1 Kings 3:26
Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 32
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּנָהּ֒
child
H1121
בְּנָהּ֒
child
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַחַ֔י
her the living
H2416
הַחַ֔י
her the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 32
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 32
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִכְמְר֣וּ
yearned
H3648
נִכְמְר֣וּ
yearned
Strong's:
H3648
Word #:
9 of 32
properly, to intertwine or contract, i.e., (by implication) to shrivel (as with heat); figuratively, to be deeply affected with passion (love or pity)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 32
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּנָהּ֒
child
H1121
בְּנָהּ֒
child
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תְּנוּ
give
H5414
תְּנוּ
give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
16 of 32
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 32
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּל֣וּד
child
H3205
הַיָּל֣וּד
child
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
19 of 32
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
הַחַ֔י
her the living
H2416
הַחַ֔י
her the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
20 of 32
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
H4191
תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
21 of 32
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
22 of 32
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
H4191
תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
23 of 32
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
26 of 32
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
28 of 32
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
30 of 32
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 49:15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.Jeremiah 31:20Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?Genesis 43:30And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.Hosea 11:8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.Philippians 1:8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.Philippians 2:1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
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
Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
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.