King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:26 Mean?

1 Kings 3:26 in the King James Version says “Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my l... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 3:26 · KJV


Context

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.

28

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment. in him: Heb. in the midst of him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 32 words
אֹמֶ֗רֶת1 of 32

Then spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁה֩2 of 32

the woman

H802

a woman

אֲשֶׁר3 of 32
H834

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

בְּנָהּ֒4 of 32

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

הַחַ֔י5 of 32

her 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

אֶל6 of 32
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ7 of 32

was unto the king

H4428

a king

כִּֽי8 of 32
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִכְמְר֣וּ9 of 32

yearned

H3648

properly, to intertwine or contract, i.e., (by implication) to shrivel (as with heat); figuratively, to be deeply affected with passion (love or pity)

רַֽחֲמֶיהָ֮10 of 32

for her bowels

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

עַל11 of 32
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנָהּ֒12 of 32

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

אֹמֶ֗רֶת13 of 32

Then spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בִּ֣י14 of 32

O

H994

oh that!; with leave, or if it please

אֲדֹנִ֗י15 of 32

my lord

H113

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

תְּנוּ16 of 32

give

H5414

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

לָהּ֙17 of 32
H0
אֶת18 of 32
H853

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

הַיָּל֣וּד19 of 32

child

H3205

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

הַחַ֔י20 of 32

her 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

תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ21 of 32

and in no wise

H4191

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

אַל22 of 32
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּמִיתֻ֑הוּ23 of 32

and in no wise

H4191

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

וְזֹ֣את24 of 32
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֹמֶ֗רֶת25 of 32

Then spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּם26 of 32
H1571

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

לִ֥י27 of 32
H0
גַם28 of 32
H1571

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

לָ֛ךְ29 of 32
H0
לֹ֥א30 of 32
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה31 of 32
H1961

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

גְּזֹֽרוּ׃32 of 32

Let it be neither mine nor thine but divide

H1504

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


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 3:26 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 3:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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