King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:12 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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?

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:

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.

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.

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

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Topics in This Verse

Wisdom

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Wisdom and knowledge.**—*The wisdom and the knowledge,* viz., which thou hast asked for. **Is granted unto thee.**—The Hebrew expression is found only here and in Esther 3:11. The parallel passage gives three verses for this one (1Kings 3:12-14). **And I will give thee.**—Kings, “I have given.” The perfect tense (I will certainly give) is more idiomatic than the chronicler’s simple imperfect. **Such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee . . . the like.**—Rather, *Such as hath not been to the kings before thee, and after thee shall not be.* (Comp. 1Chronicles 29:25 and Note.) The Assyrian kings were fond of similar comparisons between themselves and their predecessors. Kings: “That there hath not been (*i.e., shall not be*) a man like thee among the kings, all thy days,” a different promise. The conditional promise, “And if thou wilt walk in my ways . . . I will lengthen thy days” (1Kings 3:14), is hero omitted, although 2Chronicles 1:11 has mentioned long life; perhaps because Solomon fell short of it. But comp. 2Chronicles 7:17 *seq.* Of course the omission may be a mere abridgment.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.