1 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 20
And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּקָם֩
And she arose
H6965
וַתָּקָם֩
And she arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בְּת֨וֹךְ
at midnight
H8432
בְּת֨וֹךְ
at midnight
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
2 of 16
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
הַלַּ֜יְלָה
H3915
הַלַּ֜יְלָה
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנָ֥הּ
child
H1121
בְּנָ֥הּ
child
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה
and laid
H7901
הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה
and laid
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
10 of 16
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנָ֥הּ
child
H1121
בְּנָ֥הּ
child
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַמֵּ֖ת
her dead
H4191
הַמֵּ֖ת
her dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
14 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
John 3:20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.Psalms 139:11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.Matthew 13:25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
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 she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
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.