Translations
Modern
Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”
Traditional
Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
Literal
And the woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for with compassion she yearned for her son, and she said, “Please my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him.” And this one said, “Let him be not even unto me or unto you; divide him!”
Latin
Dixit autem mulier, cujus filius erat vivus, ad regem (commota sunt quippe viscera ejus super filio suo): Obsecro, domine, date illi infantem vivum, et nolite interficere eum. E contrario illa dicebat: Nec mihi nec tibi sit, sed dividatur.
Original
Hebrew
English
Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”
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 Bowels of the Sensibilities 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 Tact: Solomon, in Arbitrating Between the Prostitutes Wisdom of Solomon