1 Kings 2:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 2:17 mean?

1 Kings 2:17 describes Adonijah asking Bathsheba to speak to King Solomon on his behalf, requesting that Solomon give him Abishag the Shunammite as his wife. Adonijah believes Solomon will not refuse Bathsheba’s request.

Adonijah, Solomon’s older brother, approaches Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, to act as an intermediary because he thinks Solomon will listen to her. The request for Abishag, who had served King David in his old age, carries political and cultural weight, as marrying a former king’s companion could be seen as a claim to the throne.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 2:17

• אֲבִישַׁג (Avishag): This is the name of the woman Adonijah wants to marry. She was known for caring for King David, and her association with the former king makes this request sensitive.
• שׁוּנַמִּית (Shunammite): This word identifies Abishag’s origin, linking her to the town of Shunem. This detail highlights her outsider status and the significance of her role in David’s final days.
• נָתַן (natan): This verb means “to give.” Adonijah’s use of this word shows he is asking for a formal transfer or permission, not just a personal favor.

Why 1 Kings 2:17 matters

• This verse shows the political tension after David’s death, as Adonijah’s request is not just about marriage but could be interpreted as a move toward claiming royal authority.
• The verse highlights the influence Bathsheba has as Solomon’s mother, suggesting that personal relationships play a key role in royal decisions.
• Understanding this request helps explain Solomon’s strong reaction in the following verses, as he sees it as a threat to his kingship.