Translations
Modern
“No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king.
Traditional
And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
Literal
And the other woman said, “No, but my son is the living one, and your son is the dead one.” And this woman said, “No, but your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.” And they spoke before the face of the king.
Latin
Responditque altera mulier: Non est ita ut dicis, sed filius tuus mortuus est, meus autem vivit. E contrario illa dicebat: Mentiris: filius quippe meus vivit, et filius tuus mortuus est. Atque in hunc modum contendebant coram rege.
Original
Hebrew
English
“No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king.
Notes
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
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 Courts of Justice: The Accused: Permitted to Plead Their own Cause Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Justice: Solomon Magistrates: should Judge Wisely Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by The True Mother of the Infant Brought to Solomon 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