1 Kings 3:9

Translations

Modern

Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

Traditional

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Literal

And give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

Latin

Dabis ergo servo tuo cor docile, ut populum tuum judicare possit, et discernere inter bonum et malum. Quis enim poterit judicare populum istum, populum tuum hunc multum?

Original

Hebrew

English

Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

Notes

1 Kings 3:7–9

The Hebrew term for little child often referred to someone inexperienced in their job, like an "assistant" (1 Kings 19:21). Solomon humbly admitted his lack of experience and his need for wisdom. He understood that to govern the people well and make good decisions, he needed God's help.

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon God’s Covenant with Israel’s Kings Pride and Humility Solomon’s Wisdom Wisdom

Events

Reign of Solomon

Related verses

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
John 5:30
I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Proverbs 2:3–9
…if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
2 Samuel 14:17
And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”
Proverbs 3:13–18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,
1 Chronicles 22:12
Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
Isaiah 11:2–4
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
Matthew 3:14
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
Psalm 119:144
Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
Exodus 4:10–13
“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”

1 Kings 3:9

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