King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:12 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:12 in the King James Version says “Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the king... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Chronicles 1:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's generous response: '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.' God gives what Solomon requested (wisdom/knowledge) plus what he didn't request (riches/wealth/honor). This demonstrates the principle that seeking God's priorities first results in additional blessings (Matthew 6:33). The unprecedented nature ('none before... none after') of Solomon's wealth points typologically to Christ, who possesses all wisdom and before whom all riches pale. This also warns that abundance can become temptation, as Solomon later demonstrated.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) fulfilled this promise - his wisdom and wealth became legendary (1 Kings 10:23). Archaeological evidence confirms tenth-century trade networks and building projects consistent with extraordinary prosperity. Yet this abundance contributed to his later downfall through accumulation violating Deuteronomy 17:16-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does trusting God to add 'all these things' free you from anxious pursuit of material security?
  2. What warnings from Solomon's life about prosperity and its spiritual dangers do you need to heed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הַֽחָכְמָ֥ה1 of 20

Wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְהַמַּדָּ֖ע2 of 20

and knowledge

H4093

intelligence or consciousness

אֶתֶּן3 of 20

is granted

H5414

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

לָ֑ךְ4 of 20
H0
וְעֹ֨שֶׁר5 of 20

thee riches

H6239

wealth

וּנְכָסִ֤ים6 of 20

and wealth

H5233

treasure

וְכָבוֹד֙7 of 20

and honour

H3519

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

אֶתֶּן8 of 20

is granted

H5414

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

לָ֔ךְ9 of 20
H0
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀10 of 20
H834

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

לֹא11 of 20
H3808

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

הָ֣יָה12 of 20
H1961

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

כֵ֗ן13 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לַמְּלָכִים֙14 of 20

such as none of the kings

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 20
H834

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

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ16 of 20

have had that have been 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

וְאַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ17 of 20

thee neither shall there any after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לֹ֥א18 of 20
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶה19 of 20
H1961

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

כֵּֽן׃20 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner


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

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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