אֲדֹנִיָּ֫הוּ (a.do.niy.yah)
a.do.niy.yah
Adonijah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Adonijah, meaning "my lord is Jehovah," belongs to three distinct figures in the Hebrew Bible, illustrating how a single name can carry different historical weights across generations. The most prominent is the fourth son of King David, who famously attempted to seize the throne before Solomon’s official coronation (1 Kings 1:5). His story highlights the political instability and familial rivalry that marked the end of David’s reign.
Two other men share this name but serve entirely different roles. One is a Levite appointed by King Jehoshaphat to teach the Law in Judah, representing religious instruction (2 Chronicles 17:8). Another appears centuries later as a civic leader who cooperated with Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 10:16). These references show the name’s persistence among various social classes and eras.
While the royal Adonijah is remembered for his ambition and eventual execution, the other bearers are noted for their service to God and community. The variation in their stories—from political intrigue to religious teaching and civic reconstruction—demonstrates how personal identity in Scripture is often defined by one’s actions within a specific historical context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Adonijah appears in Scripture attached to three very different men, reminding us that a name alone does not define a person’s legacy. The most well-known is David’s fourth son, whose ambition led him to claim the throne before his father’s time. His story shows how pride and self-elevation can isolate a person from community and divine favor.
Yet other men named Adonijah served faithfully as teachers of the Law and builders of Jerusalem’s walls. This contrast invites us to look beyond titles or birthright. Our value before God is found in obedience and service, not in status or power. When we face rivalry or uncertainty, we can trust that God sees the heart behind every action.
Whether you are navigating family tension or workplace competition, remember that true stability comes from submitting to God’s timing. Adonijah’s fate warns against rushing ahead of divine order, while the other bearers of his name show how quiet faithfulness honors God. Let this encourage you to seek peace and integrity in your own calling.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Adonijah18×
- and/ Adonijah3×
- to/ Adonijah2×
- for/ Adonijah1×
- [belonged] to/ Adonijah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲדֹנִיָּֽהוּ\׃3×
- לַ/אֲדֹנִיָּ֑הוּ2×
- אֲדֹנִיָּ֣הוּ2×
- אֲדֹנִיָּ֗הוּ2×
- אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ2×
- לַ/אֲדֹנִיָּ֥הוּ1×
- לַ/אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ1×
- וַ/אֲדֹנִיָּ֧ה1×
- וַ/אֲדֹ֨נִיָּ֧הוּ1×
- וַ/אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ1×
- אֲדֹנִיָּֽה\׃1×
- אֲדֹנִיָּ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 1:5
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
This verse marks the moment Adonijah openly declares his kingship, using military display to challenge Solomon’s rightful inheritance.
-
I Kings 1:50
Adonijah was afraid because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and hung onto the horns of the altar.
Here Adonijah seeks refuge at the altar out of fear, showing how his earlier ambition collapses into desperation when justice arrives.
-
II Chronicles 17:8
and with them Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
This Levite named Adonijah is listed among those teaching the Law, highlighting a life of religious service rather than political power.
-
I Kings 2:24
Now therefore as Yahweh lives, who has established me and set me on my father David’s throne, and who has made me a house as he promised, surely Adonijah shall be put to death today.”
Solomon’s oath confirms that Adonijah’s request for Abishag was seen as a final attempt to seize the throne, leading to his execution.