1 Kings 2 14

1 Kings 2:14 kjv

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

1 Kings 2:14 nkjv

Moreover he said, "I have something to say to you." And she said, "Say it."

1 Kings 2:14 niv

Then he added, "I have something to say to you." "You may say it," she replied.

1 Kings 2:14 esv

Then he said, "I have something to say to you." She said, "Speak."

1 Kings 2:14 nlt

In fact, I have a favor to ask of you." "What is it?" she asked.

1 Kings 2 verses

1 Kings 2 14 Meaning

1 Kings 2:14 details Adonijah, son of Haggith, approaching Bathsheba, mother of King Solomon. Bathsheba, astute to the political landscape, immediately questions the nature of his visit, asking, "Do you come peacefully?" Adonijah curtly confirms, "Peacefully," though his subsequent actions reveal a deceptive motive masked by this declaration of peace. This exchange marks the beginning of Adonijah's final, ill-fated attempt to assert a claim to the throne by subtly seeking a position associated with the previous king's authority.

1 Kings 2 14 Context

1 Kings chapter 2 narrates King David's dying instructions to his son Solomon, solidifying Solomon's kingship by advising him on how to secure the throne and deal with remaining threats. Following David's death and Solomon's ascension, Adonijah, who had previously attempted to usurp the throne (1 Kgs 1:5-53) and was pardoned by Solomon, makes a crucial move. Verse 14 initiates his subtle yet profound challenge to Solomon's reign. Historically and culturally, in the ancient Near East, taking control of a deceased king's concubines or wives was a significant symbolic act signifying succession to the throne and inheritance of royal authority (as seen with Absalom in 2 Sam 16:21-22). Bathsheba, as the influential queen mother (Gebirah), was the direct route to appeal to Solomon, making her a strategic target for Adonijah. Her wary question, "Do you come peacefully?", reflects an acute awareness of Adonijah's past rebellious actions and the political tension surrounding the new monarchy, demonstrating her political discernment in an unstable court.

1 Kings 2 14 Word analysis

• Then Adonijah: 'Ādōnîyāh (אֲדֹנִיָּה), meaning "my lord is Yahweh," is ironic given his personal ambition to become lord himself, defying Yahweh's chosen king. The initial "Then" signals a significant transition or next step in the unfolding events following Solomon's enthronement.
• the son of Haggith: Ḥaggît (חַגִּית), meaning "festive" or "feast-born," identifies Adonijah as David's fourth son. His mother's name is merely an identifier here.
• came to Bathsheba: Bat-Sheva (בַּת-שֶׁבַע), meaning "daughter of an oath" or "daughter of seven." She is Solomon's mother and holds the esteemed position of the Gebirah (queen mother), a powerful and influential role in the Davidic monarchy. His coming to her shows a calculated political move due to her direct access and influence with Solomon.
• the mother of Solomon: Reinforces Bathsheba's elevated status and connection to the new king, highlighting why Adonijah approached her rather than Solomon directly.
• And she said: Implies an immediate, perhaps cautious, reaction from Bathsheba upon seeing Adonijah, given his recent history.
• 'Do you come peacefully?': Hă-shalôm (הַשָּׁל֖וֹם). This is more than a casual greeting; it’s an interrogation. "Shalôm" (שָׁלֹום) in Hebrew denotes not just the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and health. Bathsheba's question conveys her suspicion: Is his visit genuinely for the good of the kingdom and the new king, or does it harbor ill intent or hidden mischief? It reflects her keen discernment.
• And he said, 'Peacefully.': Shalôm (שָׁלֹום). Adonijah's terse affirmation of "shalom" is a deliberate verbal smokescreen, intended to allay Bathsheba's suspicions and appear harmless. This is a critical point, demonstrating Adonijah's deceptive nature and his manipulative use of a common Hebrew greeting to conceal his true agenda, which becomes apparent in the following verses.

1 Kings 2 14 Bonus section

• The Queen Mother's Role (Gebirah): In the Davidic dynasty, the Queen Mother held significant power and influence. Unlike in many ancient Near Eastern kingdoms where the primary queen's position was less defined or secure after the king's death, the Gebirah in Judah held a strong, lasting role, often advising the king and serving as a political figurehead. Bathsheba's prompt action in 1 Kgs 1:11-31, ensuring Solomon's succession, showcased her power, which Adonijah attempts to exploit here.
• Discerning "Shalom": The interaction in this verse provides a practical lesson in discerning motives. Not all who declare "peace" truly bring it. Bathsheba, despite the verbal affirmation, looks beyond the word to the character and history of the speaker, urging believers to be spiritually discerning about those who approach them, especially in matters of counsel or influence.
• Prophetic Parallel: Adonijah's strategy of subtly reclaiming power by attaching himself to the previous king's property is a subtle form of usurpation. It serves as a shadow to those who seek authority or position by earthly means rather than God's divine appointment.

1 Kings 2 14 Commentary

1 Kings 2:14 serves as a critical turning point in Adonijah’s story, showcasing his continued rebellious spirit cloaked in deceit. His approach to Bathsheba, the powerful Queen Mother, was a cunning, desperate gamble. He used the culturally appropriate language of peace ("shalom") to mask a highly subversive motive: attempting to solidify a claim to the throne by obtaining Abishag, the deceased king's concubine. Bathsheba's wary inquiry immediately exposes the underlying tension and her suspicion of Adonijah's character. Adonijah's brief, confident "peacefully" highlights his hypocrisy, creating a stark contrast between his outward presentation and his inward agenda. This verse exemplifies the biblical theme of discernment, where outward appearances and smooth words often conceal dangerous intentions. It illustrates how ambition, even when momentarily thwarted, can manifest in subtle, deceptive forms to achieve its forbidden ends, ultimately leading to greater judgment.