Adoniram

/ˌædəˈnaɪrəm/ noun

Definition

In biblical and historical contexts, a name meaning 'lord of height' referring to a supervisor of forced labor in ancient Israel.

Etymology

From Hebrew Adoniram, composed of 'adon' (lord) and 'ram' (exalted/high). The figure appears in 1 Kings as an official under Kings David and Solomon who oversaw the conscription system.

Kelly Says

Adoniram's name literally means 'lord of height,' but his job was making people do unpaid labor—the Bible notes people eventually rioted and stoned him to death, making him an early example of revolution against oppressive authority.

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