1 Kings 1:42
New International Version
Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in. A worthy man like you must be bringing good news.”

New Living Translation
And while he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” Adonijah said to him, “for you are a good man. You must have good news.”

English Standard Version
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.”

Berean Standard Bible
As 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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And while he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came in. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a man of valor and bring good news.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
While he was still speaking, there came Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a prominent man, and bring good news.”

New American Standard Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and you bring good news.”

NASB 1995
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.”

NASB 1977
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.”

Legacy Standard Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.”

Amplified Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant and trustworthy man and you bring good news.”

Berean Annotated Bible
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan (YHWH has given) the son of Abiathar (my father is great) the priest arrived. “Come in, said Adonijah (my lord is YHWH), “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.

Christian Standard Bible
He was still speaking when Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest, suddenly arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are an important man, and you must be bringing good news.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was still speaking when Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest, suddenly arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are an excellent man, and you must be bringing good news."”

American Standard Version
While he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.

Contemporary English Version
Just then, Jonathan son of Abiathar came running up. "Come in," Adonijah said. "An important man like you must have some good news."

English Revised Version
While he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He was still speaking when Jonathan, son of the priest Abiathar, arrived. "Come in," Adonijah said. "You're an honorable man, so you must be bringing good news."

Good News Translation
Before he finished speaking, Jonathan, the son of the priest Abiathar, arrived. "Come on in," Adonijah said. "You're a good man--you must be bringing good news."

International Standard Version
While he was still asking that question, Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest arrived, so Adonijah told him, "Come on in, since you're a worthy man and are bringing us good news!"

NET Bible
As he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, "Come in, for an important man like you must be bringing good news."

New Heart English Bible
While he yet spoke, look, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, "Come in; for you are a worthy man, and bring good news."

Webster's Bible Translation
And while he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said to him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
As 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.”

World English Bible
While he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said, “Come in; for you are a worthy man, and bring good news.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He is yet speaking, and behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest has come in, and Adonijah says, “Come in, for you [are] a man of valor, and you bear good tidings.”

Berean Literal Bible
And while he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came in. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a man of valor and bring good news.”

Young's Literal Translation
He is yet speaking, and lo, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest hath come in, and Adonijah saith, 'Come in, for a man of valour thou art, and thou bearest good tidings.'

Smith's Literal Translation
He yet speaking, and behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came in; and Adonijah will say, Come in, for thou a man of strength, and thou wilt announce good news.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
While he yet spoke, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonias said to him: Come in, because thou art a valiant man, and bringest good news.

Catholic Public Domain Version
While he was still speaking, Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, arrived. And Adonijah said to him, “Enter, for you are a valiant man, and you report good news.”

New American Bible
As he was speaking, Jonathan, son of Abiathar the priest, arrived. Adonijah said, “Come, you are a man of worth and must bring good news.”

New Revised Standard Version
While he was still speaking, Jonathan son of the priest Abiathar arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and surely you bring good news.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And while he was still speaking, behold, Nathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said to him, Come in; for you are a valiant man, and you bring good tidings.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And while he was speaking, behold, Nathan, son of Abiathar the Priest, came, and Aduniah said to him: “Come in, because you are a mighty man of the army and announce good news!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
While he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said: 'Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
While he was yet speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came in: and Adonias said, Come in, for thou art a mighty man, and thou comest to bring glad tidings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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.…

Cross References
As he was speaking,

Matthew 17:5
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

Luke 9:34
While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.

Genesis 24:15
Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.
suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived.

2 Samuel 18:25-27
So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, / the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. / The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”

1 Samuel 4:12
That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.

2 Samuel 1:2-4
On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. / “Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. / “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”
“Come in,” said Adonijah,

Genesis 24:31
“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”

Judges 4:18
Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.

Genesis 19:2
and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
“for you are a man of valor.

Judges 6:12
And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

Judges 11:1
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.

1 Chronicles 12:28
and Zadok, a mighty young man of valor, with 22 commanders from his own family.
You must be bringing good news.”

2 Kings 7:9
Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Romans 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
2 Samuel 15:13-14
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”


Treasury of Scripture

And while he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said to him, Come in; for you are a valiant man, and bring good tidings.

Jonathan

2 Samuel 15:36
Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

2 Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

a valiant

1 Kings 22:18
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?

2 Samuel 18:27
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

2 Kings 9:22
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?

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1 Kings 1
1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age
5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom
11. By the council of Nathan
15. Bathsheba moves the king
22. And Nathan seconds her
28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba
32. Solomon, by David's appointment,
38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph
41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly
50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon












As he was speaking
This phrase indicates a moment of interruption, suggesting urgency and the unfolding of significant events. The context is a gathering where Adonijah, son of King David, is attempting to establish himself as king. The timing of the interruption is crucial, as it occurs during a pivotal moment in Adonijah's self-proclaimed coronation.

suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived
Jonathan, the son of Abiathar, is a significant figure due to his lineage. Abiathar was a priest during King David's reign, and his presence here connects to the broader narrative of David's kingdom. Abiathar's support of Adonijah contrasts with Zadok the priest's support of Solomon, highlighting the division within the priesthood. This division reflects the political and spiritual tensions of the time. Jonathan's sudden arrival suggests an unexpected development, often a literary device indicating a shift in the narrative.

“Come in,” said Adonijah
Adonijah's invitation to Jonathan reflects his confidence and expectation of favorable news. Adonijah, as David's son, assumes authority and control, evident in his welcoming demeanor. This moment underscores Adonijah's ambition and his attempt to consolidate power, despite not being the chosen successor.

“for you are a man of valor
Adonijah's description of Jonathan as a "man of valor" is significant. Valor, often associated with bravery and honor, suggests that Jonathan is respected and trusted. This acknowledgment indicates that Jonathan's report is expected to be credible and significant. The term "man of valor" is used throughout the Old Testament to describe individuals of notable courage and integrity, such as Gideon (Judges 6:12).

You must be bringing good news.”
Adonijah's assumption that Jonathan brings "good news" reveals his expectations and desires. In the cultural context, messengers often brought news of victory or defeat, and the anticipation of good news reflects Adonijah's hope for confirmation of his kingship. This expectation is ironic, as the narrative soon reveals that Jonathan's news is not favorable to Adonijah. The concept of "good news" or "gospel" is later echoed in the New Testament, where it signifies the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of Abiathar the priest, Jonathan is a messenger in this account. His arrival is significant as it brings news that impacts the unfolding events surrounding the succession of King David.

2. Abiathar the Priest
A priest during King David's reign, Abiathar was initially loyal to David but later supported Adonijah's claim to the throne, which was against David's wishes.

3. Adonijah
The son of King David who attempted to declare himself king without David's approval. His actions set the stage for the conflict over the rightful succession to the throne.

4. King David
The reigning king at the time, whose decision regarding his successor is central to the events in this chapter.

5. The Succession Crisis
The broader event in which there is a struggle for the throne of Israel, highlighting issues of authority, loyalty, and divine will.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Counsel
Jonathan's role as a messenger reminds us of the importance of seeking and delivering truthful and godly counsel. In our lives, we should prioritize advice that aligns with God's will.

The Consequences of Ambition
Adonijah's ambition led him to act against God's chosen plan. This serves as a warning against unchecked ambition and the importance of aligning our desires with God's purposes.

The Role of Divine Providence
The unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereignty in establishing leadership. We are reminded to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Loyalty and Faithfulness
Abiathar's divided loyalty highlights the need for steadfast faithfulness to God's anointed leaders. In our spiritual journey, we should remain loyal to God's direction and leadership.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:42?

2. How does 1 Kings 1:42 illustrate God's sovereignty in leadership transitions?

3. What role does Jonathan play in conveying God's will in 1 Kings 1:42?

4. How can we discern God's plans in leadership changes, as seen in 1 Kings 1?

5. How does Jonathan's report in 1 Kings 1:42 encourage truthfulness in communication?

6. What lessons on divine timing can we learn from 1 Kings 1:42?

7. What is the significance of Jonathan's arrival in 1 Kings 1:42?

8. How does 1 Kings 1:42 reflect God's sovereignty in leadership transitions?

9. Why is Adonijah's reaction important in understanding 1 Kings 1:42?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1?

11. Why do the measurements in Ezekiel 42 seem to conflict with earlier temple designs described in 1 Kings 6?

12. If 1 Kings 2:13-25 shows Adonijah requesting Abishag only as a bride, why is his death seen as justifiable, and does this conflict with any moral standards presented in earlier biblical texts?

13. Why does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)?

14. What lessons do Saul, Jonathan, and David's lives teach?
What Does 1 Kings 1:42 Mean
As he was speaking

• “As he was speaking” points back to Joab’s puzzled remarks about the city’s commotion (1 Kings 1:41).

• Scripture often highlights God’s timing by interrupting human conversation—Genesis 24:15 “Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out,” and Isaiah 65:24 “Before they call I will answer.”

• The phrase underscores how rapidly God can overturn human schemes; Adonijah’s celebration is already unraveling while his allies are still talking (Psalm 33:10–11).


Suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived

• The adverb “suddenly” signals an unexpected shift, echoing Acts 2:2 “Suddenly a sound like a rushing wind” when God intervenes decisively.

• Jonathan is the son of Abiathar, the priest who sided with Adonijah (1 Kings 1:7). God sovereignly uses someone from within Adonijah’s circle to expose the plot, much as Hushai undermined Absalom from within (2 Samuel 15:32–34).

• Jonathan had been a reliable courier for David during Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15:36; 17:17–20). His arrival now connects David’s past deliverances with this present one, showing God’s consistent faithfulness (Psalm 18:50).


“Come in,” said Adonijah

• Adonijah greets Jonathan confidently, paralleling Absalom’s self-assurance before his fall (2 Samuel 15:4–6, 14).

• His invitation betrays no fear or humility, illustrating Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction.”

• Adonijah assumes he is still in control, unaware that Solomon has already been anointed king (1 Kings 1:38–40).


“for you are a man of valor”

• Adonijah appeals to Jonathan’s reputation—similar language describes David (1 Samuel 16:18) and Boaz (Ruth 2:1)—expecting valor to guarantee favorable news.

• Valor here implies trustworthy character, yet truthful messengers sometimes carry unwelcome reports (2 Samuel 18:31–32).

• The contrast highlights how worldly reasoning misreads spiritual reality; Adonijah esteems valor but ignores God’s decree (1 Chronicles 22:9–10).


“You must be bringing good news.”

• Adonijah’s wishful assumption mirrors Ahab’s demand for prophets who will only prophesy good (1 Kings 22:13–18).

• Scripture records several ironic “good news” moments that herald judgment instead—2 Sa 1:20 regarding Saul, and Jeremiah 6:14 “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.”

• His statement exposes the blindness of self-exaltation; while he anticipates victory, God’s plan already favors Solomon (1 Kings 1:29–30).


summary

1 Kings 1:42 captures the precise moment God overturns Adonijah’s coup. While Joab speaks, Jonathan’s sudden arrival interrupts, signaling divine intervention. Adonijah’s confident welcome, praise of valor, and expectation of good news reveal his pride and spiritual blindness. The verse reminds us that God’s purposes prevail swiftly and decisively, often through unexpected messengers, and that human schemes cannot stand against the Lord’s declared will.

(42) Jonathan the son of Abiathar.--See 2Samuel 15:27; 2Samuel 17:17-21, where he is named, with Ahimaaz, as a swift runner, fit to be a messenger. It is curious that a similar greeting to his companion Ahimaaz is used by David in 2Samuel 18:27--possibly as a kind of omen of good fortune.

Verse 42. - And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest [Cf. 2 Samuel 15:36; 2 Samuel 17:17. His experience had marked him out for the post of watchman] came [That he bad not arrived before shows how prompt, and even hurried, had been the measures taken by Solomon's party] and Adonijah said unto him [Hebrews and LXX. omit "unto him"] Come in [Heb. come. See on ver. 22. "Come in" suggests the idea of a house or tent, whereas the feast was al fresco]; for thou art a valiant man [it is Adonijah (not Joab, as Bahr - of course by an oversight - says) who speaks thus. Perhaps "able," "honest," or "worthy man" (cf. ver. 52; same word in Hebrews; also Proverbs 12:4) would be nearer the mark. "Valiant" is clearly out of place] and bringest good tidings. [A similar expression 2 Samuel 18:27. It was evidently a familiar saying. The idea, "a good man will bring good news" corresponds with that of the proverb of 1 Samuel 24:13. Adonijah's misgivings reveal themselves in these words. He fears the worst, but strives to put on a cheerful face and to encourage his guests.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As he was
עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ (‘ō·w·ḏen·nū)
Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

speaking,
מְדַבֵּ֔ר (mə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

suddenly
וְהִנֵּ֧ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

Jonathan
יוֹנָתָ֛ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Abiathar
אֶבְיָתָ֥ר (’eḇ·yā·ṯār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 54: Abiathar -- 'the great one is father', an Israelite priest

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

arrived.
בָּ֑א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

“Come in,”
בֹּ֔א (bō)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Adonijah,
אֲדֹנִיָּ֙הוּ֙ (’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 138: Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites

“for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you
אַ֖תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

[are] a man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of valor.
חַ֛יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

You must be bringing good
וְט֥וֹב (wə·ṭō·wḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

news.”
תְּבַשֵּֽׂר׃ (tə·ḇaś·śêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce


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OT History: 1 Kings 1:42 While he yet spoke behold Jonathan (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 1:41
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