The book of 1 Kings does not name its own author, so its writer is officially unknown.

However, ancient Jewish tradition (for example in the Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a) commonly says that the prophet Jeremiah wrote or compiled the Book of Kings (which includes both 1 and 2 Kings). Many modern scholars are more cautious and speak of an anonymous editor or group of editors, sometimes called “the Deuteronomistic historian,” working during or just after the Babylonian exile.

So, in one sentence:

  • Officially: the author of 1 Kings is anonymous.
  • Traditional view: Jeremiah is the likely compiler or final editor.

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