Keraia
1 Kings 3

1 Kings 3:11

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom · 1 Kings 3:1–15
Read 1 Kings 3

Translations

Modern
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—
Traditional
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Literal
And God said to him, “Because that you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, and not have asked for yourself riches, and not have asked the life of your enemies, and you have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice—
Latin
Et dixit Dominus Salomoni: Quia postulasti verbum hoc, et non petisti tibi dies multos, nec divitias, aut animas inimicorum tuorum, sed postulasti tibi sapientiam ad discernendum judicium:

Original

Hebrew
English
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—

Notes

1 Kings 3:10–12

God was pleased with Solomon's selfless request and gave him a wise and understanding heart. These unique qualities are shown in the next section (1 Kings 3:16–28) and as Solomon organizes his administration (1 Kings 4), business dealings, construction projects, international relations, and worship practices (1 Kings 5–10).

1 Kings 3:4–15

The story of God giving wisdom to Solomon is told as a chiasm (a mirrored structure where A and B reflect B' and A'). It highlights Solomon's interaction with the Lord:

  • A: While Solomon was sacrificing at Gibeon, the Lord appeared to him in a dream (1 Kings 3:4–5).

    • B: Solomon asked for wisdom to govern his people fairly and effectively (1 Kings 3:6–9).

    • B’: The Lord agreed to his request and gave him extra blessings (1 Kings 3:10–14).

  • A’: Solomon woke up from the dream and made more sacrifices to the Lord (1 Kings 3:15).

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 1:1–13 Psalm 45:1–17 Psalm 72:1–20

Glossary

Dreams High Place King Kings, Books of First and Second Proverbs, Book of Solomon (Person) Wealth

Topics

Children: Solomon Communion: Solomon Dream of Solomon, Concerning his Choice of Wisdom Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Solomon Enemies: Desire not the Death of Heart: Change of Solomon Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute Longevity: General Scriptures Concerning Prayer: Answered: Solomon, Asking for Wisdom Prayer: Solomon Asked for Wisdom; the Answer Included Wisdom, Riches, Honor, and Long Life Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Piety of