Overview
The Bible addresses monarchy across 8 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Kings, Rulers, Samuel and Tribute.
Key Bible verses about monarchy
Old Testament
1 Samuel
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. officers: Heb. eunuchs
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying monarchy for yourself
- Begin with 1 Samuel 8:11, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Widen the study to related themes: Kings, Rulers, Samuel and Tribute.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about monarchy?
The Bible addresses monarchy across 8 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Kings, Rulers, Samuel and Tribute.
How many Bible verses are about monarchy?
The Bible references monarchy in 8 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention monarchy?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 1 Samuel 8:11: “And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.”
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