Now" is the simple illative conjunction "and," found at the beginning of all the historical books (Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, &c.). It marks the general conception of the unity of the whole history, but implies nothing of special connection of time or authorship with the books of Samuel. In fact, although these books are in some sense the continuation of the former, yet the narrative is hardly continuous. The history passes at once to the closing scene of David's life, leaving a comparative blank in the period succeeding the restoration after the defeat of Absalom--a blank which is partly filled up in the later books (1 Chronicles 22-29).

Stricken in years--about seventy years old. Since "clothes" mean "bed-clothes," the meaning is that the King was now too feeble to rise from his bed. His life began its responsibilities early; it had been hard and trying; and, as the history shows, not wholly free from self-indulgence. Hence, at no excessive age, its complete decrepitude.

Verse 1. - Now [Hebrews and, but "now" more nearly expresses the import of the original, for ו has here little or no connecting force. It is commonly found at the beginning of a book (as in Exodus, Leviticus, Joshua, Judges, 2 Samuel, Ruth, etc.), and that where there is no connection whatever with any earlier writing (as in Esther, Ezekiel, Jonah, etc.) It can hardly imply, therefore, "that the historian regards his work as a continuation of a preceding history" (Rawlinson), nor is there any need to suppose that it has been taken from a writing containing the earlier history of David." Keil] King [Hebrews the king. The frequent use of this title, "King David," "King Solomon," "King Asa," etc., is characteristic of our author. The expression is not unknown in 2 Samuel, but it occurs so rarely as to constitute a distinction (not a link, as Wordsworth) between that book and the Kings.] David was old [yet 2 Samuel 5:4, 5, shows that he cannot have been more than seventy. (He was thirty at his accession; his reign at Hebron lasted seven years and a half; at Jerusalem thirty-three years.) Rawlinson says, "the Jews at this time were not long lived." Certainly, the Jewish kings were not. Only David, Solomon, and Manasses exceeded threescore] and stricken [Hebrews gone, i.e., advanced] in years. [A common expression, only found with זָקֵןas in Genesis 18:11; Genesis 24:1; Joshua 13:1, etc.] And they covered him with clothes [lit. coverings. בֶּגֶד is used of any covering, whether of the person (Genesis 39:12; 1 Kings 22:10), or the bed (1 Samuel 19:13), or even a table (Numbers 4:6). Indeed, the outer garment was used, at least by the poor, for a covering at night (Exodus 22:27). The context (ver. 47) shows that bedclothes are intended here] but he gat no heat. [A common experience of the aged. David's early hardships and later sorrows and anxieties appear to have aged him prematurely. Possibly he was also afflicted with disease.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now King
וְהַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (wə·ham·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

David
דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was old
זָקֵ֔ן (zā·qên)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2204: To be or become old

and advanced
בָּ֖א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

in years,
בַּיָּמִ֑ים (bay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

and though they covered him
וַיְכַסֻּ֙הוּ֙ (way·ḵas·su·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

with blankets,
בַּבְּגָדִ֔ים (bab·bə·ḡā·ḏîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

he could not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

get warm.
יִחַ֖ם (yi·ḥam)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3179: To be hot, to conceive


Links
1 Kings 1:1 NIV
1 Kings 1:1 NLT
1 Kings 1:1 ESV
1 Kings 1:1 NASB
1 Kings 1:1 KJV

1 Kings 1:1 BibleApps.com
1 Kings 1:1 Biblia Paralela
1 Kings 1:1 Chinese Bible
1 Kings 1:1 French Bible
1 Kings 1:1 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Kings 1:1 Now king David was old and stricken (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
2 Samuel 24:25
Top of Page
Top of Page