King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:10 in the King James Version says “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, t...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?”

2 Chronicles 1:10 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

8

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

9

Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. like: Heb. much as the dust of the earth

10

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

11

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

12

Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon's request 'Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?' demonstrates remarkable spiritual maturity. The paired terms 'wisdom' (chokmah) and 'knowledge' (mada) encompass theoretical and practical understanding - both insight and skill. The phrase 'go out and come in' is Hebrew idiom for leadership's full scope. Solomon's humility ('who can judge?') acknowledges the task's impossibility without divine help. Calling them 'thy people' recognizes God's ownership - Solomon seeks wisdom to shepherd God's flock, not his own empire. This prefigures Christ, the wisdom of God, who perfectly leads God's people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon faced governing a united kingdom at its zenith, with complex judicial, administrative, and diplomatic challenges. His request for wisdom over wealth or military power demonstrated understanding that spiritual leadership requires divine enabling.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific wisdom do you need to seek from God for your current responsibilities and calling?
  2. How does viewing your role as shepherding 'God's people' rather than advancing your agenda reshape your leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
עַתָּ֗ה1 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

חָכְמָ֤ה2 of 17

“me now wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וּמַדָּע֙3 of 17

“and knowledge”

H4093

intelligence or consciousness

תֶּן4 of 17

“Give”

H5414

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

לִ֔י5 of 17
H0
וְאֵֽצְאָ֛ה6 of 17

“that I may go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַמְּךָ֥8 of 17

“this people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֖ה9 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְאָב֑וֹאָה10 of 17

“and come in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כִּֽי11 of 17
H3588

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

מִ֣י12 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִשְׁפֹּ֔ט13 of 17

“for who can judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

עַמְּךָ֥15 of 17

“this people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֖ה16 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַגָּדֽוֹל׃17 of 17

“that is so great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 1:10 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 2 Chronicles 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:9Proverbs 4:7Proverbs 2:2-6Proverbs 3:13-18James 1:52 Samuel 5:2

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