1 Kings 2:21
1 Kings 2:21 in Multiple Translations
So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.”
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother for a wife.
“Please give Abishag from Shunem to your brother Adonijah as his wife,” she replied.
She sayd then, Let Abishag the Shunammite be giuen to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
And she saith, 'Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother for a wife.'
She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.”
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunamite be given to Adonijah thy brother for a wife.
And she said: Let Abisag the Sunamitess be given to Adonias thy brother to wife.
She said, “Allow Abishag to be given to your older brother Adonijah to be his wife.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
יֻתַּ֖ן
אֶת
אֲבִישַׁ֣ג
הַ/שֻּׁנַמִּ֑ית
לַ/אֲדֹנִיָּ֥הוּ
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יֻתַּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Q-Juss-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲבִישַׁ֣ג
ʼĂbîyshag
H49
Abishag
N-proper
הַ/שֻּׁנַמִּ֑ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
Shunammites
Art | Ngfsa
לַ/אֲדֹנִיָּ֥הוּ
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
Adonijah
Prep | N-proper
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:21
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יֻתַּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Q-Juss-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲבִישַׁ֣ג
ʼĂbîyshag
H49
"Abishag"
N-proper
Abishag was a young woman who took care of King David in his old age. Her name means my father is a wanderer, and she is mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3 as a beautiful nurse. Abishag played an important role in David's life.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Abishag = "my father is a wanderer" David's beautiful young nurse
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Abishag. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:17; 1 Kings 2:22.
הַ/שֻּׁנַמִּ֑ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
"Shunammites"
Art | Ngfsa
A Shunammitess was a woman from the city of Shunem, a place in Issachar. The Shunammite is first mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3, referring to a female inhabitant of this city.
Definition: People descended from Shunam(?), first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Shunammite, of Shunen "double resting place" an inhabitant of Shunem
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Shunamite. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:22; 2 Kings 4:36.
לַ/אֲדֹנִיָּ֥הוּ
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
"Adonijah"
Prep | 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.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Execution of Adonijah
19So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.
20“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.”
21So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.”
22King 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!” 23Then 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 1:3 | Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 16:21–22 | Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. |
1 Kings 2:21 Summary
In this verse, Bathsheba asks King Solomon to give Abishag, a beautiful young woman, to her son Adonijah as his wife. However, King Solomon sees through this request and realizes that it could be a way for Adonijah to try to take the throne, as he had attempted earlier (1 Kings 1:5-40). This shows how important it is to be wise and discerning, like King Solomon, and to trust in God's plan, rather than trying to manipulate things to get what we want (Proverbs 3:5-6). By seeking to understand God's will and following His guidance, we can avoid getting caught up in complicated and potentially harmful situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bathsheba request that Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah as his wife?
Bathsheba's request may seem innocent, but as King Solomon points out in 1 Kings 2:22, it could be seen as a power play, given Adonijah's earlier attempt to take the throne, as described in 1 Kings 1:5-40.
What was the significance of Abishag the Shunammite in the royal court?
Abishag was a beautiful young woman who had been brought to King David's court to care for him in his old age, as described in 1 Kings 1:1-4, and her marriage to Adonijah could have been seen as a way for him to strengthen his claim to the throne.
How did King Solomon respond to his mother's request?
King Solomon was wise to see through the potential motives behind his mother's request and responded firmly, as seen in 1 Kings 2:22-23, citing the potential threat to his own rule and the kingdom.
What does this verse reveal about the complexities of royal family relationships?
This verse highlights the intricate web of relationships and alliances within the royal family, where even seemingly simple requests can have far-reaching implications, as seen in the interactions between Bathsheba, King Solomon, and Adonijah, and as warned against in Proverbs 26:26, where it says that 'though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be seeking power or influence in my own life, and how can I surrender those desires to God's will?
- How can I, like King Solomon, discern the motives behind the requests and actions of those around me, and respond in a wise and godly manner?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships, and seek to navigate them in a way that honors God?
- How can I, like Bathsheba, learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than seeking to manipulate circumstances to achieve my own desires?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:21
And she said, let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. For so Adonijah was by his father's side; and Bathsheba makes use of the relation, the more to move upon him to grant the request.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:21
Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:21
Thy brother, by the father’ s side, whom brotherly affection and relation obligeth thee to gratify, at least, in small things.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:21
1 Kings 2:21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. Ver. 21. Let Abishag … be given to Adonijah to wife.] Overcome by Adonijah’ s fair words and her own melting thoughts of compassion towards him, Bathsheba, not considering the consequents, proposeth the suit, and presseth it by the relation that was betwixt Solomon and Adonijah his brother. But was not David Adonijah’ s father also? and will none serve his turn but his father’ s concubine was not this to attempt against natural honesty and common decency? What if Abishag were καληκαισοφη - as Aelian saith Aspasia Milesia, Cyrus’ s concubine, was - both fair and discreet, which is a rare mixture, yet she was not so fit for Adonijah; but he had a further fetch in this incestuous desire of his.