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1 Kings 1:18

1 Kings 1:18 in Multiple Translations

But now, behold, Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, did not know it.

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and thou, my lord the king, knowest it not:

And now, see, Adonijah has made himself king without my lord's knowledge;

But now Adonijah has become king and Your Majesty doesn't even know.

And beholde, nowe is Adoniiah king, and now, my lord, O King, thou knowest it not.

and now, lo, Adonijah hath reigned, and now, my lord, O king, thou hast not known;

Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my lord the king, don’t know it.

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:

And behold now Adonias reigneth, and thou, my lord the king, knowest nothing of it.

But now, believe it or not, Adonijah has become king, and you do not know anything about it.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:18

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עַתָּ֕ה הִנֵּ֥ה אֲדֹנִיָּ֖ה מָלָ֑ךְ וְ/עַתָּ֛ה אֲדֹנִ֥/י הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ לֹ֥א יָדָֽעְתָּ
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv
הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
אֲדֹנִיָּ֖ה ʼĂdônîyâh H138 Adonijah N-proper
מָלָ֑ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/עַתָּ֛ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv
אֲדֹנִ֥/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יָדָֽעְתָּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:18

וְ/עַתָּ֕ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֲדֹנִיָּ֖ה ʼĂdônîyâh H138 "Adonijah" N-proper
Adonijah was a name given to several Israelites, including a son of David who tried to take the throne from Solomon. The name means 'my lord is Jehovah'. Adonijah is mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.16 § Adonijah = "my lord is Jehovah" 1) fourth son of David and Solomon's rival for the throne 2) Levite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the Law 3) a chief of the people who co-operated with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Adonijah. See also: 2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Kings 1:49; Nehemiah 10:17.
מָלָ֑ךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
וְ/עַתָּ֛ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
אֲדֹנִ֥/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדָֽעְתָּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 1:24 “My lord the king,” said Nathan, “did you say, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne’?
2 1 Kings 1:11 Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it?
3 Acts 3:17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
4 1 Kings 1:5 At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.
5 1 Kings 1:27 Has my lord the king let this happen without informing your servant who should sit on the throne after my lord the king?”
6 2 Samuel 15:10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”

1 Kings 1:18 Summary

[In 1 Kings 1:18, we see a challenge to God's plan for the kingdom, as Adonijah tries to become king without the king's knowledge. This situation teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when things seem out of control. As we see in Psalm 46:10, God is in control, and His plan will ultimately prevail. By waiting on God and seeking His will, as Solomon did, we can demonstrate humility and obedience to His plan.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Adonijah becoming king in 1 Kings 1:18?

Adonijah's claim to the throne is a challenge to God's plan, as stated in 1 Kings 1:17, where the king had sworn that Solomon would reign after him, a promise also reflected in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10.

Why did the king not know about Adonijah's actions?

The king's unawareness of Adonijah's actions may indicate his old age and potential disconnection from the affairs of the kingdom, as hinted in 1 Kings 1:1-4, where his physical condition is described.

What does this verse reveal about the character of Adonijah?

Adonijah's actions in 1 Kings 1:18 demonstrate his ambition and willingness to take matters into his own hands, contrasting with the humility and obedience to God's plan shown by Solomon, as seen in 1 Kings 3:5-15 and Proverbs 1:7.

How does this situation relate to God's sovereignty?

Despite Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne, God's plan, as stated in 1 Kings 1:17 and 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, will ultimately prevail, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human affairs, as declared in Psalm 135:6 and Isaiah 46:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have tried to take control of a situation, only to find that God had a different plan?
  2. How can I, like Solomon, demonstrate humility and obedience to God's plan in my life, even when it seems uncertain or challenging?
  3. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in 1 Kings 1:18, when faced with unexpected or difficult circumstances?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of seeking God's will and waiting on His timing, as opposed to rushing ahead with my own plans?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:18

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth,.... Has set up himself as king, and is by some saluted as such; but lest it should be thought by David that she suggested by this that he was guilty of the breach

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:18

Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:18

This she adds, partly lest she should seem to accuse the king of inconstancy and perfidiousness; and partly to aggravate Adonijah’ s crime, from that gross neglect and contempt of the king which did accompany it.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:18

1 Kings 1:18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest [it] not:Ver. 18. And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth.] His ambition hath turned off his obedience. Had his right to the kingdom been never so good, yet to step into the throne, while his father was yet living, without his privity and consent, was no better than treason.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:18

18. Adonijah reigneth] i.e. Is being set up for king, and will be accepted, unless some word from David go forth to prevent it. With the commander-in-chief, and the highpriest Abiathar on his side Adonijah’s following might well seem powerful. and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not] The Hebrew words for thou ΰϊδ and now ςϊδ vary only in one letter, and in sound are very much alike. Hence it has come to pass that in this verse and 1 Kings 1:20 there is a confusion; and here in some copies thou is put instead of now: ‘and thou, my lord … knowest it not.’

Sermons on 1 Kings 1:18

SermonDescription
John Piper Times of Refreshing and the Restoration of All Things by John Piper In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of listening with all our might to the preaching of the word of God. He highlights three key truths that should lead us
Carl Armerding Thou Art My Son by Carl Armerding In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that he is not trying to teach older individuals, but rather provide guidance for those who are new to studying the Word of God.
A.W. Pink The Word of Forgiveness by A.W. Pink A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' first saying on the cross, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' He reflects on the depth of human sin an
Roy Hession Who Is the King by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had ma
David Wilkerson Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministering to the Lord before going out to the mission field. He encourages pastors to prioritize their ministry to God an
David Wilkerson The Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 44. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the two priesthoods that exist in the Bible. The
Theodore Epp Results of Neglect by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp discusses the consequences of neglect in leadership, using King David's failure to declare his successor as a cautionary tale. As David neared the end of his reign, hi

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