1 Kings 1:52
New International Version
Solomon replied, “If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.”

New Living Translation
Solomon replied, “If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.”

English Standard Version
And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”

Berean Standard Bible
And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”

King James Bible
And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

New King James Version
Then Solomon said, “If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”

New American Standard Bible
And Solomon said, “If he is a worthy man, not one of his hairs will fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he will die.”

NASB 1995
Solomon said, “If he is a worthy man, not one of his hairs will fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he will die.”

NASB 1977
And Solomon said, “If he will be a worthy man, not one of his hairs will fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he will die.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Solomon said, “If he is a worthy man, not one of his hairs will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.”

Amplified Bible
Solomon said, “If he [proves he] is a worthy man, not even one of his hairs shall fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Solomon said, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground, but if evil is found in him, he dies.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Solomon said, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground, but if evil is found in him, he dies.”

American Standard Version
And Solomon said, If he shall show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die.

Contemporary English Version
Solomon answered, "If Adonijah doesn't cause any trouble, I won't hurt him. But if he does, I'll have him killed."

English Revised Version
And Solomon said, If he shall shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Solomon said, "If he will behave like an honorable man, not one hair on his head will fall to the ground. But if he does [anything] wrong, he will die."

Good News Translation
Solomon replied, "If he is loyal, not even a hair on his head will be touched; but if he is not, he will die."

International Standard Version
"If he's done nothing wrong, not a hair of his head will be harmed," Solomon replied. "But if we find evil in him, he's a dead man."

Majority Standard Bible
And Solomon replied, ?If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.?

NET Bible
Solomon said, "If he is a loyal subject, not a hair of his head will be harmed, but if he is found to be a traitor, he will die."

New Heart English Bible
Solomon said, "If he shows himself a worthy man, not a hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Solomon said, If he will show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

World English Bible
Solomon said, “If he shows himself a worthy man, not a hair of his shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Solomon says, “If he becomes a virtuous man—there does not fall [even one] hair of his to the earth, and if evil is found in him—then he has died.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Solomon saith, 'If he becometh a virtuous man -- there doth not fall of his hair to the earth, and if evil is found in him -- then he hath died.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Solomon will say, If he will be for a son of strength there shall not fall of his hairs to the earth: and if evil shall be found in him and he shall die.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Solomon said: If he be a good man, there shall not so much as one hair of his head fall to the ground: but if evil be found in him, he shall die.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Solomon said: “If he is a good man, not so much as one hair of his head shall fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he shall die.”

New American Bible
Solomon answered, “If he proves worthy, not a hair of his shall fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he shall die.”

New Revised Standard Version
So Solomon responded, “If he proves to be a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Solomon said, If he will show himself to be a worthy man, there shall not a hair of his head fall to the earth; but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Solomon said: “If he will be a worthy man, there will not fall any of the hairs of his head on the ground, and if evil will be found in him, he will die.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Solomon said: 'If he shall show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Solomon said, If he should be a valiant man, there shall not a hair of his fall to the ground; but if evil be found in him, he shall die.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Adonijah Learns of Solomon's Kingship
51It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’ ” 52And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” 53So King Solomon summoned Adonijah down from the altar, and he came and bowed down before King Solomon, who said to him, “Go to your home.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 14:45
But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

2 Samuel 14:11
“Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.”

1 Kings 2:24-25
And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

1 Kings 2:36-46
Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. ...

2 Kings 10:15
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

Proverbs 20:2
The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.

Esther 7:3
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.

Esther 8:5
“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

Matthew 25:34-36
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

John 8:11
“No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Solomon said, If he will show himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

there shall

1 Samuel 14:45
And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

2 Samuel 14:11
Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

wickedness

1 Kings 2:21-25
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife…

Job 15:22
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.

Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

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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














And Solomon replied
Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is responding to a situation involving Adonijah, his half-brother. This moment occurs during a critical transition of power in Israel. Solomon's response reflects his wisdom and discernment, qualities for which he is renowned. His reply is significant as it sets the tone for his reign, emphasizing justice and righteousness.

If he is a man of character
The phrase "man of character" implies integrity and righteousness. In the biblical context, character is often associated with one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. Solomon's condition reflects the biblical principle that God honors those who walk in integrity (Proverbs 10:9). This also echoes the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy, where obedience leads to life and blessing.

not a single hair of his will fall to the ground
This expression is a Hebrew idiom meaning complete safety and protection. It signifies that no harm will come to Adonijah if he proves to be righteous. This assurance of safety is reminiscent of God's protection over His people, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 14:45, where Jonathan is spared because of his righteousness.

But if evil is found in him
"Evil" in this context refers to rebellion or actions contrary to God's will. The biblical narrative often contrasts good and evil, with evil leading to judgment. This phrase underscores the biblical theme of accountability, where individuals are judged based on their actions (Ecclesiastes 12:14). It also reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on discerning the heart's intentions (Proverbs 21:2).

he will die
The consequence of death for evil actions is consistent with the Mosaic Law, where certain transgressions warranted capital punishment (Deuteronomy 17:12). This reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion. In a broader theological context, it points to the ultimate consequence of sin, which is spiritual death, as outlined in Romans 6:23. Solomon's declaration foreshadows the ultimate judgment that Christ will execute as the righteous King.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign marks a period of peace and prosperity for Israel.

2. Adonijah
The son of King David who attempted to usurp the throne from Solomon. His actions set the stage for the events in this passage.

3. David
The aging king of Israel, father of Solomon and Adonijah. His decision to appoint Solomon as his successor is central to the account.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel and the location of the royal palace where these events unfold.

5. The Throne of Israel
Represents the divinely appointed leadership over God's chosen people, a central theme in the account of 1 Kings.
Teaching Points
Integrity as a Safeguard
Solomon's response emphasizes the importance of integrity. In our lives, maintaining integrity can protect us from harm and ensure God's favor.

Discernment in Leadership
Solomon's decision reflects the need for discernment in leadership. As Christians, we are called to seek God's wisdom in making decisions that affect others.

Consequences of Evil
The passage warns of the consequences of evil actions. It serves as a reminder that sin leads to death, both spiritually and sometimes physically.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The account underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. Trusting in God's plan for leadership in our lives and communities is crucial.

Forgiveness and Justice
Solomon's willingness to spare Adonijah if he proves to be righteous shows a balance between justice and mercy, a principle we should apply in our relationships.(52) There shall not a hair of him fall.--Solomon's pardon, though according to Oriental ideas, an act of extraordinary grace, was yet characteristically cautious and conditional, to be withdrawn accordingly on the first symptom of any renewal of Adonijah's pretensions.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

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

“If
אִ֚ם (’im)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

he is
יִהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a man
לְבֶן־ (lə·ḇen-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

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

not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

a single hair of his
מִשַּׂעֲרָת֖וֹ (miś·śa·‘ă·rā·ṯōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8185: Hairiness

will fall
יִפֹּ֥ל (yip·pōl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

to the ground.
אָ֑רְצָה (’ā·rə·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

evil
רָעָ֥ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

is found
תִמָּצֵא־ (ṯim·mā·ṣê-)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

in him,
ב֖וֹ (ḇōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

he will die.”
וָמֵֽת׃ (wā·mêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 1 Kings 1:52 Solomon said If he shall show himself (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 1:51
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