New International Version “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “Do not refuse me.” The king replied, “Make it, my mother; I will not refuse you.” New Living Translation “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “I hope you won’t turn me down.” “What is it, my mother?” he asked. “You know I won’t refuse you.” English Standard Version Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” Berean Standard Bible “I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.” Berean Literal Bible And she said, “One small request I desire of you. Do not turn back my face.” And the king said to her, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not turn back your face.” King James Bible Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. New King James Version Then she said, “I desire one small petition of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” New American Standard Bible Then she said, “I am making one small request of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Ask, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” NASB 1995 Then she said, “I am making one small request of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Ask, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” NASB 1977 Then she said, “I am making one small request of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Ask, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” Legacy Standard Bible Then she said, “I am making one small request of you; do not turn me away.” And the king said to her, “Ask, my mother, for I will not turn you away.” Amplified Bible Then she said, “I am making one small request of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Ask, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” Berean Annotated Bible “I have just one small request of you, she said. “Do not deny me. “Make your request, my mother, the king replied, “for I will not deny you. Christian Standard Bible Then she said, “I have just one small request of you. Don’t turn me down.” “Go ahead and ask, mother,” the king replied, “for I won’t turn you down.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then she said, “I have just one small request of you. Don’t turn me down."” Go ahead and ask, mother,” the king replied, “for I won’t turn you down.” American Standard Version Then she said, I ask one small petition of thee; deny me not. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother; for I will not deny thee. Contemporary English Version Bathsheba sat down and then asked, "Would you do me a small favor?" Solomon replied, "Mother, just tell me what you want, and I will do it." English Revised Version Then she said, I ask one small petition of thee; deny me not. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not deny thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation "I'm asking you for one little thing," she said. "Don't refuse me." "Ask, Mother," the king told her. "I won't refuse you." Good News Translation She said, "I have a small favor to ask of you; please do not refuse me." "What is it, mother?" he asked. "I will not refuse you." International Standard Version and told him, "I would like to make a minor request of you. Please don't refuse me." "What is your request, mother?" the king asked her. "I won't turn you down." NET Bible She said, "I would like to ask you for just one small favor. Please don't refuse me." He said, "Go ahead and ask, my mother, for I would not refuse you." New Heart English Bible Then she said, "I ask one small petition of you; do not deny me." The king said to her, "Ask on, my mother; for I will not deny you." Webster's Bible Translation Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, deny me not. And the king said to her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not deny thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.” World English Bible Then she said, “I ask one small petition of you; don’t deny me.” The king said to her, “Ask on, my mother, for I will not deny you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she says, “I ask one small petition of you, do not turn back my face”; and the king says to her, “Ask, my mother, for I do not turn back your face.” Berean Literal Bible And she said, “One small request I desire of you. Do not turn back my face.” And the king said to her, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not turn back your face.” Young's Literal Translation And she saith, 'One small petition I ask of thee, turn not back my face;' and the king saith to her, 'Ask, my mother, for I do not turn back thy face.' Smith's Literal Translation And she will say, One small asking I ask from thee; thou wilt not turn away my face. And the king will say to her, Ask, my mother, for I will not turn away thy face. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd she said to him: I desire one small petition of thee, do not put me to confusion. And the king said to her: My mother, ask: for I must not turn away thy face. Catholic Public Domain Version And she said to him: “I petition one small request from you. May you not confound my face.” And the king said to her: “Ask, my mother. For it is not right that I turn away your face.” New American Bible She said, “There is one small favor I would ask of you. Do not refuse me.” The king said to her, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” New Revised Standard Version Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother; for I will not refuse you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen she said, I desire one small petition of you; do not refuse me. And the king said to her, Ask on, my mother; for I will not refuse you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And she said: “One small request I ask of you. Do not turn away my face.” And the King said to her: “Ask me, mother, for I will not turn away your face.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then she said: 'I ask one small petition of thee; deny me not.' And the king said unto her: 'Ask on, my mother; for I will not deny thee.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And she said to him, I ask of thee one little request; turn not away my face from thee. And the king said to her, Ask, my mother, and I will not reject thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Execution of Adonijah…19So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. 20“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.” 21So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.”… Cross References “I have just one small request of you,” Esther 5:3 “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” Esther 7:2 and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” she said. 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied. John 2:3 When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” “Do not deny me.” Genesis 32:26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Luke 11:8 I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “Make your request, my mother,” 1 Kings 1:16 And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” 1 Kings 1:17 “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ the king replied, 1 Kings 1:28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. Esther 5:5 “Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. “for I will not deny you.” Mark 6:23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” Esther 5:6 And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Matthew 14:7-9 so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted Mark 6:22-26 When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” … John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Treasury of Scripture Then she said, I desire one small petition of you; I pray you, say me not no. And the king said to her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say you no. I desire Matthew 20:20,21 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him… John 2:3,4 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine… Ask on Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: … Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:35,36 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law… Jump to Previous Deny Desire Face Making Mother Petition Refuse Request Small TurnJump to Next Deny Desire Face Making Mother Petition Refuse Request Small Turn1 Kings 2 1. David, having given a charge to Solomon3. of Reverence 5. of Joab 7. of Barzillai 8. of Shimei 10. Solomon succeeds 12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag, 13. is put to death 26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood 28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain 35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's 36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death. “I have just one small request of you,” Bathsheba approached Solomon as his mother and as queen mother, a position of recognized honor in the royal court. Est 5:3 “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired.… she said. Her request concerned Adonijah, who sought to strengthen his claim through marriage to Abishag. 2Sa 14:12 Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak… “Do not deny me.” Bathsheba appealed to Solomon’s duty to honor her, apparently unaware of the political danger behind Adonijah’s request. Gen 32:26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”… “Make your request, my mother,” Solomon's response shows respect and acknowledgment of Bathsheba's position. By addressing her as "my mother," Solomon affirms her authority and the special bond they share. 1Ki 1:16 And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king,… the king replied, Solomon received her respectfully and acknowledged her place in his household. 1Ki 1:28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.”… “for I will not deny you.” His assurance showed filial honor, yet he would judge the request according to the security and righteousness of his kingdom. Mrk 6:23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me…”… Persons / Places / Events 1. BathshebaThe mother of King Solomon, Bathsheba approaches her son with a request. Her role as the queen mother gives her a position of influence in the royal court. 2. King Solomon The son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. His response to his mother reflects both respect and the weight of his royal authority. 3. The Royal Court The setting is the royal court of Israel, where matters of state and personal requests are brought before the king. 4. Adonijah's Request The context of this verse involves Adonijah, Solomon's older brother, who previously attempted to claim the throne. Bathsheba's request is on behalf of Adonijah, which has political implications. 5. The Throne of Israel The central symbol of authority and governance in Israel, representing God's covenant with David and his descendants. Teaching Points Respect for Parental AuthoritySolomon's willingness to listen to Bathsheba demonstrates the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, which is foundational in Christian ethics. Wisdom in Leadership Solomon's response shows the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership, especially when dealing with family and political matters. The Influence of Godly Counsel Bathsheba's position as queen mother highlights the impact of godly counsel and influence in the lives of leaders. The Complexity of Family Dynamics The request involves navigating complex family relationships, reminding us of the need for grace and wisdom in our own family interactions. The Sovereignty of God in Leadership Despite human plans and requests, God's sovereign will ultimately prevails, as seen in Solomon's reign. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:20?2. How does 1 Kings 2:20 illustrate the importance of honoring parental requests? 3. What does Solomon's response reveal about wisdom in leadership? 4. How can we apply Solomon's approach to requests in our daily decisions? 5. What other scriptures emphasize the significance of honoring family commitments? 6. How does 1 Kings 2:20 guide us in balancing authority and compassion? 7. What is the significance of Solomon's response to Bathsheba in 1 Kings 2:20? 8. How does 1 Kings 2:20 reflect the themes of power and authority in the Bible? 9. Why does Solomon initially agree to Bathsheba's request in 1 Kings 2:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2? Verse 20. - Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee. [So it seemed, no doubt, to her, in her inexperience and ignorance of Adonijah's real motives. She thought she held the threads of a love story in her hands, and that it would be a small thing for Solomon to make these handsome lovers happy]: I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. [The readiness of the king to grant whatever she asked proves that the reasons which induced him to deny her request must have been weighty; i.e., Adonijah's suit cannot have been devoid of political consequences. 1 Kings 2:20 paints a vivid exchange of humble petition and honoring response. Bathsheba’s respectful appeal and Solomon’s willing ear illustrate how closeness, reverence, and righteousness shape requests and answers. For believers, the scene encourages confident yet humble prayer, trusting the King who delights to hear and, in His wisdom, grants what accords with His righteous will. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Iאָֽנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I have just one אַחַ֤ת (’a·ḥaṯ) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 259: United, one, first small קְטַנָּה֙ (qə·ṭan·nāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant request of you,” שְׁאֵלָ֨ה (šə·’ê·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7596: Request, thing asked for she said. וַתֹּ֗אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not deny תָּ֖שֶׁב (tā·šeḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again me.” פָּנָ֑י (pā·nāy) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 6440: The face “Make your request, שֹׁאֶ֣לֶת (šō·’e·leṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand my mother,” אִמִּ֔י (’im·mî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 517: A mother, ) the king הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king replied, וַיֹּֽאמֶר־ (way·yō·mer-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “for כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no deny אָשִׁ֖יב (’ā·šîḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again you.” פָּנָֽיִךְ׃ (pā·nā·yiḵ) Noun - common plural construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 6440: The face Additonal Resources 1 Kings 2:20 Blue Letter Bible1 Kings 2:20 Bible Gateway 1 Kings 2:20 Bible.com 1 Kings 2:20 NIV |
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