Bathsheba
Bathsheba in the Bible
Bathsheba is the wife of Uriah who later becomes a wife of David and the mother of Solomon. Her story is central to David’s grave sin in 2 Samuel 11 and to Solomon’s succession in 1 Kings.
Bathsheba at a Glance
Key Bible Passages About Bathsheba
Old Testament
2 Samuel 11:1–27
David takes Bathsheba and arranges Uriah’s death.
2 Samuel 12:1–25
Nathan confronts David; the first child dies, and Bathsheba later bears Solomon.
1 Kings 1:11–40
Bathsheba and Nathan act during the succession crisis, and Solomon is anointed.
1 Kings 2:13–25
Adonijah approaches Bathsheba with a request during Solomon’s reign.
New Testament
Matthew 1:6
Jesus’ genealogy refers to Solomon’s mother as the former wife of Uriah.
The Story of Bathsheba
Bathsheba is introduced in 2 Samuel 11 as the wife of Uriah the Hittite and daughter of Eliam. David sees her bathing, sends for her, and she becomes pregnant. David then arranges Uriah’s death after attempts to conceal the pregnancy fail. The prophet Nathan confronts David, and the child born from the encounter dies.
Bathsheba later bears Solomon. Near the end of David’s reign, when Adonijah attempts to establish himself as king, Bathsheba and Nathan approach David concerning his commitment that Solomon should reign. David publicly orders Solomon’s anointing.
In 1 Kings 2 Bathsheba appears as queen mother during Solomon’s reign. Matthew 1:6 includes her in Jesus’ genealogy indirectly as “her that had been the wife of Uriah” in the KJV.
Where Does Bathsheba Appear in the Bible?
Old Testament
2 Samuel 11–12MAJOR APPEARANCE
Bathsheba is drawn into David’s sin involving Uriah and later bears Solomon.
1 Kings 1MAJOR APPEARANCE
Bathsheba participates in securing Solomon’s succession.
1 Kings 2MAJOR APPEARANCE
Bathsheba appears as Solomon’s mother during his reign.
New Testament
Matthew 1:6
She is referenced indirectly in Jesus’ genealogy.
Historical & Cultural Context
Bathsheba’s story occurs within the royal court of David and Solomon. Her later position as Solomon’s mother gives her an important place in the succession narrative.
Literary Role
Bathsheba first appears within a narrative designed to expose David’s wrongdoing. She later becomes an active participant in the succession crisis, creating a significant change in her narrative position.
Character & Significance
Bathsheba’s story intersects royal abuse of power, judgment, succession, motherhood, and the Davidic line. Careful reading should not shift David’s explicitly condemned actions onto Bathsheba when the narrative places responsibility on David.
Important People in Bathsheba’s Life
David
HusbandDavid takes Bathsheba after arranging Uriah’s death.
Uriah
First husbandUriah the Hittite is Bathsheba’s husband when David sends for her.
Solomon
SonBathsheba is Solomon’s mother and supports his succession.
Nathan
Political and prophetic allyNathan and Bathsheba coordinate during the succession crisis.
The Life and Story of Bathsheba
Introduced as Uriah’s Wife
David sends for Bathsheba and she becomes pregnant.
Nathan Confronts David
David is condemned; Bathsheba later bears Solomon.
Succession Crisis
Bathsheba approaches David concerning Solomon.
Queen Mother
Bathsheba appears during Solomon’s reign.
Genealogy of Jesus
Matthew recalls her as the wife of Uriah.
Research Questions About Bathsheba
How does 2 Samuel assign responsibility in the Bathsheba narrative?
Follow the verbs and Nathan’s confrontation of David in 2 Samuel 11–12.
What role does Bathsheba play in Solomon’s succession?
Study her actions with Nathan in 1 Kings 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathsheba
Who was Bathsheba in the Bible?
Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, later a wife of David, and the mother of Solomon.
Was Bathsheba Solomon’s mother?
Yes. 2 Samuel 12:24 identifies Solomon as a son born to David and Bathsheba.
Is Bathsheba in Jesus’ genealogy?
Matthew 1:6 refers to Solomon being born of the woman who had been Uriah’s wife.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Bathsheba: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/people/bathsheba/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Bathsheba: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/people/bathsheba/.
When citing Scripture itself, cite the Bible translation and passage separately according to your required style.
