1 Kings 1:52
1 Kings 1:52 in Multiple Translations
And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”
And Solomon said, If he will shew 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.
And Solomon said, If he shall show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die.
And Solomon said, If he is seen to be a man of good faith, not a hair of him will be touched; but if any wrongdoing is seen in him, he is to be put to death.
Solomon replied, “If he is an honorable man, not one hair of his will fall to the ground. But if he shows himself to be evil, he will die.”
Then Salomon sayd, If he will shewe him selfe a worthy man, there shall not an heare of him fall to the earth, but if wickednes be found in him, he shall dye.
And Solomon saith, 'If he becometh a virtuous man — there doth not fall of his hair to the earth, and if evil is found in him — then he hath died.'
Solomon said, “If he shows himself a worthy man, not a hair of his shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”
And Solomon said, If he will show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.
And Solomon said: If he be a good man, there shall not so much as one hair of his head fall to the ground: but if evil be found in him, he shall die.
Solomon replied, “If he proves that he is loyal to me, I will not harm him at all [IDM]. But if he does anything that is wrong, he will be executed.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:52
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1 Kings 1:52 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:52
Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:52
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 1:52 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:52
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:52
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:52
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:52
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
- Sermons on 1 Kings 1:52
Context — Adonijah Learns of Solomon’s Kingship
52And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”
53So King Solomon summoned Adonijah down from the altar, and he came and bowed down before King Solomon, who said to him, “Go to your home.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 14:45 | But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 14:11 | “Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:6 | Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner. |
| 4 | Job 15:22 | He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 2:21–25 | So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.” King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:12 | The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. |
| 7 | Acts 27:34 | So for your own preservation, I urge you to eat something, because not a single hair of your head will be lost.” |
| 8 | Luke 21:18 | Yet not even a hair of your head will perish. |
| 9 | Matthew 10:30 | And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. |
1 Kings 1:52 Summary
In 1 Kings 1:52, Solomon says that if Adonijah is a good person, he will not be hurt, but if he has done something wrong, he will face consequences. This shows that Solomon wants to be fair and just, like God (as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4). It also reminds us that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that we should strive to live with integrity and honesty, just like the Bible teaches in Proverbs 10:9. By following God's principles, we can demonstrate our own character and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone to be a 'man of character' in 1 Kings 1:52?
In this context, a man of character refers to someone who is innocent and has done no wrong, as seen in Solomon's conditional promise of safety, similar to the concept of integrity in Proverbs 10:9.
Why did Solomon give Adonijah a chance to prove himself instead of immediately punishing him?
Solomon's response shows his desire for justice and fairness, as taught in Deuteronomy 16:20, and his willingness to give Adonijah an opportunity to demonstrate his innocence or guilt.
What is the significance of 'not a single hair of his will fall to the ground' in this verse?
This phrase is a figure of speech indicating that no harm will come to Adonijah if he is indeed a man of character, similar to the promise of protection in Psalm 91:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's justice and mercy?
Solomon's words reflect the biblical principle that God is both just and merciful, as seen in Psalm 89:14, and that His justice will ultimately prevail, while also offering mercy to those who repent and turn to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my own character and integrity in my daily life, and how can I seek to live a life that is pleasing to God?
- In what ways can I, like Solomon, seek to balance justice and mercy in my interactions with others, especially when dealing with difficult or conflicted situations?
- How can I, as a follower of God, trust in His sovereignty and justice, even when faced with uncertain or challenging circumstances, and what role does faith play in this process?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my character or values, and how can I seek to stay grounded in my commitment to following God's principles?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:52
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:52
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:52
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:52
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:52
Sermons on 1 Kings 1:52
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Rich and the Poor Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not making pleasure our god and seeking fulfillment in material possessions. He warns that those who love pleasure a |
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(The Lord and His Church) 9. the Faithful Church by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the message to the church in Philadelphia, emphasizing the significance of Jesus as the holy and true One with the key of David, who opens doors no one can s |
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Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker begins by comparing astronauts representing the earth on the moon to believers in Jesus Christ representing heaven on earth. The world is described as t |
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Youth for Christ Rally by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not waiting until the last week of one's life to surrender to God. He encourages the audience to surrender their lives to |
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Fear of Man by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have unfinished business in their lives. He mentions those who have built houses but haven't dedicated |
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Biblical Courtship Session #5 - God's Purpose for Marriage by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wanting what God wants and being conformed to the image of Christ. He explains that conformity to Christ is a lifelong pro |
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(Genesis) Genesis 46:26-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the individual importance of each person to God, despite the vast population of the world. The speaker compares the attention and knowledge p |






