King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:5 Mean?

1 Kings 1:5 in the King James Version says “Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. be king: Heb. reign”

1 Kings 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

4

And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

5

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. be king: Heb. reign

6

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. at any: Heb. from his days

7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him. he: Heb. his words were with following: Heb. helped after Adonijah

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַאֲדֹֽנִיָּ֧ה1 of 15

“Then Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

בֶן2 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חַגִּ֛ית3 of 15

“of Haggith”

H2294

chaggith, a wife of david

מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א4 of 15
H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לֵאמֹ֖ר5 of 15

“himself saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִ֣י6 of 15
H589

i

אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ7 of 15

“I will be king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ8 of 15

“and he prepared”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֗וֹ9 of 15
H0
רֶ֚כֶב10 of 15

“him chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים11 of 15

“and horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים12 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אִ֖ישׁ13 of 15

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

רָצִ֥ים14 of 15

“to run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

לְפָנָֽיו׃15 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:12 Samuel 3:4Isaiah 2:71 Kings 1:11Proverbs 16:18Exodus 9:17

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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