Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request! New Living Translation Then King Solomon made a vow before the LORD: “May God strike me and even kill me if Adonijah has not sealed his fate with this request. English Standard Version Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life! Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And King Solomon swore by YHWH, saying, “Thus may do to me God, and thus may He add, if against his own life Adonijah has not spoken this word. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life! New American Standard Bible Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more so, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life! NASB 1995 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. NASB 1977 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. Legacy Standard Bible Then King Solomon swore by Yahweh, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. Amplified Bible Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do the same to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not requested this [deplorable] thing against his own life. Berean Annotated Bible Then King Solomon (peace) swore by the LORD {YHWH}: “May God {Elohim} punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah (my lord is YHWH) has not made this request at the expense of his life. Christian Standard Bible Then King Solomon took an oath by the LORD: “May God punish me and do so severely if Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Solomon took an oath by the LORD: “May God punish me and do so severely if Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version I swear in the name of the LORD that Adonijah will die because he asked for this! If he doesn't, I pray that God will severely punish me. English Revised Version 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'S WORD® Translation King Solomon took an oath by the LORD and said, "May God strike me dead if Adonijah doesn't pay with his life for this request! Good News Translation Then Solomon made a solemn promise in the LORD's name, "May God strike me dead if I don't make Adonijah pay with his life for asking this! International Standard Version Then King Solomon took this oath in the name of the LORD: "May God do so to me, and more besides, if Adonijah hasn't endangered his life by bringing up this subject. NET Bible King Solomon then swore an oath by the LORD, "May God judge me severely, if Adonijah does not pay for this request with his life! New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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. World English Bible Then King Solomon swore by Yahweh, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd King Solomon swears by YHWH, saying, “Thus God does to me, and thus He adds—surely Adonijah has spoken this word against his [own] soul; Berean Literal Bible And King Solomon swore by YHWH, saying, “Thus may do to me God, and thus may He add, if against his own life Adonijah has not spoken this word. Young's Literal Translation 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; Smith's Literal Translation And king Solomon will swear by Jehovah, saying, Thus will God do to me, and thus will he add, for Adonijah spoke this word against his soul. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen 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. Catholic Public Domain Version And so king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying: “May God do these things to me, and may he add these other things! For Adonijah has spoken this word against his own life. New American Bible And King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God do thus to me and more, if Adonijah has not spoken this word at the cost of his life. New Revised Standard Version Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, “So may God do to me, and more also, for Adonijah has devised this scheme at the risk of his life! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And King Solomon swore by LORD JEHOVAH and said: “Thus God shall do to me and thus he will add to me if Aduniah has not spoken this response against his life! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying: 'God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. Brenton Septuagint Translation And king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if it be not that Adonias has spoken this word against his own life. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Execution of Adonijah…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!”… Cross References Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. Genesis 24:3 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, 2 Chronicles 15:14 They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. “May God punish me, and ever so severely, 1 Samuel 20:13 But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father. 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!” 1 Samuel 14:44 And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!” if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life.” Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. Proverbs 19:12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 2 Samuel 12:5-7 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” / Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 1 Samuel 14:39-45 As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. / Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. / So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. … 2 Samuel 1:14-16 So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 4:9-12 But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, / when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! / How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!” … 2 Samuel 3:28-29 Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” 2 Samuel 19:21-23 But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” / So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him. 1 Kings 1:51-53 It 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.’” / And 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.” / So King Solomon summoned Adonijah down from the altar, and he came and bowed down before King Solomon, who said to him, “Go to your home.” Treasury of Scripture Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. God 1 Kings 20:10 And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. Ruth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. 1 Samuel 14:44 And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. 2 Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. spoken Psalm 64:8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. Psalm 140:9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. Proverbs 18:6,7 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes… Jump to Previous Add Adonijah Adoni'jah Cost Deal God's Life Oath Pay Punishment Request Severely Solomon Soul Surely Sware Swore WordJump to Next Add Adonijah Adoni'jah Cost Deal God's Life Oath Pay Punishment Request Severely Solomon Soul Surely Sware Swore Word1 Kings 2 1. David, having given a charge to Solomon3. of Reverence 5. of Joab 7. of Barzillai 8. of Shimei 10. Solomon succeeds 12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag, 13. is put to death 26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood 28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain 35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's 36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death. Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: Solomon's oath by the LORD signifies the seriousness and solemnity of his declaration. In ancient Israel, swearing by the LORD was a binding commitment, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act underscores Solomon's role as a king who acknowledges divine authority. The use of an oath also connects to other biblical instances where leaders swore by God to affirm truth or intent, such as in Genesis 21:23-24 with Abraham and Abimelech. May God punish me, and ever so severely: if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life: Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he is establishing his reign and dealing with threats to his throne. 2. Adonijah The son of King David and Haggith, Adonijah attempted to claim the throne before Solomon was anointed king. His request to marry Abishag is seen as a political move to assert his claim to the throne. 3. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom Solomon invokes in his oath, emphasizing the seriousness and divine witness to his declaration. 4. Abishag the Shunammite A young woman who served King David in his old age. Adonijah's request to marry her is interpreted as a challenge to Solomon's kingship. 5. The Throne of Israel The central symbol of authority and governance in the united kingdom of Israel, which Solomon is determined to secure against any threats. Teaching Points The Importance of Discernment in LeadershipSolomon's response to Adonijah's request demonstrates the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership, especially when dealing with potential threats to authority. The Seriousness of Oaths Solomon's oath before the LORD underscores the gravity of making promises or declarations in God's name, reminding believers of the importance of integrity in their words. Guarding Against Subtle Threats Adonijah's request, though seemingly innocent, was a strategic move. This teaches the importance of vigilance and discernment in recognizing and addressing subtle challenges to one's faith or responsibilities. The Role of Divine Justice Solomon's invocation of divine punishment reflects a belief in God's justice and sovereignty, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate authority and justice. The Consequences of Ambition Adonijah's ambition and failure to recognize God's chosen king serve as a warning against unchecked ambition and the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:23?2. How does 1 Kings 2:23 demonstrate the seriousness of breaking an oath to God? 3. What role does divine justice play in Solomon's decision in 1 Kings 2:23? 4. How does 1 Kings 2:23 connect with Proverbs 21:1 about a king's heart? 5. What can we learn about leadership accountability from Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 2:23? 6. How should Christians today approach promises, considering Solomon's response in 1 Kings 2:23? 7. Why did King Solomon swear an oath in 1 Kings 2:23? 8. How does 1 Kings 2:23 reflect God's justice? 9. What historical context led to Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 2:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2? 11. Is King Solomon considered saved? 12. Why did Solomon execute Adonijah for requesting Abishag? 13. In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence? 14. Does Solomon's sacrifice at high places (1 Kings 3:2-3) conflict with scriptural bans on worship outside the central sanctuary? What Does 1 Kings 2:23 Mean Then King Solomon swore by the LORD• Solomon does not speak lightly; he calls on the covenant name of the LORD, Yahweh, anchoring his words in God’s own authority (Deuteronomy 6:13; Hebrews 6:16). • Oaths in Israel were binding; to swear “by the LORD” was to place oneself under divine judgment if found false (1 Samuel 19:6). • Solomon’s immediate response shows he sees Adonijah’s request as a direct threat, not a casual petition (1 Kings 1:52). May God punish me, and ever so severely • A familiar oath formula in Scripture—literally, “So may God do to me, and more also” (Ruth 1:17; 2 Samuel 3:9). • The king invokes the severest divine sanctions to underscore that he will act decisively. • This mirrors earlier leaders who recognized that rebellion against God-appointed authority demanded firm action (1 Samuel 3:17). if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. • Asking for Abishag, David’s former concubine, was tantamount to claiming David’s throne (2 Samuel 16:20-22). • Adonijah had already tried to seize the kingship (1 Kings 1:5-10). Solomon had spared him once with the warning, “If he proves himself worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground” (1 Kings 1:52). • By seeking Abishag, Adonijah breaks that trust; Solomon rightly sees it as treason deserving death under the law for rebellion against God’s chosen king (Deuteronomy 17:12; 1 Kings 2:24-25). summary Solomon’s solemn oath reveals his commitment to uphold God’s righteous order in Israel. By invoking the LORD’s name and the harshest self-imprecation, he signals that Adonijah’s request is no innocent favor but a renewed bid for the throne. Scripture presents Solomon’s judgment—not as personal vengeance—but as the necessary, God-sanctioned protection of the kingdom entrusted to him. (23) God do so to me, and more also.--See Ruth 1:17; 1Samuel 3:17; 1Samuel 14:44; 1Samuel 20:13; 1Samuel 25:22, 2Samuel 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. . . . Verse 23. - Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also [a common form of adjuration (Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 14:44; 1 Samuel 20:13; 2 Samuel 3:9; 2 Samuel 19:13, etc.) = Gott soil mich fort und fort strafen. Bahr], if [or "that." כִּי constantly follows formulae of swearing, as in all the passages just cited. Cf. the use of ὅτι in New Testament. The order of the next words in the Hebrew is noticeable] against his life spake Adonijah this word. [בְּנַפְשׁו, "at the peril or cost of his life." Cf. 2 Samuel 23:17; Joshua 23:11.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Solomon שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne swore וַיִּשָּׁבַע֙ (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear by the LORD: בַּֽיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel “May God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative punish כֹּ֣ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now me, לִּ֤י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew and ever so וְכֹ֣ה (wə·ḵōh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now severely, יוֹסִ֔יף (yō·w·sîp̄) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3254: To add, augment if כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction Adonijah אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ (’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 138: Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites has not made דִּבֶּר֙ (dib·ber) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue this הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that request הַדָּבָ֖ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause at the expense of his life. בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ (ḇə·nap̄·šōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion Links 1 Kings 2:23 NIV1 Kings 2:23 NLT 1 Kings 2:23 ESV 1 Kings 2:23 NASB 1 Kings 2:23 KJV 1 Kings 2:23 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 2:23 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 2:23 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 2:23 French Bible 1 Kings 2:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 2:23 Then king Solomon swore by Yahweh saying (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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