1 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 17
And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
Original Language Analysis
אֶחָ֑ד
And the one
H259
אֶחָ֑ד
And the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יֹֽשְׁבֹ֖ת
dwell
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבֹ֖ת
dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּבָּֽיִת׃
house
H1004
בַּבָּֽיִת׃
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֶחָ֑ד
And the one
H259
אֶחָ֑ד
And the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וָֽאֵלֵ֥ד
and I was delivered of a child
H3205
וָֽאֵלֵ֥ד
and I was delivered of a child
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
12 of 14
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
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 the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.