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1 Kings 3

1 Kings 3:16

Solomon Judges Wisely · 1 Kings 3:16–28
Read 1 Kings 3

Translations

Modern
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
Traditional
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
Literal
Then came two women, prostitutes, to the king, and they stood before his face.
Latin
Tunc venerunt duæ mulieres meretrices ad regem, steteruntque coram eo:

Original

Hebrew
English
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.

Notes

1 Kings 3:16

prostitutes: The law condemned prostitution (Leviticus 19:29; Deuteronomy 23:18), but it still existed in ancient Israel. These women were among the most looked down upon in Israelite society. However, Solomon showed kindness and fairness to them by treating them as mothers, not just as prostitutes.

1 Kings 3:16–28

Solomon's decision about the true mother of the living baby shows his wisdom in legal matters. First Kings 4–10 show his wisdom in all parts of his rule.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom Wisdom

Events

Glossary

Courts and Trials King Kings, Books of First and Second Proverbs, Book of Solomon (Person)

Topics

Arbitration: The Two Harlots in the Presence of King Solomon Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Justice: Solomon Magistrates: should Judge Wisely Rulers: Righteous: Solomon, in his Judgment Between the Two Women Who Claimed the Same Child Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Wisdom of Solomon