1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 32
And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֕ר
And he spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֕ר
And he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
2 of 8
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וָאָֽלֶף׃
thousand
H505
וָאָֽלֶף׃
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 8
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
מָשָׁ֑ל
proverbs
H4912
מָשָׁ֑ל
proverbs
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 12:9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.Matthew 13:35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
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 he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, 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.