King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:7 Mean?

1 Kings 10:7 in the King James Version says “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wi... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. thy: Heb. thou hast added wisdom and goodness to

1 Kings 10:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. attendance: Heb. standing cupbearers: or, butlers

6

And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. report: Heb. word acts: or, sayings

7

Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. thy: Heb. thou hast added wisdom and goodness to

8

Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

9

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶאֱמַ֣נְתִּי2 of 20

Howbeit I believed

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לַדְּבָרִ֗ים3 of 20

not the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עַ֤ד4 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֙אתִי֙6 of 20

until I came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַתִּרְאֶ֣ינָה7 of 20

had seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינַ֔י8 of 20

and mine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה9 of 20
H2009

lo!

לֹֽא10 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֻגַּד11 of 20

was not told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִ֖י12 of 20
H0
הַחֵ֑צִי13 of 20

it and behold the half

H2677

the half or middle

הוֹסַ֤פְתָּ14 of 20

exceedeth

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

חָכְמָה֙15 of 20

me thy wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וָט֔וֹב16 of 20

and prosperity

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֶל17 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשְּׁמוּעָ֖ה18 of 20

the fame

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃20 of 20

which I heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 10:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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