1 Kings 1 52

1 Kings 1:52 kjv

And Solomon said, If he will show 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 nkjv

Then Solomon said, "If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die."

1 Kings 1:52 niv

Solomon replied, "If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die."

1 Kings 1:52 esv

And Solomon said, "If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die."

1 Kings 1:52 nlt

Solomon replied, "If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die."

1 Kings 1 verses

1 Kings 1 52 Meaning

This verse states King Solomon's conditional grant of mercy to Adonijah. If Adonijah proves himself worthy and ceases his rebellious ambitions, he will be spared and remain unharmed. However, if any wickedness or treachery is found in him, his life will be forfeit, indicating a just consequence for any further rebellion against Solomon's rightful kingship. It highlights a balance of royal clemency and stern justice.

1 Kings 1 52 Context

Chapter 1 of 1 Kings opens with King David, old and near death. Adonijah, David's fourth son, presumes he will inherit the throne and makes a grand attempt to seize power, gathering support from Joab (army commander) and Abiathar (priest). Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba inform David, who then swiftly proclaims Solomon as king. Adonijah, hearing of Solomon's anointing, fears for his life and seeks refuge at the altar. This verse records Solomon's decisive, yet merciful, response to Adonijah's appeal for safety. It demonstrates Solomon's nascent wisdom and authority in establishing justice in his new kingdom, offering a chance for Adonijah to live under certain conditions.

1 Kings 1 52 Word Analysis

• And Solomon said: Establishes Solomon's authority as the newly anointed king, capable of issuing judgments and decrees. This is not just a suggestion, but a royal declaration.
• If (אִם - 'im): A crucial conditional particle. It sets up a precise either/or scenario. Solomon's mercy is not unconditional, reflecting divine justice which also often operates on covenants and conditions (e.g., Deut 28).
• he will show himself a worthy man: The Hebrew is 'isha chayil (אִישׁ חַיִל). While often translated as "man of valor" or "brave man," here it implies a "man of substance," "upright character," "faithful," or "loyal." It means he will act with integrity and abandon his treacherous ways. This goes beyond mere passivity; it suggests positive conduct fitting a loyal subject. In contrast to a "son of Belial" (worthless/wicked person), a 'ish chayil embodies trustworthiness and proper conduct.
• not a hair of him: A common idiomatic expression in Hebrew (e.g., 1 Sam 14:45; 2 Sam 14:11; Lk 21:18). It signifies complete and absolute safety. Not the slightest harm or injury will come to him. It's a hyperbole for total security and preservation of life.
• shall fall to the ground: Reinforces the preceding phrase, emphasizing the totality of protection. No portion of him, however small, will perish.
• but if wickedness is found in him (וְאִם־רָעָה יִמָּצֵא־בוֹ - v’im ra’ah yimmatzei bo):
  • but if (וְאִם - v’im): Introduces the contrasting, negative condition, the alternative outcome.
  • wickedness (רָעָה - ra‘ah): This term covers evil, harm, malice, treachery, and moral depravity. It refers to a continuation of his rebellious or malicious intentions or actions against the new king, Solomon. It implies a deeper moral flaw, not just an error.
  • is found in him (יִמָּצֵא־בוֹ - yimmatzei bo): Means if it comes to light, if he demonstrates or continues to harbor malicious intent. It suggests detection of internal evil expressed in outward action. It points to a testing period or scrutiny of his future conduct.
• he shall die: The direct and absolute consequence for failing the condition. This highlights the severity of treachery against the king and kingdom. Capital punishment was the expected penalty for rebellion.

1 Kings 1 52 Bonus Section

Solomon's response to Adonijah here mirrors a pattern seen elsewhere in Scripture where individuals are given a conditional opportunity to reform and avoid punishment (e.g., God's dealings with Israel through covenants, or with Jonah and Nineveh). It underscores the principle that divine or royal clemency is not to be abused. The subsequent narrative in 1 Kings 2 shows that Adonijah eventually failed this test of worthiness by making another suspicious request related to Abishag, confirming Solomon's earlier "wickedness found in him" condition and leading to his execution. This early act of governance by Solomon effectively eliminates a potential threat and solidifies his throne through a blend of measured patience and decisive justice.

1 Kings 1 52 Commentary

Solomon's declaration regarding Adonijah is a crucial display of his burgeoning wisdom and the establishment of his rule. By stating these clear conditions, Solomon immediately asserts his authority while also extending a pragmatic form of mercy. He acknowledges Adonijah's right of asylum at the altar, but clarifies that such refuge is not absolute, especially not for one who attempted usurpation. The choice laid before Adonijah is stark: demonstrate loyalty and live a life of peace under Solomon's reign, or pursue further treachery and face the ultimate penalty. This conditional pardon sets a precedent for Solomon's reign – one marked by justice, where righteousness brings security, but wickedness brings swift judgment. It reveals that true mercy often comes with an expectation of genuine change and loyalty, aligning with the principles of divine justice where forgiveness is linked to repentance and turning from sin.