King James Version
1 Kings 3:16 in the King James Version says “Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.”
1 Kings 3:16 · KJV
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.
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.
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“that were harlots”
H2181to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
“and stood”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
“before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
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.
1 Kings 3:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Kings 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge