1 Kings 3:25

25 The king said, "Divide the living boy in two; then give half to the 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 said, "The one says, "This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead'; while the other says, "Not so! Your son is dead, and my son is the living one.' "

24 So the king said, "Bring me a sword," and they brought a sword before the king.

25 The king said, "Divide the living boy in two; then give half to the one, and half to the other."

26 But the woman whose son was alive said to the king—because compassion for her son burned within her—"Please, my lord, give her the living boy; certainly do not kill him!" The other said, "It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it."

27 Then the king responded: "Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him. She is his mother."