1 Kings 3:11
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;
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 27
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
יַעַן֩
H3282
יַעַן֩
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
H7592
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
6 of 27
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 27
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֗ה
H2088
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 27
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
H7592
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
11 of 27
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
יָמִ֣ים
life
H3117
יָמִ֣ים
life
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 27
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
רַבִּ֗ים
for thyself long
H7227
רַבִּ֗ים
for thyself long
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
14 of 27
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 27
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
H7592
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
16 of 27
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 27
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
H7592
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
20 of 27
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
the life
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
21 of 27
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
H7592
וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ
and hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
23 of 27
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
הָבִ֖ין
for thyself understanding
H995
הָבִ֖ין
for thyself understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
25 of 27
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.1 Kings 3:9Give 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?Proverbs 16:31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.Psalms 4:6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
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 does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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;
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, 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.