1 Kings 2:17

The Execution of Adonijah · 1 Kings 2:13–27
Read 1 Kings 2

Translations

Modern
Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”
Traditional
And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
Literal
And he said, “Speak, please, to Solomon the King, for he will not refuse you, that he may give to me Abishag the Shunammitess for a wife.”
Latin
Et ille ait: Precor ut dicas Salomoni regi (neque enim negare tibi quidquam potest) ut det mihi Abisag Sunamitidem uxorem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”

Notes

Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife: Having the king’s concubine showed royal authority. When David became king, he received Saul’s wives (2 Samuel 12:7–8). The rebellious Absalom took David’s concubines (2 Samuel 16:20–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Abiathar Bathsheba Solomon

Events

People

Abishag: Beautiful Shunammite who served King David Shunammites: People from Shunem; includes Abishag and the Shunammite woman Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Abishag Adonijah Amasa Ithra Jether Kings, Books of First and Second Samuel, Books of First and Second Shimei Shulammite Shunem Solomon (Person)

Topics

Abishag: Wife of David Adonijah: Son of David and Haggith: Executed by Solomon Bath-Sheba (Bathsheba): Solomon's Mother Influence: Political Intercession for Adonijah Shunammite: A Person from the City of Shunem: Desired by Adonijah As Wife