1 Kings 1:50
1 Kings 1:50 in Multiple Translations
But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.
¶ And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
And Adonijah himself was full of fear because of Solomon; and he got up and went to the altar, and put his hands on its horns.
Adonijah was terrified of Solomon, so he ran off. He went and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar.
And Adonijah fearing the presence of Salomon, arose and went, and tooke holde on the hornes of the altar.
and Adonijah feareth because of Solomon, and riseth, and goeth, and layeth hold on the horns of the altar.
Adonijah was afraid because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and hung onto the horns of the altar.
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
And Adonias fearing Solomon, arose, and went, and took hold on the horn of the altar.
Adonijah was afraid of what Solomon would do, so he went to the Sacred Tent and grabbed the projections at the corners of the altar, because he knew that no one would kill him there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:50
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 1:50 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
יָרֵ֖א
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
וַ/יֵּ֔לֶךְ
וַֽ/יַּחֲזֵ֖ק
בְּ/קַרְנ֥וֹת
הַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
וַ/אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
Adonijah
Conj | N-proper
יָרֵ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֔לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַֽ/יַּחֲזֵ֖ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/קַרְנ֥וֹת
qeren
H7161
horn
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:50
וַ/אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
"Adonijah"
Conj | N-proper
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.
יָרֵ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
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.
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וַ/יֵּ֔לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וַֽ/יַּחֲזֵ֖ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בְּ/קַרְנ֥וֹת
qeren
H7161
"horn"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:50
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:50 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:50
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:50
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:50
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:50
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:50
Context — Adonijah Learns of Solomon’s Kingship
48saying, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel! Today He has provided one to sit on my throne, and my eyes have seen it.’”
49At this, all the guests of Adonijah arose in terror and scattered.
50But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.
51It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” 52And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 2:28 | When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. |
| 2 | Exodus 21:14 | But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. |
| 3 | Exodus 27:2 | Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. |
| 4 | Psalms 118:27 | The LORD is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. |
| 5 | Exodus 38:2 | He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze. |
1 Kings 1:50 Summary
In 1 Kings 1:50, Adonijah is trying to protect himself from Solomon by going to the altar, which was a place of safety in ancient Israel, as seen in Exodus 21:12-14. This action shows that Adonijah is afraid of what Solomon might do to him, and he is seeking mercy and protection. This reminds us that we can always come to God for refuge and protection, as mentioned in Psalm 46:1, and trust in His sovereignty and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like Adonijah, we can recognize our own vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and seek God's mercy and protection in those areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adonijah go to the altar in 1 Kings 1:50?
Adonijah went to the altar because he was afraid of Solomon and sought refuge there, as indicated by his actions in 1 Kings 1:50, and this was a common practice in ancient Israel, as seen in Exodus 21:12-14 and 1 Kings 2:28-30.
What did Adonijah hope to achieve by taking hold of the horns of the altar?
By taking hold of the horns of the altar, Adonijah was seeking to invoke the protection and mercy of God, as well as to appeal to Solomon's sense of justice and compassion, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:51-52.
Is this action by Adonijah an admission of guilt or wrongdoing?
Yes, Adonijah's action in 1 Kings 1:50 implies that he recognizes his own culpability and is seeking to avoid punishment, which is later addressed by Solomon in 1 Kings 1:52.
How does this verse relate to the concept of seeking refuge in God?
This verse illustrates the idea of seeking refuge in God, as mentioned in Psalm 2:12 and Psalm 73:28, where individuals can find safety and protection in Him, and Adonijah's action, although motivated by fear, demonstrates the human desire to seek refuge and mercy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have sought refuge or protection, and how can I apply the concept of seeking refuge in God to those situations?
- In what ways can I, like Adonijah, recognize my own vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and how can I seek God's mercy and protection in those areas?
- How can I balance the desire for self-preservation with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in 1 Kings 1:50 and other scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of Adonijah, and what can I learn from his example about humility and recognition of one's own limitations?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:50
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon,.... Lest he should seize him as an usurper and traitor, and put him to death: and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar; either that which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:50
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
Either that which was at Gibeon, as appears from ; and was made with four horns, ; to which the sacrifices were bound . Or rather, that which set David had lately up in the threshing-floor of Araunah, which doubtless was made after the same form as that at Gibeon; for, first, This was next at hand. Secondly, The altar only is mentioned here, whereas in Joab’ s case there is mention of the tabernacle and altar both, ,29, which seems to be noted to distinguish the two altars; for Adonijah being the king’ s son, he might safely go to Araunah’ s altar, and the people would not be forward to seize upon him, or bring him to justice: but Joab truly thought it was not safe for him to venture himself there, and therefore he fleeth to Gibeon, as a place more remote from Jerusalem. Hither he fled, either to implore God’ s mercy; or rather, to avoid Solomon’ s rage; supposing that his reverence to that sacred place would not permit him to pollute it with his brother’ s blood; or that the consideration of God’ s grace and mercy, which himself needed and begged of God, in pardoning his offences, and accepting the sacrifices which he should offer there, would engage and dispose him to show mercy to his offending and now penitent brother; or that his piety would not allow him violently to pluck him as it were out of the arms of God, into which he had put himself. And for these or such-like reasons the altar was esteemed a kind of sanctuary or place of refuge, not only among the Gentiles, but also among the Hebrews, though it be not called by that name, as may be gathered from .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
1 Kings 1:50 And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.Ver. 50. On the horns of the altar.] Which hitherto, haply, he had despised.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
(50) The horns of the altar.—The horns were projections from the altar, to which (see Psalms 118:27) the victims were fastened, and on which the blood was sprinkled (Exodus 29:12). To take hold of them was, of course, to claim the right of sanctuary—a right, however, which the Law, ruled as usual by moral considerations, formally denied to wilful murder (Exodus 21:14), and which accordingly (see 1 Kings 2:30-31) was refused hereafter to Joab. Adonijah, by the acknowledgment of “King Solomon,” seems to represent his usurpation as one of those acts of haste and inadvertency, to which alone sanctuary was conceded.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
Verse 50. Adonijah feared] He knew he had usurped the kingdom, and had not his father's consent; and, as he finds now that Solomon is appointed by David, he knows well that the people will immediately respect that appointment, and that his case is hopeless; he therefore took sanctuary, and, fleeing to the tabernacle, laid hold on one of the horns of the altar, as if appealing to the protection of God against the violence of men. The altar was a privileged place, and it was deemed sacrilege to molest a man who had taken refuge there. See 1Kg 2:28.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:50
50. caught hold on the horns of the altar] In his terror Adonijah takes sanctuary, apparently at the altar which had been erected when the ark was brought to Mt. Zion. That an altar was set up there is clear from 2 Samuel 6:17-18, where we have an account of the burnt offerings and peace offerings presented there. As this sanctuary was specially under the care of Abiathar, it was natural that Adonijah should go there. It may have been by Abiathar’s advice. The horns of the altar are described Exodus 27:2 seqq. They were wooden projections overlaid with brass. On the occasion of a sacrifice the priest with his finger was to smear them with the blood of the victim (Exodus 29:12), and this ceremonial was a sign of atonement (Exodus 30:10). Thus the spot to which Adonijah fled was of special sanctity.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:50
On the “horns” of the altar, see Exodus 27:2 note. The altar to which Adonijah fled was probably in the “tabernacle” already referred to 1 Kings 1:39.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50
50. Adonijah feared — For he judged Solomon by himself, and had he obtained the kingdom, Solomon would doubtless speedily have been destroyed.
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:50
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Destined for the Cross by Paul E. Billheimer | Paul E. Billheimer preaches on the foundational principle of self-sacrifice in the universe, exemplified by Christ's choice to stay on the cross despite temptations to come down an |
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Exposition on Psalm 118 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord and confessing His goodness, emphasizing that God's mercy endures forever. He encourages all, from Israel to those who |
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How May We Enter Into the Enjoyment of Holiness? by Phoebe Palmer | Phoebe Palmer preaches about the necessity of fully fixing the intention to live a holy life, requiring deep searchings of the heart and surrendering any hindrances that may be pre |
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The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 2 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ's appearance in human nature, likening it to the light of the morning and the tender grass that springs forth after rain. He explain |
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Drive a Stake Down by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of being bound to the altar of consecration, symbolizing a complete surrender to God even in times of difficulty and doubt. He empha |
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The Death of the Cross by J.C. Philpot | Chapter Four from the book 'Meditations on the Sacred Humanity of Our Blessed Redeemer' delves into the profound mystery of Godliness, emphasizing the incarnation of God in the fle |