King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:20 Mean?

1 Kings 3:20 in the King James Version says “And she arose at midnight , and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and la...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she arose at midnight , and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.”

1 Kings 3:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And she arose at midnight , and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

21

And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

22

And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

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.

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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 · 16 words
וַתָּקָם֩1 of 16

“And she arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בְּת֨וֹךְ2 of 16

“at midnight”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַלַּ֜יְלָה3 of 16
H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַתִּקַּ֧ח4 of 16

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

בְּנָ֥הּ6 of 16

“child”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵֽאֶצְלִ֗י7 of 16

“from beside”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

וַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙8 of 16

“me while thine handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

יְשֵׁנָ֔ה9 of 16

“slept”

H3463

sleepy

הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה10 of 16

“and laid”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בְחֵיקִֽי׃11 of 16

“in my bosom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

וְאֶת12 of 16
H853

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

בְּנָ֥הּ13 of 16

“child”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַמֵּ֖ת14 of 16

“her dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה15 of 16

“and laid”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בְחֵיקִֽי׃16 of 16

“in my bosom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 3:20Matthew 13:25Psalms 139:11Job 24:13-17

Test Your Knowledge

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