King James Version
1 Kings 3:8 in the King James Version says “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counte...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.”
1 Kings 3:8 · KJV
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. mercy: or, bounty
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? understanding: Heb. hearing
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“of thy people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“of thy people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“that cannot be numbered”
H4487properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“nor counted”
H5608properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge