1 Kings 3:25

25 and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

1 Kings 3:25 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 3:25

And the king said
To one of his officers: divide the living child in two;
not that he meant it should be actually done, though it might at first be thought he really intended it, and so strike the minds of some with horror, as it did, however, the mother; but he ordered this, to try the affections of the women, and thereby come to the true knowledge of the affair; though, some think he knew it before by their countenances and manner of speech, but that he was desirous all present might see it, and be satisfied of it: and give half to the one, and half to the other;
since both claimed it.

1 Kings 3:25 In-Context

23 Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’”

24 The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword,

25 and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

26 Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”

27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.”