1 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 8

Authorized King James Version

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And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

Original Language Analysis

וְעַ֨בְדְּךָ֔ And thy servant H5650
וְעַ֨בְדְּךָ֔ And thy servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 1 of 13
a servant
בְּת֥וֹךְ is in the midst H8432
בְּת֥וֹךְ is in the midst
Strong's: H8432
Word #: 2 of 13
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
עַם of thy people H5971
עַם of thy people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 3 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּחָ֑רְתָּ which thou hast chosen H977
בָּחָ֑רְתָּ which thou hast chosen
Strong's: H977
Word #: 5 of 13
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
עַם of thy people H5971
עַם of thy people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 6 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רָ֕ב a great H7227
רָ֕ב a great
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 7 of 13
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 8 of 13
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 #: 9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִמָּנֶ֛ה that cannot be numbered H4487
יִמָּנֶ֛ה that cannot be numbered
Strong's: H4487
Word #: 10 of 13
properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִסָּפֵ֖ר nor counted H5608
יִסָּפֵ֖ר nor counted
Strong's: H5608
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
מֵרֹֽב׃ for multitude H7230
מֵרֹֽב׃ for multitude
Strong's: H7230
Word #: 13 of 13
abundance (in any respect)

Analysis & Commentary

And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

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.

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