1 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 27
Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
תְּנוּ
Give
H5414
תְּנוּ
Give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
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 #:
7 of 13
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 #:
8 of 13
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
תְמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
H4191
תְמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
H4191
תְמִיתֻ֑הוּ
and in no wise
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
11 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
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
Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
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.