King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:11 in the King James Version says “And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the lif... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Chronicles 1:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's commendation of Solomon's request: '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.' God evaluates the heart, not just the request. Solomon could have asked for personal benefit but sought kingdom good. The fourfold negative (not riches/wealth/honor/life) contrasts with the positive (wisdom/knowledge). God's response demonstrates He delights in prayers prioritizing His kingdom over personal gain, echoing Jesus's teaching 'seek first the kingdom' (Matthew 6:33).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's approval (c. 970 BCE) validated Solomon's priorities and established the basis for his legendary wisdom. This encounter shaped Solomon's entire reign, though his later requests for personal gain (many wives, excessive wealth) showed even wise beginnings don't guarantee faithful endings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do your prayers reveal about your heart's true priorities - kingdom purposes or personal comfort?
  2. How can you cultivate Solomon's early wisdom of seeking spiritual gifts over material benefits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 33 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 33

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים׀2 of 33

And God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֡ה3 of 33

to Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

יַ֣עַן4 of 33
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁר֩5 of 33
H834

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

הָֽיְתָ֨ה6 of 33
H1961

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

זֹ֜את7 of 33
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עִם8 of 33
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְבָבֶ֗ךָ9 of 33

Because this was in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְלֹֽא10 of 33
H3808

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

וַתִּֽשְׁאַל11 of 33

and thou hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

עֹ֣שֶׁר12 of 33

riches

H6239

wealth

נְכָסִ֤ים13 of 33

wealth

H5233

treasure

וְכָבוֹד֙14 of 33

or honour

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

וְאֵת֙15 of 33
H853

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

נֶ֣פֶשׁ16 of 33

nor the life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

שֹֽׂנְאֶ֔יךָ17 of 33

of thine enemies

H8130

to hate (personally)

וְגַם18 of 33
H1571

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

יָמִ֥ים19 of 33

life

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רַבִּ֖ים20 of 33

long

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

לֹ֣א21 of 33
H3808

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

וַתִּֽשְׁאַל22 of 33

and thou hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וַתִּֽשְׁאַל23 of 33

and thou hast not asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לְךָ֙24 of 33
H0
חָכְמָ֣ה25 of 33

wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וּמַדָּ֔ע26 of 33

and knowledge

H4093

intelligence or consciousness

אֲשֶׁ֤ר27 of 33
H834

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

תִּשְׁפּוֹט֙28 of 33

for thyself that thou mayest 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

אֶת29 of 33
H853

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

עַמִּ֔י30 of 33

my people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר31 of 33
H834

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

הִמְלַכְתִּ֖יךָ32 of 33

over whom I have made thee king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עָלָֽיו׃33 of 33
H5921

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


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 1:11 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 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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