אֲדֹרָם (a.do.ram)
a.do.ram
Adoram
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Adoram, meaning “my lord is exalted,” identifies a single official who served under both King David and his grandson Rehoboam. First appearing in 2 Samuel 20:24 as the son of Abda, he held a position of authority during the United Monarchy. The text notes that he is also referred to by slightly different forms—Adoniram in 1 Kings and Hadoram in 2 Chronicles—likely reflecting scribal variations or evolving titles for the same royal administrator.
His most significant biblical moment occurs in 2 Chronicles 10:18, where Rehoboam sends him to manage forced labor. The people of Israel stone Adoram to death, an act that triggers a wider revolt and the permanent division of the kingdom. This violent end marks a turning point in Israel’s history, illustrating the consequences of royal arrogance and the fragility of political unity.
Though his name appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible (with parallel accounts in Kings and Chronicles), Adoram’s story carries substantial narrative weight. His death is not merely a personal tragedy but a catalyst for national schism, highlighting how individual actions within the royal court could reshape the destiny of the nation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Adoram means “my lord is exalted,” yet his story in Scripture serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when human authority forgets its accountability to God and to the people it serves. As an official under David and later Rehoboam, he held a position of significant power, managing forced labor for the kingdom. His presence in the narrative highlights the tension between royal ambition and the dignity of the common person.
When Rehoboam sent Adoram to enforce harsh policies without regard for justice, the result was violent rejection. This event marks a turning point in Israel’s history, leading to the division of the kingdom. For believers today, his story illustrates that leadership rooted in arrogance and oppression ultimately fails. True authority must be exercised with humility and care for others.
While Adoram’s end was tragic, his account invites us to reflect on how we treat those under our care. Whether in family, church, or workplace, our actions have consequences. May we choose paths that honor God by serving others with respect and compassion, rather than demanding submission through force.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Adoram1×
- Adoram1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲדֹרָ֖ם1×
- אֲדֹרָם֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 20:24
Adoram was over the men subject to forced labor, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder,
This verse establishes Adoram’s role as overseer of forced labor during David’s reign, showing his long-standing position of authority before the kingdom’s division.
-
I Kings 12:18
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
Here, Adoram is stoned to death by the people, an act that directly triggers Rehoboam’s flight and the permanent split of Israel into two kingdoms.