King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:17 Mean?

1 Kings 3:17 in the King James Version says “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 h...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 3:17 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

16

Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

17

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.

18

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.

19

And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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.

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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 · 14 words
וַתֹּ֜אמֶר1 of 14

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְהָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה2 of 14

“I and this woman”

H802

a woman

אֶחָ֑ד3 of 14

“And the one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

בִּ֣י4 of 14

“O”

H994

oh that!; with leave, or if it please

אֲדֹנִ֔י5 of 14

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֲנִי֙6 of 14
H589

i

וְהָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה7 of 14

“I and this woman”

H802

a woman

הַזֹּ֔את8 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

יֹֽשְׁבֹ֖ת9 of 14

“dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַּבָּֽיִת׃10 of 14

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֶחָ֑ד11 of 14

“And the one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וָֽאֵלֵ֥ד12 of 14

“and I was delivered of a child”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

עִמָּ֖הּ13 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בַּבָּֽיִת׃14 of 14

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, 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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:7Genesis 43:20

Test Your Knowledge

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