But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

1 KINGS 1:10KJV
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1 Kings 1:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:10 mean?

1 Kings 1:10 states that Adonijah, who was trying to make himself king, did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon to his gathering. This shows that Adonijah purposely left out certain important and loyal people from his plans.

Adonijah was the son of King David, and he was attempting to take the throne while David was still alive. The verse lists those he excluded—Nathan (a prophet), Benaiah (a trusted leader), the mighty men (David’s loyal warriors), and Solomon (David’s chosen successor)—to highlight that Adonijah’s actions were not supported by those closest to David or by God’s prophet. This detail sets up the tension and conflict in the story that follows.

Where else these words appear

“Nathan” Hebrew H5416 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
  • 1 Kings 1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,

“Benaiah” Hebrew H1141 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 2:30 And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.