King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:25 Mean?

1 Kings 3:25 in the King James Version says “And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.”

1 Kings 3:25 · KJV

Context

23

Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.

24

And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.

25

And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.

26

Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. yearned: Heb. were hot

27

Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.

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 · 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 14

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 14

“And the king”

H4428

a king

גִּזְר֛וּ3 of 14

“Divide”

H1504

to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

הַיֶּ֥לֶד5 of 14

“child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

הַחַ֖י6 of 14

“the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לִשְׁנָ֑יִם7 of 14

“in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וּתְנ֤וּ8 of 14

“and give”

H5414

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

אֶֽת9 of 14
H853

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

הַחֲצִ֖י10 of 14

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

לְאֶחָֽת׃11 of 14

“to the one”

H259

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

וְאֶֽת12 of 14
H853

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

הַחֲצִ֖י13 of 14

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

לְאֶחָֽת׃14 of 14

“to the one”

H259

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

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 3:25 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 3:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 25:8

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