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 KINGS 1:8KJV
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1 Kings 1:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:8 mean?

1 Kings 1:8 shows that Adonijah’s move to become king did not have the support of everyone close to David. Several important religious figures and military men remained outside Adonijah’s group, making his claim to the throne a matter of dispute.

The phrase “were not with Adonijah” contrasts these people with those who supported him in verse 7. The list brings together people with different roles: Zadok was a priest, Nathan was a prophet, and Benaiah was a military leader. David’s mighty men were known for their fighting strength and service to the king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:8

  • “prophet” — נָבִיא (navi): The word describes someone who speaks messages from God. Nathan’s place in the list shows that a person known for that role stood apart from Adonijah’s group.
  • “mighty men” — גִּבּוֹרִים (gibborim): The word can describe powerful or valiant men. Here it points to David’s capable fighting men, rather than simply to men in general.

Why 1 Kings 1:8 matters

  • The verse separates Adonijah’s supporters from other prominent people around David. Verse 7 names Joab and Abiathar as his supporters; verse 8 names Zadok and Benaiah among those who were not with him.
  • The distinction becomes important when Solomon is made king. Later, David tells Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to take part in establishing Solomon as his successor (1 Kings 1:32–35).

Where else these words appear

“Adonijah” Hebrew H138 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
  • 1 Kings 1:25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.

“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 1:10 But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,

“Shimei” Hebrew H8096 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 6:17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
  • 1 Kings 2:39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:21 And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;

“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.