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
Adonijah was a male member of the tribe of Judah, known as the fourth-born son of King David. His position as a prince placed him in the royal lineage during a critical period in Israel's history. There are no additional personal notes recorded about him beyond his birth order and parentage.
Names & Titles
The name Adonijah means '[my] lord is y-h-v-h,' reflecting a theophoric element that acknowledges the LORD's lordship. He is also referred to by the title 'King Adonijah,' indicating his attempt to claim the throne, though this title was not divinely appointed.
Family
Scripture explicitly identifies Adonijah as the son of King David and Haggith. He was ultimately killed by Benaiah, an act that underscores the conflict surrounding his claim to the throne. No other familial relationships are recorded beyond these.
Significance
Adonijah's significance lies in his attempt to ascend to the throne of Israel during King David's old age, despite Solomon being God's chosen successor. His ambition led to a failed coup, which was thwarted by the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, resulting in Solomon's anointing as king. His story highlights the biblical principle of submitting to God's appointed authority and illustrates the consequences of presumption and self-exaltation.
Key Events
Names & Labels (2)
- Hebrew
- אֲדֹנִיָּה
- Transliteration
- adoniyah
- Meaning
- [my] lord is y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Ορνια
- Reference
- 2SA 3:4
- Strong's
- H138
- Hebrew
- מֶּלֶךְ אֲדֹנִיָּהוּ
- Transliteration
- melek adoniyahu
- Meaning
- king Adonijah
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς Αδωνιας
- Reference
- 1KI 1:25
- Strong's
- H4428, H0138
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adonijah in the Bible?
Adonijah was a male member of the tribe of Judah, known as the fourth-born son of King David. His position as a prince placed him in the royal lineage during a critical period in Israel's history. There are no additional personal notes recorded about him beyond his birth order and parentage.
What does the name Adonijah mean?
The name Adonijah means “the Lord is my master” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.