King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:31 Mean?

1 Kings 4:31 in the King James Version says “For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fa...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.”

1 Kings 4:31 · KJV

Context

29

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

31

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

32

And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

33

And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, 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 · 15 words
וַיֶּחְכַּם֮1 of 15

“For he was wiser”

H2449

to be wise (in mind, word or act)

מִכָּל2 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאָדָם֒3 of 15

“than all men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

מֵֽאֵיתָ֣ן4 of 15

“than Ethan”

H387

ethan, the name of four israelites

הָֽאֶזְרָחִ֗י5 of 15

“the Ezrahite”

H250

an ezrachite or descendant of zerach

וְהֵימָ֧ן6 of 15

“and Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל7 of 15

“and Chalcol”

H3633

calcol, an israelite

וְדַרְדַּ֖ע8 of 15

“and Darda”

H1862

darda, an israelite

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 15

“the sons”

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

מָח֑וֹל10 of 15

“of Mahol”

H4235

machol, an israelite

וַיְהִֽי11 of 15
H1961

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

שְׁמ֥וֹ12 of 15

“and his fame”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְכָֽל13 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם14 of 15

“was in all nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

סָבִֽיב׃15 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 15:191 Chronicles 2:61 Kings 3:12Matthew 12:42Luke 11:31Psalms 89:1-52

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