King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:13 Mean?

1 Kings 3:13 in the King James Version says “And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 3:13 · KJV


Context

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

14

And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

15

And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
וְגַ֨ם1 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 18
H834

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

לֹֽא3 of 18
H3808

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

שָׁאַ֙לְתָּ֙4 of 18

thee that which thou hast not asked

H7592

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

נָתַ֣תִּי5 of 18

And I have also given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔ךְ6 of 18
H0
גַּם7 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עֹ֖שֶׁר8 of 18

both riches

H6239

wealth

גַּם9 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כָּב֑וֹד10 of 18

and honour

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

אֲ֠שֶׁר11 of 18
H834

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

לֹֽא12 of 18
H3808

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

הָיָ֨ה13 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָמ֥וֹךָ14 of 18
H3644

as, thus, so

אִ֛ישׁ15 of 18

so that there shall not be any

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּמְּלָכִ֖ים16 of 18

among the kings

H4428

a king

כָּל17 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יָמֶֽיךָ׃18 of 18

like unto thee all thy days

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


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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