1 Kings 1:52

52 dixitque Salomon si fuerit vir bonus non cadet ne unus quidem capillus eius in terram sin autem malum inventum fuerit in eo morietur

1 Kings 1:52 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 1:52

And Solomon said, if he will show himself a worthy man
Will behave himself well as a good subject, and be careful not to offend for the future, or appear to be one that fears sin, as the Targum; particularly the crimes of sedition, rebellion, and treason:

there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth;
not the least harm should be done him:

but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die;
that is, if any crime worthy of death be committed by him, or any overt act of treason, and the like, he should surely be put to death, and find no mercy, notwithstanding the present general pardon. This was very wisely done by Solomon, to begin his reign without shedding blood even of delinquents; and especially of his brother, and his elder brother too; and by granting his life for the future on his good behaviour.

1 Kings 1:52 In-Context

50 Adonias autem timens Salomonem surrexit et abiit tenuitque cornu altaris
51 et nuntiaverunt Salomoni dicentes ecce Adonias timens regem Salomonem tenuit cornu altaris dicens iuret mihi hodie rex Salomon quod non interficiat servum suum gladio
52 dixitque Salomon si fuerit vir bonus non cadet ne unus quidem capillus eius in terram sin autem malum inventum fuerit in eo morietur
53 misit ergo rex Salomon et eduxit eum ab altari et ingressus adoravit regem Salomonem dixitque ei Salomon vade in domum tuam
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.