King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:50 Mean?

1 Kings 1:50 in the King James Version says “And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.”

1 Kings 1:50 · KJV

Context

48

And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.

49

And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.

50

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

51

And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword.

52

And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

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 sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

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 · 9 words
וַאֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ1 of 9

“And Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

יָרֵ֖א2 of 9

“feared”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִפְּנֵ֣י3 of 9

“because”

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה4 of 9

“of Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיָּ֣קָם5 of 9

“and arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ6 of 9
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַֽיַּחֲזֵ֖ק7 of 9

“and caught hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בְּקַרְנ֥וֹת8 of 9

“on the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃9 of 9

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 1:50 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 1:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:28Exodus 21:14Exodus 38:2Exodus 27:2Psalms 118:27

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