Sent Benaiah is literally “sent by the hand of Benaiah.” The meaning may be expressed as “gave orders to Benaiah” (Good News Translation, Nouvelle Bible Segond).

The son of Jehoiada: Good News Translation omits these words since the constant repetition of full names is not considered good style in English. The same words occur six times in the previous chapter and four more times in this chapter.

He struck him down: If there is any ambiguity in the use of pronouns, the name “Adonijah” may be used in place of the pronoun him. The verb translated struck down has a wide range of meanings, but the basic meaning is “to meet [someone].” Here, as in verse 29, it means “to meet someone [in order to harm the person].” In this context it may be translated “he attacked him” or simply “he killed him.”

It may be noted that Contemporary English Version attempts to make the account more lively by translating indirect discourse directly in this verse:

• “Benaiah,” Solomon shouted, “go kill Adonijah.” So Adonijah died.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .