Translations
Modern
Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’”
Traditional
Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
Literal
And the king said, “This one says, ‘This is my son who lives, and your son is the dead one,’ and this one says, ‘No, but your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.’”
Latin
Tunc rex ait: Hæc dicit: Filius meus vivit, et filius tuus mortuus est: et ista respondit: Non, sed filius tuus mortuus est, meus autem vivit.
Original
Hebrew
English
Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’”
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 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