1 Kings 2:23
1 Kings 2:23 in Multiple Translations
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life.
Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Then king Solomon sware by Jehovah, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah hath not spoken this word against his own life.
Then King Solomon took an oath by the Lord, saying, May God's punishment be on me if Adonijah does not give payment for these words with his life.
Then King Solomon vowed before the Lord, “May God punish me, really punish me, if what Adonijah has asked for doesn't cost him his life.
Then King Salomon sware by the Lord, saying, God doe so to me and more also, if Adoniiah hath not spoken this worde against his owne life.
And king Solomon sweareth by Jehovah, saying, 'Thus doth God to me, and thus He doth add — surely against his soul hath Adonijah spoken this word;
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life.
Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah hath not spoken this word against his own life.
Then king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying: So and so may God do to me, and add more, if Adonias hath not spoken this word against his own life.
Then Solomon solemnly promised, requesting Yahweh to listen, “I wish God would strike me and kill me if I do not cause Adonijah to be executed for requesting this!
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:23
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 2:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַע֙
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
כֹּ֣ה
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
לִּ֤/י
אֱלֹהִים֙
וְ/כֹ֣ה
יוֹסִ֔יף
כִּ֣י
בְ/נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
דִּבֶּר֙
אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַע֙
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כֹּ֣ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
לִּ֤/י
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/כֹ֣ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Conj | Adv
יוֹסִ֔יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְ/נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
דִּבֶּר֙
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
Adonijah
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:23
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַע֙
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
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.
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
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.
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
כֹּ֣ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִּ֤/י
""
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/כֹ֣ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יוֹסִ֔יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְ/נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
דִּבֶּר֙
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
"Adonijah"
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 2:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:23
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:23
- Sermons on 1 Kings 2:23
Context — The Execution of Adonijah
21So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.”
22King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”
23Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life.
24And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” 25So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 1:17 | Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” |
| 2 | Psalms 140:9 | May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. |
| 3 | Psalms 64:8 | They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 20:10 | Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.” |
| 5 | Luke 19:22 | His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 10:12 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. |
| 7 | Proverbs 18:6–7 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:44 | And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 3:35 | Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!” |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 3:9 | May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: |
1 Kings 2:23 Summary
In 1 Kings 2:23, King Solomon makes a solemn promise to God, saying that if Adonijah's request is not a genuine attempt to take the throne, he will face severe punishment. This reaction shows that Solomon is committed to protecting his authority and maintaining order in the kingdom, as seen in Proverbs 20:26. By invoking God's name, Solomon acknowledges God's power and sovereignty over human affairs, as stated in Psalm 103:19. This teaches us to respect authority and trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult situations, just as we see in Romans 13:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Solomon react so strongly to Adonijah's request?
King Solomon saw Adonijah's request for Abishag as a challenge to his authority, reminiscent of Adonijah's earlier attempt to take the throne, as seen in 1 Kings 1:5-40. This perceived threat led Solomon to swear an oath by the Lord, invoking severe punishment if Adonijah's actions were indeed treasonous.
What does it mean to swear by the Lord in this context?
In 1 Kings 2:23, swearing by the Lord is a solemn oath, where King Solomon invokes God's name to attest to the severity of the punishment he wishes to inflict upon Adonijah if his suspicions are correct, similar to the oath seen in Deuteronomy 6:13, where the Israelites were commanded to fear and serve the Lord.
Is King Solomon's reaction justified, given Adonijah's past actions?
Considering Adonijah's history of rebellion, as seen in 1 Kings 1:5-40, King Solomon's reaction can be understood as a necessary measure to protect his throne and maintain order in the kingdom, in line with the principles of leadership and authority outlined in Proverbs 20:26 and Romans 13:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over human affairs, as King Solomon acknowledges God's power and authority in his oath, recognizing that true power resides with the Lord, as stated in Psalm 103:19 and Isaiah 40:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of respecting authority, as seen in King Solomon's reaction to Adonijah's request, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I, like King Solomon, learn to discern and respond to potential threats to my faith and values, while trusting in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways do I invoke God's name in my own life, and how can I ensure that I do so with reverence and sincerity, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:20?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to those in authority over me, as seen in Romans 13:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:23
Then King Solomon sware by the Lord,.... To prevent his mother pressing him to have her petition granted: saying, God do so to me, and more also; lay such and such evils upon me, and more than I care
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:23
Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. God do so to me, and more also. The common form of introducing a solemn oath.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:23
Sware by the Lord; once here, and again, ; which he did to oblige himself irrevocably to it, and to prevent all intercessions for his life, it being of so great importance to him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:23
1 Kings 2:23 Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.Ver. 23. And Solomon sware.] That his mother, seeing him so resolute, might no more solicit.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:23
(23) God do so to me, and more also.—See Rth 1:17; 1 Samuel 3:17; 1 Samuel 14:44; 1 Samuel 20:13; 1 Samuel 25:22, 2 Samuel 11:14, &c. This well-known formula of imprecation—which the LXX. renders, “May God do these things to me and add these things also “—was probably accompanied with some gesture signifying utter destruction.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:23
23. God do so to me, and more also] This is a very idiomatic rendering for the Hebrew, which is literally ‘Thus shall God do to me, and thus shall He add.’ The expression occurs again in 1 Kings 19:2, 1 Kings 20:10, and in 2 Kings 6:31 as well as several times in the books of Samuel, and in Rth 1:17.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:23
Against his own life - Adonijah had forfeited his life by his former conduct, and his pardon had been merely conditional 1 Kings 1:52.
Sermons on 1 Kings 2:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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Kingdom in Crisis - Part 2 by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the discussions that have taken place and emphasizes the importance of applying the teachings to everyday life. The s |
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The Power of a Kind Word by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the power of kind words, emphasizing how they can uplift and bring joy to others, contrasting heaviness in the heart with the gladness that good |
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What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou |
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(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |