KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Solomon said, 'If he proves himself to be an honorable man, not a single hair on his head will be harmed. But if he does anything evil, he will die.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Solomon is offering mercy to someone (his brother Adonijah) with a clear condition: behave honorably and live safely, but choose wickedness and face death.
📚 Historical Context
This verse follows Adonijah's failed attempt to claim the throne before David's death, when Solomon had already been chosen as the rightful heir. Adonijah had fled to the altar seeking sanctuary after his conspiracy collapsed. Solomon's response shows both royal mercy and a clear warning about future behavior.
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