1 Kings 3:12
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
Behold I have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
Behold I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּדְבָרֶ֑יךָ
according to thy words
H1697
כִּדְבָרֶ֑יךָ
according to thy words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
נָתַ֣תִּי
lo I have given
H5414
נָתַ֣תִּי
lo I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֵ֚ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֚ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
7 of 18
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְנָב֔וֹן
and an understanding
H995
וְנָב֔וֹן
and an understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
9 of 18
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֣ה
H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
so that there was none like thee before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
so that there was none like thee before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְאַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ
thee neither after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ
thee neither after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 1:16I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.Matthew 12:42The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.1 Kings 5:12And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.1 Kings 3:28And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.Isaiah 65:24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.2 Chronicles 2:12Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.1 Kings 2:9Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.Psalms 10:17LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
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
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
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.