2 Chronicles 1:11
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:
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֣ים׀
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים׀
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 33
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
יַ֣עַן
H3282
יַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
4 of 33
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
אֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָֽיְתָ֨ה
H1961
הָֽיְתָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 33
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 33
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְבָבֶ֗ךָ
Because this was in thine heart
H3824
לְבָבֶ֗ךָ
Because this was in thine heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
9 of 33
the heart (as the most interior organ)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 33
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
and thou hast not asked
H7592
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
and thou hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
11 of 33
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וְכָבוֹד֙
or honour
H3519
וְכָבוֹד֙
or honour
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
14 of 33
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nor the life
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nor the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
16 of 33
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
18 of 33
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יָמִ֥ים
life
H3117
יָמִ֥ים
life
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 33
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
רַבִּ֖ים
long
H7227
רַבִּ֖ים
long
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
20 of 33
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 33
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
and thou hast not asked
H7592
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
and thou hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
22 of 33
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
and thou hast not asked
H7592
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל
and thou hast not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
23 of 33
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
27 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּשְׁפּוֹט֙
for thyself that thou mayest judge
H8199
תִּשְׁפּוֹט֙
for thyself that thou mayest judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
28 of 33
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
29 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֔י
my people
H5971
עַמִּ֔י
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
30 of 33
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
31 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Proverbs 23:7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.1 Kings 3:28And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
Historical Context
God's approval (c. 970 BCE) validated Solomon's priorities and established the basis for his legendary wisdom. This encounter shaped Solomon's entire reign, though his later requests for personal gain (many wives, excessive wealth) showed even wise beginnings don't guarantee faithful endings.
Questions for Reflection
- What do your prayers reveal about your heart's true priorities - kingdom purposes or personal comfort?
- How can you cultivate Solomon's early wisdom of seeking spiritual gifts over material benefits?
Analysis & Commentary
God's commendation of Solomon's request: '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.' God evaluates the heart, not just the request. Solomon could have asked for personal benefit but sought kingdom good. The fourfold negative (not riches/wealth/honor/life) contrasts with the positive (wisdom/knowledge). God's response demonstrates He delights in prayers prioritizing His kingdom over personal gain, echoing Jesus's teaching 'seek first the kingdom' (Matthew 6:33).