1 Kings 2:14

KJV

He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.

KJV (with Strong's)

He said {H559} moreover, I have somewhat to say {H1697} unto thee. And she said {H559}, Say on {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he continued, "I have something to say to you." She said, "Go on."

Berean Standard Bible

Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered.

American Standard Version

He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This concise verse marks the ominous beginning of a pivotal conversation between Adonijah, King David's son and former rival for the throne, and Bathsheba, the Queen Mother and mother of the newly enthroned King Solomon. Adonijah's opening statement, "I have somewhat to say unto thee," is a calculated and understated prelude to a request that will ultimately seal his fate, while Bathsheba's simple invitation, "Say on," unknowingly opens the door to a chain of events that will decisively consolidate Solomon's reign and eliminate lingering threats to his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the narrative of [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). The preceding chapters detail the twilight of King David's reign, the attempted usurpation by Adonijah, and the divinely orchestrated anointing and establishment of Solomon as king ([1 Kings 1](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Usurpation and Solomon's Anointing")). Immediately prior to this verse, [1 Kings 2:1-12](/1-kings/2-1 "1 Kings 2:1-12 - David's Charge and Death") describes David's final charge to Solomon, his death, and the initial consolidation of Solomon's kingdom. Solomon has already demonstrated his authority by executing Joab and Shimei, and by initially sparing Adonijah after his first attempt to seize the throne ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1-kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge Regarding Shimei") and [1 Kings 2:13](/1-kings/2-13 "1 Kings 2:13 - Adonijah Approaches Bathsheba")). Verse [1 Kings 2:14](/1-kings/2-14 "1 Kings 2:14 - Adonijah's Ominous Opening") serves as the direct prelude to Adonijah's ill-fated request concerning Abishag ([1 Kings 2:15-17](/1-kings/2-15 "1 Kings 2:15-17 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")), which Solomon interprets as a renewed attempt to claim the throne, leading to Adonijah's swift execution ([1 Kings 2:23-25](/1-kings/2-23 "1 Kings 2:23-25 - Solomon's Judgment on Adonijah")). This conversation is the final catalyst for Solomon to fully secure his kingship by removing all potential rivals.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The succession to the throne in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, including Israel, was often a perilous and bloody affair, especially when the previous king had multiple sons. Unlike primogeniture, the eldest son did not automatically inherit; the king often designated his successor, or divine favor played a role. The role of the "Queen Mother" (Hebrew: _Gebirah_) was highly significant in the Israelite court, often holding considerable influence and acting as an intercessor for her son, the king. Bathsheba's position as Solomon's mother, coupled with her past role in securing his throne, made her a powerful figure to whom Adonijah would naturally appeal. Furthermore, possessing the deceased king's concubines or wives was a symbolic act of claiming the throne and the previous king's authority (see [2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2-samuel/16-21 "2 Samuel 16:21-22 - Absalom's Public Act of Usurpation")). Adonijah's subsequent request for Abishag, David's concubine, would therefore be understood not merely as a desire for a wife but as a political maneuver with profound implications for Solomon's legitimacy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It highlights the theme of **power and succession**, demonstrating the ruthless nature of consolidating royal authority in ancient Israel. The subtle tension underscores the theme of **political maneuvering and ambition**, as Adonijah, despite being spared, cannot relinquish his desire for the throne. It also touches upon **divine sovereignty** in kingship, as Solomon's reign, though secured through decisive human action, is ultimately presented as God's chosen path. The theme of **justice and consequence** is also evident, as Adonijah's persistent challenge to God's chosen king ultimately brings about his demise. Finally, the verse sets the stage for Solomon's **wisdom and discernment**, as he correctly perceives the true intent behind Adonijah's seemingly innocuous request, fulfilling his father David's charge to establish his kingdom securely ([1 Kings 2:2-4](/1-kings/2-2 "1 Kings 2:2-4 - David's Charge to Solomon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Somewhat (Hebrew: דָּבָר, _davar'_):** This word is more profound than a simple "something." _Davar_ can mean "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "report." In this context, it implies a weighty, significant, and perhaps sensitive "matter" or "thing" that Adonijah wishes to discuss. It suggests that what he is about to say is not trivial but carries considerable import, especially given the fraught political climate and his own precarious position. The use of _davar_ here heightens the sense of anticipation and the hidden agenda.
* **Say (Hebrew: אָמַר, _'amar'_):** This verb simply means "to say" or "to speak." Its repetition in both Adonijah's statement and Bathsheba's response emphasizes the initiation of verbal communication. While seemingly mundane, in this context, it marks the opening of a dialogue that will have fatal consequences. Bathsheba's "Say on" is an invitation to disclose, an act of opening herself to Adonijah's petition, unaware of the deadly trap it conceals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee."**: Adonijah initiates the conversation, not with a direct request, but with a calculated, almost deferential, opening. The phrase "I have somewhat to say unto thee" is a polite but formal way of signaling that he has a significant matter to present. This approach is designed to disarm Bathsheba and secure her attention, masking the true, dangerous political implications of his underlying request. His choice of words is strategic, aiming to elicit a receptive response without immediately revealing his hand.
* **"And she said, Say on."**: Bathsheba's response is equally concise and direct. Her invitation "Say on" (literally, "Speak!") indicates her willingness to hear Adonijah out. As the Queen Mother, she is accustomed to receiving petitions and acting as an intercessor. There is no immediate indication that she suspects the gravity or the ulterior motive behind Adonijah's seemingly benign opening. Her simple permission sets the stage for Adonijah to articulate his request, unwittingly becoming a conduit for his final, fatal error.

#### Literary Devices
The profound tension and impending drama of [1 Kings 2:14](/1-kings/2-14 "1 Kings 2:14 - Adonijah's Ominous Opening") are amplified by several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is paramount; the seemingly innocuous exchange between Adonijah and Bathsheba subtly hints at the dire events to follow. The reader, aware of Adonijah's past ambition and Solomon's decisive nature, perceives the conversation as a ticking time bomb. This creates **Dramatic Irony**, as Bathsheba's simple "Say on" is given with an innocence that the reader knows is misplaced, understanding the full, lethal implications of Adonijah's impending "somewhat." The dialogue itself employs **Understatement**; the plain words mask the immense political stakes and the life-or-death consequences hanging in the balance. Adonijah's polite opening is a deliberate **Euphemism** for a request that is, in essence, a challenge to Solomon's throne. The entire scene is imbued with a sense of **Suspense**, as the narrative pauses on this brief exchange before revealing the content of Adonijah's request and Solomon's ultimate, decisive response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is pregnant with theological significance, underscoring the precarious nature of earthly power and the divine hand in establishing leadership. It reveals how human ambition, even when seemingly subdued, can persist and lead to self-destruction when it opposes God's established order. Adonijah's persistence in seeking a position of influence, even indirectly, demonstrates a failure to accept God's clear designation of Solomon as king. The narrative implicitly teaches about the consequences of challenging divine decree and the necessity of decisive leadership to secure a divinely appointed kingdom. Solomon's subsequent actions, though harsh, are presented as necessary for the stability and integrity of the throne God had given him, reflecting a king who must be resolute in upholding his divinely sanctioned authority.

* [1 Kings 2:15-17](/1-kings/2-15 "1 Kings 2:15-17 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")
* [1 Kings 2:22-25](/1-kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22-25 - Solomon's Judgment on Adonijah")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief exchange in [1 Kings 2:14](/1-kings/2-14 "1 Kings 2:14 - Adonijah's Ominous Opening") serves as a potent reminder that even the most polite or seemingly innocuous beginnings of conversations can carry immense weight and set in motion significant, often unforeseen, events. It challenges us to cultivate discernment, not just in what is explicitly said, but in the underlying intentions and context of interactions, particularly when power, influence, or personal gain are at play. Adonijah's subtle approach, seeking to leverage Bathsheba's influence, highlights the enduring human tendency to manipulate relationships for personal advancement. For those in positions of influence, like Bathsheba, it underscores the responsibility to exercise wisdom and caution, recognizing that one's access or authority can be exploited by others. Ultimately, this verse calls us to reflect on our own ambitions and how we pursue them, urging us to align our desires with God's will rather than risking the destructive consequences of self-serving agendas.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do we, like Adonijah, approach others with hidden agendas or subtle requests that mask deeper intentions?**
* **In what ways might we, like Bathsheba, unknowingly open doors to situations that have unintended and significant consequences?**
* **What role does discernment play in our daily interactions, and how can we cultivate it more effectively?**
* **How does the pursuit of power or personal gain, when unchecked, lead to destructive outcomes in our lives or communities?**

### FAQ
**Why did Adonijah choose to approach Bathsheba, Solomon's mother?**

Answer: Adonijah approached Bathsheba because she held a uniquely influential position as the Queen Mother (_Gebirah_) in the Israelite court. The Queen Mother often served as an intercessor for her son, the king, and was a figure of significant authority and respect. Adonijah understood that a direct appeal to Solomon might be met with suspicion or outright refusal, given his past attempt to usurp the throne ([1 Kings 1:5-10](/1-kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-10 - Adonijah's Usurpation Attempt")). By going through Bathsheba, he hoped to leverage her maternal influence and trusted relationship with Solomon to present his request in a more palatable light, believing she could sway Solomon on his behalf ([1 Kings 2:15-17](/1-kings/2-15 "1 Kings 2:15-17 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")).

**What was Adonijah's true intention behind his seemingly simple request?**

Answer: While Adonijah's explicit request was to marry Abishag the Shunammite, King David's former concubine ([1 Kings 2:17](/1-kings/2-17 "1 Kings 2:17 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")), his true intention was a subtle but profound challenge to Solomon's kingship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, possessing the deceased king's concubines or wives was a symbolic act of claiming the throne and inheriting the previous king's authority (e.g., [2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2-samuel/16-21 "2 Samuel 16:21-22 - Absalom's Public Act of Usurpation")). Solomon immediately recognized this underlying political maneuver, interpreting Adonijah's request not as a personal desire but as a renewed attempt to usurp the throne, leading to his decisive and fatal response ([1 Kings 2:22-25](/1-kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22-25 - Solomon's Judgment on Adonijah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The political maneuvering and the ruthless consolidation of power seen in [1 Kings 2:14](/1-kings/2-14 "1 Kings 2:14 - Adonijah's Ominous Opening") and the subsequent events point forward to the ultimate and perfectly secure reign of a greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Unlike Adonijah, whose ambition led to his demise, and even unlike Solomon, who secured his throne through the elimination of rivals, Christ establishes His kingdom not by force or political cunning, but through humble submission and self-sacrifice. His kingship is not earned by human striving but is divinely appointed and eternally established ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). While earthly kings like Solomon had to deal decisively with threats to their throne, Christ, the true King, disarms His enemies not by execution but by offering salvation and transforming hearts ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His reign is one of peace, justice, and righteousness, secured by His atoning work on the cross, making His kingdom unshakable and everlasting, a stark contrast to the fragile and often bloody successions of human monarchies ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). He is the wise King who perfectly discerns the hearts of all, and His kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 7:40

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

2 Samuel 14:12

Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.