King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:22 Mean?

1 Kings 2:22 in the King James Version says “And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for h... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

1 Kings 2:22 · KJV


Context

20

Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.

21

And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.

22

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

23

Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

24

Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

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.

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 · 27 words
וַיַּעַן֩1 of 27

answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ2 of 27

And king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה3 of 27

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר4 of 27

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאִמּ֗וֹ5 of 27

unto his mother

H517

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

וְלָמָה֩6 of 27
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַ֨תְּ7 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְשַֽׁאֲלִי8 of 27

And why dost thou ask

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אֶת9 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבִישַׁ֤ג10 of 27

Abishag

H49

abishag, a concubine of david

הַשֻּֽׁנַמִּית֙11 of 27

the Shunammite

H7767

a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem

לַאֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ12 of 27

for Adonijah

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

וְשַֽׁאֲלִי13 of 27

And why dost thou ask

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לוֹ֙14 of 27
H0
אֶת15 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה16 of 27

for him the kingdom

H4410

something ruled, i.e., a realm

כִּ֛י17 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֥וּא18 of 27
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָחִ֖י19 of 27

brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַגָּד֣וֹל20 of 27

also for he is mine elder

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מִמֶּ֑נִּי21 of 27
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְלוֹ֙22 of 27
H0
וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֣ר23 of 27

even for him and for Abiathar

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן24 of 27

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּלְיוֹאָ֖ב25 of 27

and for Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

בֶּן26 of 27

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

צְרוּיָֽה׃27 of 27

of Zeruiah

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess


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 2:22 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 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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