King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:52 Mean?

1 Kings 1:52 in the King James Version says “And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedn... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 1:52 · KJV


Context

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.

53

So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 15

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה2 of 15

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אִ֚ם3 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה4 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְבֶן5 of 15

man

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

חַ֔יִל6 of 15

If he will shew himself a worthy

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

לֹֽא7 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפֹּ֥ל8 of 15

of him fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִשַּֽׂעֲרָת֖וֹ9 of 15

there shall not an hair

H8185

hairiness

אָ֑רְצָה10 of 15

to the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאִם11 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

רָעָ֥ה12 of 15

but if wickedness

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

תִמָּֽצֵא13 of 15

shall be found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

ב֖וֹ14 of 15
H0
וָמֵֽת׃15 of 15

in him he shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill


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 1:52 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 1:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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