King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:13 Mean?

1 Kings 2:13 in the King James Version says “And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he sai...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.”

1 Kings 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

12

Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

13

And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

14

He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.

15

And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD.

Read 1 Kings 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, 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 · 14 words
בֹּאֶ֑ךָ1 of 14

“Comest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֣הוּ2 of 14

“And Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

בֶן3 of 14

“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

חַגִּ֗ית4 of 14

“of Haggith”

H2294

chaggith, a wife of david

אֶל5 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּת6 of 14
H0
שֶׁ֙בַע֙7 of 14

“to Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

אֵם8 of 14

“the mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה9 of 14

“of Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר10 of 14

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃11 of 14

“Peaceably”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

בֹּאֶ֑ךָ12 of 14

“Comest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר13 of 14

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃14 of 14

“Peaceably”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:5-101 Chronicles 12:17-182 Kings 9:18-22Luke 10:5-61 Samuel 16:4-51 Kings 1:50-53

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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