1 Kings 3:25

25 and the king saith, `Cut the living child into two, and give the half to the one, and the 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 And the king saith, `This [one] saith, This [is] my son, the living, and thy son [is] the dead; and that [one] saith, Nay, but thy son [is] the dead, and my son the living.'

24 And the king saith, `Take for me a sword;' and they bring the sword before the king,

25 and the king saith, `Cut the living child into two, and give the half to the one, and the half to the other.'

26 And the woman whose son [is] the living one saith unto the king (for her bowels yearned over her son), yea, she saith, `O, my lord, give to her the living child, and put it not at all to death;' and this [one] saith, `Let it be neither mine or thine -- cut [it].'

27 And the king answereth and saith, `Give ye to her the living child, and put it not at all to death; she [is] its mother.'