1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 23
Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׁבַע֙
sware
H7650
וַיִּשָּׁבַע֙
sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 18
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
by the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
by the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֹּ֣ה
H3541
כֹּ֣ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
do
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂה
do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְכֹ֣ה
H3541
וְכֹ֣ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יוֹסִ֔יף
so to me and more also
H3254
יוֹסִ֔יף
so to me and more also
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
11 of 18
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ
against his own life
H5315
בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ
against his own life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
דִּבֶּר֙
have not spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּר֙
have not spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
14 of 18
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.