141. Adoniram

Lexicon

Adoniram: Adoniram

Original Word: אֲדֹנִירָם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Adoniyram
Pronunciation: ah-do-nee-RAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-o-nee-rawm')
Definition: Adoniram
Meaning: Adoniram

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Adoniram

From 'adown and ruwm; lord of height; Adoniram, an Israelite -- Adoniram.

see HEBREW 'adown

see HEBREW ruwm

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from adon and rum
Definition
"my Lord is exalted," one of Solomon's leaders
NASB Translation
Adoniram (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

אֲדֹנִירָם proper name, masculine (my Lord is exalted) official of Solomon 1 Kings 4:6; 1 Kings 5:28; so also 2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 12:18 ᵐ5 We Dr^Sm.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from two Hebrew words: אָדוֹן (adon) meaning "lord" or "master" and רָם (ram) meaning "high" or "exalted."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct corresponding Greek entries for Adoniram, as it is a proper noun specific to the Hebrew context. However, the concept of "lord" or "master" can be related to Greek terms such as κύριος (kyrios), which is used in the New Testament to denote "lord" or "master."

Usage: Adoniram is a proper noun used as a personal name in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to an individual who served as an official under King Solomon and later under King Rehoboam.

Context: Adoniram is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the administrative structure of the united monarchy of Israel. He is identified as the son of Abda and served as the overseer of forced labor during the reigns of King David, King Solomon, and King Rehoboam. His role was significant in the organization and management of labor for the extensive building projects undertaken during Solomon's reign, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

In 1 Kings 4:6, Adoniram is listed among Solomon's officials: "Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor." His position was crucial for the implementation of Solomon's ambitious building programs, which required a large workforce. The system of forced labor, however, became a point of contention and contributed to the eventual division of the kingdom after Solomon's death.

Adoniram's role continued into the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. In 1 Kings 12:18, during a period of civil unrest, Rehoboam sent Adoniram to address the grievances of the people regarding the heavy burdens of labor. However, the people stoned Adoniram to death, reflecting the widespread dissatisfaction with the labor policies that had been in place since Solomon's time.

Adoniram's story highlights the complexities of governance and the challenges faced by the Israelite monarchy in balancing the demands of state projects with the well-being of the populace.

Forms and Transliterations

וַאֲדֹנִירָ֖ם וַאֲדֹנִירָ֥ם ואדנירם vaadoniRam wa’ăḏōnîrām wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·rām

Englishman's Concordance

1 Kings 4:6
HEB: עַל־ הַבָּ֑יִת וַאֲדֹנִירָ֥ם בֶּן־ עַבְדָּ֖א
NAS: the household; and Adoniram the son
KJV: [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son
INT: was over the household and Adoniram the son of Abda

1 Kings 5:14
HEB: חֳדָשִׁ֖ים בְּבֵית֑וֹ וַאֲדֹנִירָ֖ם עַל־ הַמַּֽס׃
NAS: at home. And Adoniram [was] over
KJV: at home: and Adoniram [was] over the levy.
INT: months home and Adoniram over the forced

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 141
2 Occurrences

wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·rām — 2 Occ.