1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 3
And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.
Original Language Analysis
הִגִּ֖יד
told
H5046
הִגִּ֖יד
told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דָּבָר֙
her all her questions
H1697
דָּבָר֙
her all her questions
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דָּבָר֙
her all her questions
H1697
דָּבָר֙
her all her questions
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
נֶעְלָ֣ם
hid
H5956
נֶעְלָ֣ם
hid
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
10 of 16
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֦א
H3808
לֹ֦א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.