King — Meaning in the Bible

A ruler of a nation. Israel's first kings were Saul, David and Solomon; the Bible also calls God the true King and Jesus the King of the Jews.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

What it means

Israel asked Samuel for a king like the nations. God gave them Saul, then chose David, promising that his family would rule. After Solomon the kingdom divided into Israel and Judah. 1 Samuel 8:4–7 1 Samuel 16:1 2 Samuel 7:12–16 1 Kings 12:16–20

The psalms proclaim that the LORD reigns as king. The Magi came seeking the one "born King of the Jews", and that title was written above Jesus' cross. Psalm 93:1 Psalm 145:1 Matthew 2:2 John 19:19

Key passages

Deuteronomy 17:14–20 — The law for a king.
1 Samuel 8:4–22 — Israel asks for a king.
2 Samuel 7:8–16 — God's promise to David.
Psalm 145:1 — "My God, the King".
Matthew 2:1–2 — King of the Jews.

For children

A king rules a country. David was a shepherd boy whom God chose to become king of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:12–13

David and Goliath

Study further

1 Samuel 8–10 The first king.
Psalm 2 God's anointed king.