1 Kings 1:42 As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. "Come in," said Adonijah, "for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news."

◄ 1 Kings 1:42 ►

New International Version
Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in. A worthy man like you must be bringing good news.”

New Living Translation
And while he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” Adonijah said to him, “for you are a good man. You must have good news.”

English Standard Version
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.”

Berean Standard Bible
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”

King James Bible
And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

New King James Version
While he was still speaking, there came Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a prominent man, and bring good news.”

New American Standard Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and you bring good news.”

NASB 1995
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.”

NASB 1977
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.”

Legacy Standard Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.”

Amplified Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a valiant and trustworthy man and you bring good news.”

Christian Standard Bible
He was still speaking when Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest, suddenly arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are an important man, and you must be bringing good news.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was still speaking when Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest, suddenly arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are an excellent man, and you must be bringing good news."”

American Standard Version
While he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.

Contemporary English Version
Just then, Jonathan son of Abiathar came running up. "Come in," Adonijah said. "An important man like you must have some good news."

English Revised Version
While he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He was still speaking when Jonathan, son of the priest Abiathar, arrived. "Come in," Adonijah said. "You're an honorable man, so you must be bringing good news."

Good News Translation
Before he finished speaking, Jonathan, the son of the priest Abiathar, arrived. "Come on in," Adonijah said. "You're a good man--you must be bringing good news."

International Standard Version
While he was still asking that question, Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest arrived, so Adonijah told him, "Come on in, since you're a worthy man and are bringing us good news!"

Majority Standard Bible
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”

NET Bible
As he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, "Come in, for an important man like you must be bringing good news."

New Heart English Bible
While he yet spoke, look, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, "Come in; for you are a worthy man, and bring good news."

Webster's Bible Translation
And while he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said to him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

World English Bible
While he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said, “Come in; for you are a worthy man, and bring good news.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
He is yet speaking, and behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest has come in, and Adonijah says, “Come in, for you [are] a man of valor, and you bear good tidings.”

Young's Literal Translation
He is yet speaking, and lo, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest hath come in, and Adonijah saith, 'Come in, for a man of valour thou art, and thou bearest good tidings.'

Smith's Literal Translation
He yet speaking, and behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came in; and Adonijah will say, Come in, for thou a man of strength, and thou wilt announce good news.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
While he yet spoke, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonias said to him: Come in, because thou art a valiant man, and bringest good news.

Catholic Public Domain Version
While he was still speaking, Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, arrived. And Adonijah said to him, “Enter, for you are a valiant man, and you report good news.”

New American Bible
As he was speaking, Jonathan, son of Abiathar the priest, arrived. Adonijah said, “Come, you are a man of worth and must bring good news.”

New Revised Standard Version
While he was still speaking, Jonathan son of the priest Abiathar arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and surely you bring good news.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And while he was still speaking, behold, Nathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said to him, Come in; for you are a valiant man, and you bring good tidings.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And while he was speaking, behold, Nathan, son of Abiathar the Priest, came, and Aduniah said to him: “Come in, because you are a mighty man of the army and announce good news!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
While he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said: 'Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
While he was yet speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came in: and Adonias said, Come in, for thou art a mighty man, and thou comest to bring glad tidings.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Adonijah Learns of Solomon's Kingship
41Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab. 42As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.” 43“Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 15:13-14
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”

2 Samuel 15:32-37
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. / David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. / But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ ...

2 Samuel 17:17-21
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. / But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. / Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. ...

2 Samuel 18:19-33
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. ...

2 Samuel 19:1-8
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...

2 Samuel 20:1-2
Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 2:28-30
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.”

1 Kings 2:35
And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.

1 Kings 2:42-46
the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’ / So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?” / The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. ...

1 Chronicles 29:22-25
That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. / So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. / All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. ...

Psalm 2:1-6
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” ...

Psalm 18:43-45
You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. / When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me. / Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds.

Psalm 89:20-29
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. / No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him. ...

Proverbs 25:25
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Treasury of Scripture

And while he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said to him, Come in; for you are a valiant man, and bring good tidings.

Jonathan

2 Samuel 15:36
Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

2 Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

a valiant

1 Kings 22:18
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?

2 Samuel 18:27
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

2 Kings 9:22
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?

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1 Kings 1

1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age
5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom
11. By the council of Nathan
15. Bathsheba moves the king
22. And Nathan seconds her
28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba
32. Solomon, by David's appointment,
38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph
41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly
50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon

Berean Study Bible

While he was still speaking
This phrase sets the scene in a moment of interruption, indicating urgency and the unfolding of divine providence. The Hebrew root for "speaking" (דָּבַר, dabar) often implies not just casual conversation but the delivery of a message or decree. In the biblical narrative, interruptions often signify a shift in God's plan or the revelation of His will, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and His plans are unstoppable.

behold
The Hebrew word "הִנֵּה" (hinneh) is an attention-grabbing term used frequently in Scripture to draw the reader's focus to something significant. It serves as a divine spotlight, indicating that what follows is of great importance. In this context, it signals a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Jonathan's arrival will bring news that alters the course of events.

Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest
Jonathan's identity is crucial. As the son of Abiathar, a priest who served during King David's reign, Jonathan is connected to the religious and political fabric of Israel. Abiathar's lineage ties back to Eli, the priest at Shiloh, and this connection underscores the tension between the priestly line and the emerging monarchy. Historically, Abiathar's support of Adonijah reflects the complex loyalties and power struggles within the kingdom.

arrived
The arrival of Jonathan is not just a physical movement but a moment of divine orchestration. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) often implies coming with purpose or mission. In biblical narratives, arrivals often herald the delivery of significant news or the fulfillment of prophecy, reminding us of God's sovereign hand in guiding events.

'Come in,' said Adonijah
Adonijah's invitation to Jonathan reflects his expectation of favorable news. The phrase "Come in" (בּוֹא, bo) is welcoming, yet it also reveals Adonijah's confidence and assumption of control. This moment is rich with dramatic irony, as the reader knows that Adonijah's expectations will soon be overturned by the true unfolding of God's plan.

for you are a valiant man
Adonijah's description of Jonathan as "valiant" (חַיִל, chayil) speaks to Jonathan's reputation and character. The term often denotes strength, capability, and honor. In the biblical context, being "valiant" is not just about physical prowess but also about moral integrity and leadership. Adonijah's acknowledgment of Jonathan's valor is ironic, as it contrasts with the impending revelation that will challenge Adonijah's ambitions.

and you bring good news
The expectation of "good news" (בְּשׂוֹרָה, besorah) is central to this verse. In the Hebrew tradition, the bearer of good news was often seen as a herald of divine favor or victory. However, the irony here is palpable, as the anticipated "good news" for Adonijah will actually be the confirmation of Solomon's anointing as king. This serves as a reminder that God's definition of "good" often transcends human expectations and aligns with His ultimate purposes.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(42) Jonathan the son of Abiathar.--See 2Samuel 15:27; 2Samuel 17:17-21, where he is named, with Ahimaaz, as a swift runner, fit to be a messenger. It is curious that a similar greeting to his companion Ahimaaz is used by David in 2Samuel 18:27--possibly as a kind of omen of good fortune.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 42. - And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest [Cf. 2 Samuel 15:36; 2 Samuel 17:17. His experience had marked him out for the post of watchman] came [That he bad not arrived before shows how prompt, and even hurried, had been the measures taken by Solomon's party] and Adonijah said unto him [Hebrews and LXX. omit "unto him"] Come in [Heb. come. See on ver. 22. "Come in" suggests the idea of a house or tent, whereas the feast was al fresco]; for thou art a valiant man [it is Adonijah (not Joab, as Bahr - of course by an oversight - says) who speaks thus. Perhaps "able," "honest," or "worthy man" (cf. ver. 52; same word in Hebrews; also Proverbs 12:4) would be nearer the mark. "Valiant" is clearly out of place] and bringest good tidings. [A similar expression 2 Samuel 18:27. It was evidently a familiar saying. The idea, "a good man will bring good news" corresponds with that of the proverb of 1 Samuel 24:13. Adonijah's misgivings reveal themselves in these words. He fears the worst, but strives to put on a cheerful face and to encourage his guests.]

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

As he was
עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ (‘ō·w·ḏen·nū)
Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

speaking,
מְדַבֵּ֔ר (mə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

suddenly
וְהִנֵּ֧ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

Jonathan
יוֹנָתָ֛ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Abiathar
אֶבְיָתָ֥ר (’eḇ·yā·ṯār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 54: Abiathar -- 'the great one is father', an Israelite priest

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

arrived.
בָּ֑א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

“Come in,”
בֹּ֔א (bō)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Adonijah,
אֲדֹנִיָּ֙הוּ֙ (’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 138: Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites

“for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you
אַ֖תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

[are] a man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of valor.
חַ֛יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

You must be bringing good
וְט֥וֹב (wə·ṭō·wḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

news.”
תְּבַשֵּֽׂר׃ (tə·ḇaś·śêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

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OT History: 1 Kings 1:42 While he yet spoke behold Jonathan (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)