1 Kings 10:4
1 Kings 10:4 in Multiple Translations
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built,
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house which he had made,
When the queen of Sheba saw Solomon's wisdom, and the palace he had built,
Then the Queene of Sheba sawe all Salomons wisedome, and the house that he had built,
And the queen of Sheba seeth all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he built,
When the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,
And when the queen of Saba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house which he had built,
The queen realized that Solomon was very wise. She saw his palace;
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 10:4
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 10:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּ֨רֶא֙
מַֽלְכַּת
שְׁבָ֔א
אֵ֖ת
כָּל
חָכְמַ֣ת
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בָּנָֽה
וַ/תֵּ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מַֽלְכַּת
malkâh
H4436
queen
N-fs
שְׁבָ֔א
Shᵉbâʼ
H7614
Sheba
N-proper
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חָכְמַ֣ת
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּנָֽה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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 10:4
וַ/תֵּ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מַֽלְכַּת
malkâh
H4436
"queen"
N-fs
A queen is a female ruler of a kingdom, like the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon. The word refers to a woman with royal authority and power. It is used in the Bible to describe female monarchs.
Definition: queen Aramaic equivalent: mal.kah (מַלְכָּה "queen" H4433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: 1 Kings 10:1; Esther 5:2; Song of Solomon 6:9.
שְׁבָ֔א
Shᵉbâʼ
H7614
"Sheba"
N-proper
Sheba was a region in southern Arabia, also the name of a man who was an ancestor of a tribe. The Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, as told in 1 Kings 10. The region of Sheba was known for its wealth and trade.
Definition: § Sheba = "seven" or "an oath" a nation in southern Arabia
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Sheba, Sabeans. See also: Genesis 10:7; 2 Chronicles 9:3; Psalms 72:10.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
חָכְמַ֣ת
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
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.
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
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.
וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּנָֽה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 10:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 10:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 10:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
- Sermons on 1 Kings 10:4
Context — The Queen of Sheba
2She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.
3And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.
4When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,
5the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. 6She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 12:42 | The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 3:28 | When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 9:3–4 | When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants and cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 6:1–7 | In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the month of Ziv, the second month of the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, he began to build the house of the LORD. The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple was twenty cubits long, extending across the width of the temple and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple. He also had narrow windows framed high in the temple. Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. The bottom floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls. The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 4:29–31 | 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. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 12:9 | Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. |
1 Kings 10:4 Summary
[This verse shows how the queen of Sheba was amazed by Solomon's wisdom and the palace he built. She saw how wise and knowledgeable he was, and it took her breath away. This reminds us that seeking wisdom and knowledge is important, as we see in Proverbs 4:7, and that God can give us wisdom if we ask for it, as in James 1:5. By looking at Solomon's example, we can learn to value wisdom and seek it in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was it about Solomon's wisdom that impressed the queen of Sheba?
The queen was impressed by the vastness and depth of Solomon's wisdom, which was a gift from God, as stated in 1 Kings 3:12, and was evident in the way he answered her questions and the splendor of his palace and kingdom.
Is it important to seek wisdom like Solomon did?
Yes, seeking wisdom is crucial, as Proverbs 9:10 reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and as seen in 1 Kings 3:5-14, Solomon's seeking of wisdom was pleasing to God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of the queen of Sheba's visit?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows the queen's initial reaction to Solomon's wisdom and sets the stage for her declaration in 1 Kings 10:6-9 that the reports she had heard about Solomon were true.
What can we learn from the queen of Sheba's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of being open to learning and seeking wisdom, as the queen of Sheba was, and also the value of being humble and recognizing the wisdom and accomplishments of others, as seen in her reaction to Solomon's wisdom in 1 Kings 10:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom, and how can I do that?
- How can I, like the queen of Sheba, be open to learning from others and recognizing their accomplishments?
- What are some ways I can apply the wisdom of God to my everyday life, as Solomon did in his kingdom?
- How can I cultivate a sense of awe and wonder, like the queen of Sheba, when I encounter the wisdom and works of God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:4
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom,.... Which she perceived by his answers to things relative to all sorts of science, natural, civil, and divine: and the house that he had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:4
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom [ chaakªmat (H2451) Shªlomoh (H8010)] the wisdom of Solomon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
Or, the houses, the singular number being put for the plural, to wit, both the temple and the king’ s house, in both which there were evidences of singular wisdom.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
1 Kings 10:4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’ s wisdom, and the house that he had built, Ver. 4. Had seen all Solomon’ s wisdom,] i.e., Heard it, and well weighed it. "O generation, see ye the word of the Lord."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
(4, 5) And when the queen of Sheba had seen.—There is something curiously inartificial and true to nature in the accumulation of different impressions as made upon the imagination of the queen. First of all comes the primary impression of Solomon’s wisdom, known by his answering all her questions, and “seen” in the various ordinances of his court and his government. Then the magnificence of the palace and all the arrangements of its service are referred to in detail, as especially likely to tell on one whose own splendour was probably of a simpler and more barbaric sort. Lastly, if our translation be correct, the record singles out the ascent or viaduct crossing the valley from the palace to Mount Moriah, and forming the royal entrance into the Temple (see 1 Chronicles 26:16;2 Kings 16:18), evidently a unique and remarkable structure. But it must be noticed that the LXX. and Vulgate and other versions render here, “the burnt offerings, which he offered in the house of the Lord,” and Josephus has the same interpretation. The magnificent scale of his sacrifices is illustrated in 1 Kings 8:63, and it is certainly natural that this point should not be left unmentioned in the description of the wonders of his court. This rendering, therefore, which the Hebrew will well bear, has much probability to recommend it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
Verse 4. Had seen all Solomon's wisdom] By the answers which he gave to her subtle questions. And the house that he had built] Most probably his own house.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 10:4
4. the house that he had built] This refers to his own palace, as is evident from the domestic details which immediately follow.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:4
4. The house that he had built — His royal palace, not the Lord’s house, which, it would seem, she was not permitted to enter, but only saw the ascent to it by which the king went up.
Sermons on 1 Kings 10:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding the word of God. He refers to the parable of the sower in Mark 4, where Jesus teaches the multit |
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(Spain) a Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm and questions why the disciples were so fearful and lacking in faith. He shares a personal experience |
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Christ Is Greater 03 Greater Than Solomon by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of a man trapped in a burning building, desperately calling for help. Eventually, a fireman arrives and extends a ladder t |
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The Queen of Sheba by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ compared to the Queen of Sheba's admiration for King Solomon. He challenges the congregation t |
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His Excellent Greatness by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the excellent greatness of the Lord Jesus, drawing parallels between Him and Solomon's dominion, bounty, and glory. He highlights that only the Father f |
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These Were the Sons of David. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer contrasts the sons of David with the Son of David, Jesus Christ, emphasizing the vast difference in their nature and character. He highlights that even the most reputabl |
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The Greatness of God's Grace in Jesus Christ by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the greatness of God's grace as illustrated through the life of David, who, despite his grievous sins, found mercy and redemption in God. He highlights |