2 Chronicles 1:12
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
Original Language Analysis
אֶתֶּן
is granted
H5414
אֶתֶּן
is granted
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְכָבוֹד֙
and honour
H3519
וְכָבוֹד֙
and honour
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
אֶתֶּן
is granted
H5414
אֶתֶּן
is granted
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָ֣יָה
H1961
הָ֣יָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כֵ֗ן
H3651
כֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
have had that have been before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
have had that have been before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 20
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 shall there any after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ
thee neither shall there any after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
18 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.2 Chronicles 9:22And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Ephesians 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,1 Chronicles 29:25And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.Ecclesiastes 2:9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
Historical Context
Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) fulfilled this promise - his wisdom and wealth became legendary (1 Kings 10:23). Archaeological evidence confirms tenth-century trade networks and building projects consistent with extraordinary prosperity. Yet this abundance contributed to his later downfall through accumulation violating Deuteronomy 17:16-17.
Questions for Reflection
- How does trusting God to add 'all these things' free you from anxious pursuit of material security?
- What warnings from Solomon's life about prosperity and its spiritual dangers do you need to heed?
Analysis & Commentary
God's generous response: 'Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.' God gives what Solomon requested (wisdom/knowledge) plus what he didn't request (riches/wealth/honor). This demonstrates the principle that seeking God's priorities first results in additional blessings (Matthew 6:33). The unprecedented nature ('none before... none after') of Solomon's wealth points typologically to Christ, who possesses all wisdom and before whom all riches pale. This also warns that abundance can become temptation, as Solomon later demonstrated.