1 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 25
And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
Original Language Analysis
גִּזְר֛וּ
Divide
H1504
גִּזְר֛וּ
Divide
Strong's:
H1504
Word #:
3 of 14
to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחַ֖י
the living
H2416
הַחַ֖י
the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
6 of 14
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וּתְנ֤וּ
and give
H5414
וּתְנ֤וּ
and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְאֶחָֽת׃
to the one
H259
לְאֶחָֽת׃
to the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
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.