1 Kings 2:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Solomon swears a solemn oath that Adonijah's request has sealed his own death.
What Does 1 Kings 2:23 Mean?
Solomon binds himself with a grave oath, invoking the LORD: 'God do so to me, and more also.' He declares that Adonijah, by this very request, has spoken 'against his own life.' The bid for Abishag has become a self-pronounced sentence.
The solemnity of the oath shows how seriously a threat to the God-given throne was taken. Adonijah's grasping, after he had once been spared, leaves no doubt of his intent. The verse sounds a sober note: persistent rebellion against what God has clearly established does not go on forever. There comes a moment when the choice a man keeps making becomes the judgment he receives.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 2:23
What does 1 Kings 2:23 mean?
Solomon swears a solemn oath that Adonijah's request has sealed his own death.