1 Kings 2:23
New International Version
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request!

New Living Translation
Then King Solomon made a vow before the LORD: “May God strike me and even kill me if Adonijah has not sealed his fate with this request.

English Standard Version
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life!

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life!

New American Standard Bible
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more so, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life!

NASB 1995
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life.

NASB 1977
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then King Solomon swore by Yahweh, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life.

Amplified Bible
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do the same to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not requested this [deplorable] thing against his own life.

Christian Standard Bible
Then King Solomon took an oath by the LORD: “May God punish me and do so severely if Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Solomon took an oath by the LORD: “May God punish me and do so severely if Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life.

American Standard Version
Then king Solomon sware by Jehovah, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah hath not spoken this word against his own life.

Contemporary English Version
I swear in the name of the LORD that Adonijah will die because he asked for this! If he doesn't, I pray that God will severely punish me.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
King Solomon took an oath by the LORD and said, "May God strike me dead if Adonijah doesn't pay with his life for this request!

Good News Translation
Then Solomon made a solemn promise in the LORD's name, "May God strike me dead if I don't make Adonijah pay with his life for asking this!

International Standard Version
Then King Solomon took this oath in the name of the LORD: "May God do so to me, and more besides, if Adonijah hasn't endangered his life by bringing up this subject.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
King Solomon then swore an oath by the LORD, "May God judge me severely, if Adonijah does not pay for this request with his life!

New Heart English Bible
Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, "God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah hath not spoken this word against his own life.

World English Bible
Then King Solomon swore by Yahweh, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And King Solomon swears by YHWH, saying, “Thus God does to me, and thus He adds—surely Adonijah has spoken this word against his [own] soul;

Young's Literal Translation
And king Solomon sweareth by Jehovah, saying, 'Thus doth God to me, and thus He doth add -- surely against his soul hath Adonijah spoken this word;

Smith's Literal Translation
And king Solomon will swear by Jehovah, saying, Thus will God do to me, and thus will he add, for Adonijah spoke this word against his soul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying: So and so may God do to me, and add more, if Adonias hath not spoken this word against his own life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying: “May God do these things to me, and may he add these other things! For Adonijah has spoken this word against his own life.

New American Bible
And King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God do thus to me and more, if Adonijah has not spoken this word at the cost of his life.

New Revised Standard Version
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, “So may God do to me, and more also, for Adonijah has devised this scheme at the risk of his life!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And King Solomon swore by LORD JEHOVAH and said: “Thus God shall do to me and thus he will add to me if Aduniah has not spoken this response against his life!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying: 'God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if it be not that Adonias has spoken this word against his own life.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Execution of Adonijah
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. 24And 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!”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 12:5-7
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” / Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

1 Samuel 14:39-45
As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. / Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. / So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. ...

2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

2 Samuel 4:9-12
But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, / when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! / How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!” ...

2 Samuel 3:28-29
Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.”

2 Samuel 19:21-23
But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” / So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.

1 Kings 1:51-53
It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / 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.” / So 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.”

2 Kings 1:16
And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.”

Esther 7:9-10
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. / So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Daniel 6:24
At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Matthew 26:63-64
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” / “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Matthew 27:11-14
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” ...

John 19:10-11
So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Acts 5:1-11
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...

Acts 12:21-23
On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. / And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” / Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.


Treasury of Scripture

Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

God

1 Kings 20:10
And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

Ruth 1:17
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

1 Samuel 14:44
And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.

2 Samuel 16:23
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

spoken

Psalm 64:8
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Psalm 140:9
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

Proverbs 18:6,7
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes…

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Add Adonijah Adoni'jah Cost Deal God's Life Oath Pay Punishment Request Severely Solomon Soul Surely Sware Swore Word
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Add Adonijah Adoni'jah Cost Deal God's Life Oath Pay Punishment Request Severely Solomon Soul Surely Sware Swore Word
1 Kings 2
1. David, having given a charge to Solomon
3. of Reverence
5. of Joab
7. of Barzillai
8. of Shimei
10. Solomon succeeds
12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag,
13. is put to death
26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood
28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain
35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's
36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death.














Then King Solomon
The phrase "Then King Solomon" marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Solomon's reign. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is now the king of Israel. His ascension to the throne is a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his lineage would continue to rule. Solomon's wisdom and authority are central themes in his kingship, and this moment underscores his role as a decisive and discerning leader. Historically, Solomon's reign is often dated to the 10th century BCE, a period marked by the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as its political and spiritual center.

swore by the LORD
The act of swearing by the LORD indicates a solemn and binding oath. In ancient Israel, invoking the name of the LORD in an oath was a serious matter, reflecting the deep reverence for God's holiness and authority. The Hebrew root for "swore" (שָׁבַע, shava) conveys the idea of making a solemn promise or commitment. This action by Solomon demonstrates his reliance on divine authority and his commitment to uphold justice according to God's standards.

May God punish me, and ever so severely
This phrase is a form of self-imprecation, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where individuals would call down curses upon themselves if they failed to fulfill their oath. Solomon's use of this language underscores the gravity of the situation and his determination to act justly. It reflects a deep sense of accountability to God, recognizing that divine justice is ultimate and inescapable.

if Adonijah has not made this request
Adonijah, Solomon's older brother, had previously attempted to usurp the throne, as recorded earlier in 1 Kings. His request, which is not detailed in this verse but involves seeking to marry Abishag, is seen as a political maneuver to challenge Solomon's authority. In the cultural and historical context, such a request could be interpreted as a claim to the throne, as marrying a king's widow or concubine was often associated with asserting royal rights.

at the cost of his life
The phrase "at the cost of his life" indicates the severe consequences of Adonijah's actions. In the ancient world, treason or attempts to undermine the king's authority were often met with capital punishment. Solomon's response is not merely personal retribution but a necessary action to secure the stability and unity of the kingdom. This decision reflects the biblical principle that rebellion against God's anointed leader is a serious offense, warranting severe consequences to maintain divine order and justice.

(23) God do so to me, and more also.--See Ruth 1:17; 1Samuel 3:17; 1Samuel 14:44; 1Samuel 20:13; 1Samuel 25:22, 2Samuel 11:14, &c. This well-known formula of imprecation--which the LXX. renders, "May God do these things to me and add these things also "--was probably accompanied with some gesture signifying utter destruction. . . . Verse 23. - Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also [a common form of adjuration (Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 14:44; 1 Samuel 20:13; 2 Samuel 3:9; 2 Samuel 19:13, etc.) = Gott soil mich fort und fort strafen. Bahr], if [or "that." כִּי constantly follows formulae of swearing, as in all the passages just cited. Cf. the use of ὅτι in New Testament. The order of the next words in the Hebrew is noticeable] against his life spake Adonijah this word. [בְּנַפְשׁו, "at the peril or cost of his life." Cf. 2 Samuel 23:17; Joshua 23:11.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

swore
וַיִּשָּׁבַע֙ (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

by the LORD:
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“May God
אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

punish
כֹּ֣ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

me,
לִּ֤י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

and ever so
וְכֹ֣ה (wə·ḵōh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

severely,
יוֹסִ֔יף (yō·w·sîp̄)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

if
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Adonijah
אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ (’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 138: Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites

has not made
דִּבֶּר֙ (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

this
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

request
הַדָּבָ֖ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

at the expense of his life.
בְנַפְשׁ֔וֹ (ḇə·nap̄·šōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


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OT History: 1 Kings 2:23 Then king Solomon swore by Yahweh saying (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 2:22
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