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Adonijah

Adonijah in the Bible — fourth-born son of King David (2SA 3:4). Adonijah belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 5 scripture passages.

Name meaning: the Lord is my master

Profile

Gender
male
Tribe
Judah
Scripture References
5 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
3 connections

Biography

The fourth son of David and Haggith, Adonijah attempted to seize the throne as David aged, despite knowing that Solomon was chosen as heir. He held a coronation feast but was stopped when Nathan and Bathsheba alerted David, who immediately had Solomon crowned. Later, Adonijah's request for David's concubine led Solomon to have him executed.

Significance

Adonijah's failed coup demonstrates the importance of submitting to God's chosen leader and the dangers of ambition and presumption.

Key Events

Birth to David and Haggith(2 Samuel 3:4)
Attempted to seize throne(1 Kings 1:5-9)
Pardoned by Solomon(1 Kings 1:52-53)
Executed for requesting Abishag(1 Kings 2:13-25)

Names & Labels (2)

Adonijahproper name
Hebrew
אֲדֹנִיָּה
Transliteration
adoniyah
Meaning
[my] lord is y-h-v-h
Greek
Ορνια
Reference
2SA 3:4
Strong's
H138
King Adonijahtitle
Hebrew
מֶּלֶךְ אֲדֹנִיָּהוּ
Transliteration
melek adoniyahu
Meaning
king Adonijah
Greek
βασιλεὺς Αδωνιας
Reference
1KI 1:25
Strong's
H4428, H0138

Family & Relationships (3)

son

David(2SA 3:4)
Haggith(2SA 3:4)

killed by

Benaiah(1KI 2:25)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Adonijah in the Bible?

Adonijah is described in the Bible as fourth-born son of King David (2SA 3:4). Adonijah belonged to the tribe of Judah.

What does the name Adonijah mean?

The name Adonijah means “the Lord is my master” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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