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Adonijah(3)

Adonijah in the Bible — non-Levite leader (NEH 10:14). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.

Name meaning: the Lord is my master

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
2 references
Known Names
1 name
Relationships
1 connection

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 (1)

Adonijahproper name
Hebrew
אֲדֹנִיָּה
Transliteration
adoniyah
Meaning
[my] lord is y-h-v-h
Greek
Εδανια
Reference
NEH 10:16
Strong's
H138

Family & Relationships (1)

descendant

Jacob(NEH 10:16)

Notes

named on the sealed document of NEH 10:1-27 (NEH 10:16)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Adonijah in the Bible?

Adonijah is described in the Bible as non-Levite leader (NEH 10:14).

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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