1 Kings 3:11-14

11 God said to him, "Because * you have asked this thing and have ¹not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,

12 behold, ²I have done according to your words. Behold, ³I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.

13 "⁴I have also given you what you have not asked, both ⁵riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.

14 "⁶If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will ⁷prolong your days."

1 Kings 3:11-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 3

This chapter relates the marriage of Solomon with Pharaoh's daughter, 1Ki 3:1; his piety and devotion, 1Ki 3:2-4; his prayer for wisdom and understanding, which was acceptable to God, who promised to grant his request, with an addition to it, 1Ki 3:5-15; an instance and proof of the wisdom given him in determining a case between two harlots brought before him, which greatly raised his reputation, and gave him reverence among his people, 1Ki 3:16-28.

Cross References

• 1. James 4:3
• 2. 1 John 5:14, 15
• 3. 1 Kings 4:29-31; 1 Kings 5:12; 1 Kings 10:23, 24; Ecclesiastes 1:16
• 4. 1 Kings 4:21-24; 1 Kings 10:23, 27; Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 3:20
• 5. Proverbs 3:16
• 6. 1 Kings 3:6
• 7. Psalms 91:16; Proverbs 3:2

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "many days"
• [b]. Lit "hearing"