King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:11 Mean?

1 Kings 3:11 in the King James Version says “And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; long life: Heb. many days discern: Heb. hear

1 Kings 3:11 · KJV


Context

9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? understanding: Heb. hearing

10

And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

11

And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; long life: Heb. many days discern: Heb. hear

12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

13

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. shall: or, hath not been


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

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 does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֜ים2 of 27

And God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֵלָ֗יו3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַעַן֩4 of 27
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 27
H834

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

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ6 of 27

and hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אֶת7 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר8 of 27

this thing

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֗ה9 of 27
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְלֹֽא10 of 27
H3808

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

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ11 of 27

and hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לְּךָ֜12 of 27
H0
יָמִ֣ים13 of 27

life

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רַבִּ֗ים14 of 27

for thyself long

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְלֹֽא15 of 27
H3808

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

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ16 of 27

and hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לְּךָ֙17 of 27
H0
עֹ֔שֶׁר18 of 27

riches

H6239

wealth

וְלֹ֥א19 of 27
H3808

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

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ20 of 27

and hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

נֶ֣פֶשׁ21 of 27

the life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֹֽיְבֶ֑יךָ22 of 27

of thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

וְשָׁאַ֧לְתָּ23 of 27

and hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לְּךָ֛24 of 27
H0
הָבִ֖ין25 of 27

for thyself understanding

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ26 of 27

to discern

H8085

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

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃27 of 27

judgment

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind


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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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