17 So he continued, "Please ask King Solomon-he will not refuse you-to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife."

Other Translations of 1 Kings 2:17

King James Version

17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.

English Standard Version

17 And he said, "Please ask King Solomon--he will not refuse you--to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife."

The Message

17 "Ask King Solomon - he won't turn you down - to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife."

New King James Version

17 Then he said, "Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife."

New Living Translation

17 He replied, "Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:17

Commentary on 1 Kings 2:12-25

(Read 1 Kings 2:12-25)

Solomon received Bathsheba with all the respect that was owing to a mother; but let none be asked for that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request, or to appear in a bad cause. According to eastern customs it was plain that Adonijah sought to be king, by his asking for Abishag as his wife, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious, turbulent spirits commonly prepare death for themselves. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown.