1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 3
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִי
H1961
וַיְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שְׁבַ֣ע
And he had seven
H7651
שְׁבַ֣ע
And he had seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
5 of 13
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
8 of 13
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וַיַּטּ֥וּ
turned away
H5186
וַיַּטּ֥וּ
turned away
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
10 of 13
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, 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.