Adoniram
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Adoniram in the Bible?
Adoniram served as the supervisor of the forced labor conscription under King Solomon, a position he likely inherited from his father Abner during the reign of David and continued into the early reign of Rehoboam.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Adoniram's role clarifies the administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom and explains the specific grievance cited in 1 Kings 12:18 that triggered the political fracture leading to the division of the Israelite monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Adoniram reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adoniram in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adoniram clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Kings 12:18
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Adoniram." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adoniram/