Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:43
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Adonijah was a name given to several Israelites, including a son of David who tried to take the throne from Solomon. The name means 'my lord is Jehovah'. Adonijah is mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.16 § Adonijah = "my lord is Jehovah" 1) fourth son of David and Solomon's rival for the throne 2) Levite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the Law 3) a chief of the people who co-operated with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Adonijah. See also: 2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Kings 1:49; Nehemiah 10:17.
This Hebrew word means truly or surely, often used to emphasize a point. It appears in the Bible as 'but', 'indeed', or 'verily'.
Definition: 1) truly, verily, surely 2) but, however, howbeit 3) contrariwise, nay rather (neg.)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: but, indeed, nevertheless, verily. See also: Genesis 17:19; 2 Chronicles 1:4; Daniel 10:21.
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
Context — Adonijah Learns of Solomon’s Kingship
41Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab.
42As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”
43“Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king.
44And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king’s mule.
45Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there with rejoicing that rings out in the city. That is the noise you hear.
1 Kings 1:43 Summary
[This verse tells us that King David had made Solomon the new king, and Jonathan was sent to tell Adonijah and his guests the news. This was not what Adonijah wanted to hear, because he had been trying to become king himself. The fact that King David had made Solomon king shows that he was following God's plan, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:12-13. This verse is a reminder that God is in control of all things, and His plans will always come to pass, as seen in Isaiah 46:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jonathan's role in this conversation?
Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, was a messenger who brought important news to Adonijah and his guests, as seen in 1 Kings 1:43. He was likely a trusted figure, given his father's position as a priest.
Why did Jonathan say 'Not at all' in his response to Adonijah?
Jonathan said 'Not at all' because he was correcting Adonijah's assumption that he was bringing good news, when in fact he was bringing news that would be unwelcome to Adonijah - the news that Solomon had been made king by King David, as stated in 1 Kings 1:43.
What does this verse reveal about King David's actions?
This verse reveals that King David had taken action to secure the throne for Solomon, his chosen successor, as stated in 1 Kings 1:43. This is in line with God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, where God promised that David's son would succeed him as king.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the transfer of power in Israel?
This verse is a key part of the story of how power was transferred from King David to his son Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 1. It shows how God's plan for the kingdom of Israel was fulfilled, despite the attempts of others, like Adonijah, to seize the throne.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Jonathan's courage in speaking unwelcome news to Adonijah, and how can we apply that to our own lives?
- How does this verse demonstrate God's sovereignty over human events, and what implications does that have for our trust in Him?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of King David, and what can we learn from his example of faithfulness to God's promises?
- How does this verse fit into the larger story of God's plan for the kingdom of Israel, and what does it reveal about His faithfulness to His people?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:43
And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, verily,.... Or, "nay, but" (k) it is not so as you imagine; it is not good tidings, but bad tidings to thee I bring: our lord King David hath made Solomon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:43
And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:43
Verily, or, but, or, nay but, i.e. the matter is not as thou expectest, but quite contrary.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:43
1 Kings 1:43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.Ver. 43. Verily our lord king David,] q.d., Good news say you? truly not so good as you think, for all is like to be nought on your side: Postea nullus eris. Afterward it will be nothing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:43
Verse 43. Jonathan answered] He was properly a messenger about the court; we have met with him and Ahimaaz before, 2 Samuel 15:36. He had now been an observer, if not a spy, on all that was doing, and relates the transactions to Adonijah, in the very order in which they took place. 1. David has nominated Solomon his successor. 2. Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, have been appointed to set him on the king's mule. 3. They have taken him to Gihon, and anointed him there. 4. They have brought him up to Jerusalem and placed him on the throne of the kingdom.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:43
43. Verily our lord, &c.] The adverb implies some such sense as ‘Nay but’. Jonathan wishes to say ‘It is not as you hoped, but on the contrary Solomon is proclaimed and anointed.’ Comp. Genesis 17:19, where the word is rendered in A. V. ‘indeed,’ but the sense is ‘Nay but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son,’ instead of Ishmael being made the hope of thy family.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:43
Verily - “Nay, but” (or, “Not so”).