1 Kings 3:25

25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

1 Kings 3:25 in Other Translations

25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.

25 And the king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other."

25 Then he said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!”

25 Then he said, "Cut the living baby in two - give half to one and half to the other."

25 Solomon said, "Cut the living boy 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 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.’ ”

24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king.

25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!”

27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”