1 Kings 3:11

Authorized King James Version

And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֜ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֵלָ֗יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַעַן֩

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ

H7592

and hast not asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֗ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#10

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ

H7592

and hast not asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#12

לְּךָ֜

#13

יָמִ֣ים

H3117

life

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#14

רַבִּ֗ים

H7227

for thyself long

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#15

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ

H7592

and hast not asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#17

לְּךָ֙

#18

עֹ֔שֶׁר

H6239

riches

wealth

#19

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#20

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ

H7592

and hast not asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#21

נֶ֣פֶשׁ

H5315

the life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#22

אֹֽיְבֶ֑יךָ

H341

of thine enemies

hating; an adversary

#23

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ

H7592

and hast not asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#24

לְּךָ֛

#25

הָבִ֖ין

H995

for thyself understanding

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

#26

לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ

H8085

to discern

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#27

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃

H4941

judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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