1 Kings 10:23
1 Kings 10:23 in Multiple Translations
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
And King Solomon was greater than all the kings of the earth in wealth and in wisdom.
King Solomon was greater than any other king on earth in wealth and wisdom.
So King Salomon exceeded all the kings of the earth both in riches and in wisedome.
And king Solomon is greater than any of the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom,
So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
And king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches, and wisdom.
King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 10:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 10:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
מַלְכֵ֣י
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
לְ/עֹ֖שֶׁר
וּ/לְ/חָכְמָֽה
וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לְ/עֹ֖שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 10:23
וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ/עֹ֖שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
וּ/לְ/חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 10:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 10:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:23
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 10:23
- Sermons on 1 Kings 10:23
Context — Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor
21All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.
22For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
23So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
24The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 25Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 3:12–13 | behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. |
| 2 | Colossians 2:2–3 | that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 4:29–34 | And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 9:22–23 | So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. |
| 5 | Ephesians 3:8 | Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, |
| 6 | Psalms 89:27 | I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. |
| 7 | Colossians 1:18–19 | And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, |
1 Kings 10:23 Summary
This verse is saying that King Solomon was the richest and wisest king in the world at that time, which was a blessing from God. This happened because King Solomon was faithful to God and sought His wisdom, as we see in 1 Kings 3:5-14. Just like King Solomon, we can seek God's wisdom and trust Him to provide for us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33. By seeking God's wisdom and using our resources to glorify Him, we can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom?
This means that King Solomon had more wealth and knowledge than any other king of his time, a blessing from God as promised in Deuteronomy 29:9 and a testament to his faithfulness to God as seen in 1 Kings 3:5-14.
How did King Solomon acquire such great riches?
King Solomon's riches came from his trade and diplomatic relationships with other nations, including the ships of Tarshish that brought him gold, silver, and other precious items every three years, as mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22.
What kind of wisdom did King Solomon have?
King Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, as stated in 1 Kings 3:12, and it included the ability to understand and interpret the natural world, as well as to make wise decisions and judgments, as seen in 1 Kings 3:16-28.
Is it important for Christians to seek wealth and wisdom like King Solomon?
While wealth and wisdom are not the primary focus of the Christian life, Christians can learn from King Solomon's example of seeking wisdom and using their resources to glorify God, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom like King Solomon, and how can I use my own gifts and resources to glorify God?
- How can I balance my desire for wealth and success with my desire to follow God and seek His wisdom?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and guidance, and how can I trust Him to provide it?
- In what ways can I use my own wealth and resources to bless others and bring glory to God, just as King Solomon did?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:23
So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. In which he was an eminent type of Christ; see Ephesians 3:8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:23
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:23
1 Kings 10:23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.Ver. 23. For riches and wisdom.] Take them both together, and well he might be imparallel: for Stultitiam patiuntur opes: and Difficile est opibus non tradire mores.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:23
(23-25) All the kings.—These verses indicate the character of the empire of Solomon, as a loosely-compacted group of tributary states round the dominant kingdom of Israel, kept to their allegiance mainly by the ascendency of his personal wisdom and ability, partly by the ties of commercial intercourse and the attractions of his wealth and splendour, and to some degree (though in his case to a less extent than usual) by an imposing military force. It rose rapidly in the comparative abeyance of the great neighbouring empires of Egypt and Assyria, and fell as rapidly on the death of Solomon and the disruption of the kingdom. In the grand description of it in Psalms 72, we observe that while its wealth and prosperity are painted in bright colours, the chief stress is laid on its moral greatness, as a kingdom of righteousness and peace: “All kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth . . . He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.” Here, with the same general idea, but with a characteristic difference of expression, the chief emphasis is laid on the wisdom of Solomon, acknowledged as the gift of God (see Note on 1 Kings 4:29), and being a moral and religious at least as much as an intellectual power. In this higher character it was the type of the kingdom of the true Son of David. In this, rather than in wealth and power, lay its true glory; and the falling away from this in the later days of Solomon brought at once decay and ruin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:23
Verse 23. Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches] Mr. Reynolds, stating the yearly tribute of Solomon, 666 talents of gold, at about four times as much as his father left him, hence reckons that he had £4,909,371 8s. 8d. each year, £94,410 19s. 9 1/4d. per week, £13,487 5s. 8d. per day, taking each day, week, and year, one with another.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 10:23
See the marginal references. By “all the earth” we are, of course, only to understand the kings or people of neighboring nations.
Sermons on 1 Kings 10:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Get Your Fingers Out of Your Ears by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses why people, both physically and spiritually, stick their fingers in their ears and refuse to listen to the message of God. He believes there |
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The Most High a Prayer Hearing God by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the character of the Most High as a prayer-hearing God, emphasizing that God graciously takes notice of the prayers of His people, accepts their suppli |
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Reality of the Divine in Christian Experience by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was deeply moved by the work of God. This young man's cry for Jesus to make him real led to the conversion of a po |
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Be Ye Perfect by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God during a series of gospel meetings. He talks about feeling inadequate and helpless in his role as a s |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping the light of God's word available for all. He talks about the surprises and revelations that come when we have a h |
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(Daniel: The Man God Uses #5) Fragrance of Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes three main points. Firstly, he states that life is like a party and should not be taken seriously. He argues that people should not be conce |
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All That God Is by Gayle Erwin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his grandson and a secret birthday cake. He then relates this story to the idea that God has entrusted believers with a gr |