2 Chronicles 1:11

Authorized King James Version

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֱלֹהִ֣ים׀
H430
And God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#3
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֡ה
H8010
to Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#4
יַ֣עַן
H3282
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#5
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
הָֽיְתָ֨ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
זֹ֜את
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#8
עִם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#9
לְבָבֶ֗ךָ
H3824
Because this was in thine heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#10
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
H7592
and thou hast not asked
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#12
עֹ֣שֶׁר
H6239
riches
wealth
#13
נְכָסִ֤ים
H5233
wealth
treasure
#14
וְכָבוֹד֙
H3519
or honour
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#15
וְאֵת֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
H5315
nor the life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#17
שֹֽׂנְאֶ֔יךָ
H8130
of thine enemies
to hate (personally)
#18
וְגַם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#19
יָמִ֥ים
H3117
life
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#20
רַבִּ֖ים
H7227
long
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#21
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
H7592
and thou hast not asked
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#23
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
H7592
and thou hast not asked
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#24
לְךָ֙
H0
#25
חָכְמָ֣ה
H2451
wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#26
וּמַדָּ֔ע
H4093
and knowledge
intelligence or consciousness
#27
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#28
תִּשְׁפּוֹט֙
H8199
for thyself that thou mayest judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#29
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#30
עַמִּ֔י
H5971
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#31
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#32
הִמְלַכְתִּ֖יךָ
H4427
over whom I have made thee king
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#33
עָלָֽיו׃
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection