1 Kings 3:16
1 Kings 3:16 in Multiple Translations
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
¶ Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
Then there came two women that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
Then two loose women of the town came and took their places before the king;
Later two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him for judgment.
Then came two harlots vnto the King, and stoode before him.
then come in do two women, harlots, unto the king, and stand before him,
Then two women who were prostitutes came to the king, and stood before him.
Then came there two women, that were harlots, to the king, and stood before him.
Then there came two women that were harlots, to the king, and stood before him:
One day two prostitutes came and stood in front of King Solomon.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:16
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 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֣ז
תָּבֹ֗אנָה
שְׁתַּ֛יִם
נָשִׁ֥ים
זֹנ֖וֹת
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖דְנָה
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
תָּבֹ֗אנָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
שְׁתַּ֛יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
נָשִׁ֥ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
זֹנ֖וֹת
zônôwth
H2185
prostitute
V-Qal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖דְנָה
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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 3:16
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
תָּבֹ֗אנָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שְׁתַּ֛יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
נָשִׁ֥ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
זֹנ֖וֹת
zônôwth
H2185
"prostitute"
V-Qal
This word means a prostitute or someone who practices idolatry. In some cases, it's also used to describe armor in warfare, as in the book of Isaiah. The KJV translates it as 'harlots' or 'armour'.
Definition: 1) fornications 1a) armour (used in warfare not sanctioned by Jehovah) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: armour. See also: 1 Kings 3:16; 1 Kings 22:38.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
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.
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖דְנָה
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 3:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
- Sermons on 1 Kings 3:16
Context — Solomon Judges Wisely
14So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.”
15Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.
16At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
17One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. 18On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 18:16 | “Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.” |
| 2 | Judges 11:1 | Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father. |
| 3 | Numbers 27:2 | the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:29 | You must not defile your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will be prostituted and filled with depravity. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 23:17 | No daughter or son of Israel is to be a shrine prostitute. |
| 6 | Joshua 2:1 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. |
| 7 | Exodus 18:13 | The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening. |
1 Kings 3:16 Summary
This verse tells us that two prostitutes came to King Solomon, seeking his help and wisdom in a dispute, which shows that Solomon's reputation for fairness and wisdom had spread to all parts of society. The fact that they felt comfortable coming to him demonstrates that he was approachable and willing to listen, which is an important aspect of his character, as seen in 1 Kings 3:9. This story also highlights the importance of applying God's wisdom to the practical challenges of life, as emphasized in the book of James 1:22-25. By studying this verse, we can learn more about what it means to be wise and fair, and how we can apply those qualities in our own lives, just as Solomon did, with the help of God, as promised in 1 Kings 3:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did two prostitutes come to King Solomon?
The Bible does not specify why these two prostitutes came to King Solomon, but it is likely that they came seeking his wisdom and judgment in a dispute, as seen in the following verses, 1 Kings 3:17-28, where Solomon wisely resolves their conflict over a baby, demonstrating his wisdom, as promised by God in 1 Kings 3:12.
What can we learn from the fact that these women were prostitutes?
The fact that these women were prostitutes and yet felt comfortable coming to King Solomon for help shows that Solomon's reputation for wisdom and fairness had spread to all segments of society, including those who might have been marginalized or overlooked, much like Jesus' ministry to tax collectors and sinners in the New Testament, as seen in Matthew 9:10-13.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a turning point in the chapter, as it shifts the focus from Solomon's encounter with God in 1 Kings 3:1-15 to his practical application of the wisdom God had given him, as seen in the story of the two prostitutes and the baby in 1 Kings 3:16-28, demonstrating that true wisdom is not just theoretical, but also practical, as emphasized in the book of James 1:22-25.
What does this verse teach us about King Solomon's character?
This verse shows that King Solomon was approachable and willing to listen to anyone who came to him, regardless of their background or social status, which is a key aspect of his character, as highlighted in 1 Kings 3:9, where he asks God for a discerning heart to govern God's people, and in Proverbs 29:14, where it is written that a king who judges the poor with integrity will have his throne established forever.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate the same kind of approachability and willingness to listen that King Solomon showed to the two prostitutes?
- How can I apply the wisdom of God to the practical challenges and conflicts that I face in my own life, just as Solomon did in this story?
- What are some ways that I can reach out to and serve those who may be marginalized or overlooked in my community, just as Solomon's reputation for wisdom and fairness had spread to all segments of society?
- What can I learn from the fact that these two women were willing to come to King Solomon, despite their background, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:16
Then came there two women [that] were harlots unto the king,.... The same day, as Abarbinel thinks, the night before which the Lord had appeared to Solomon; this came to pass through the providence
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:16
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. Then came there two women.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
Harlots, or, victuallers; for the Hebrew word signifies both. See Poole "". And possibly they might be both; this by their open profession, and the other by their secret practice: not that they were common harlots; for neither would Solomon have tolerated such; nor durst such have presented themselves before so wise and just a ruler; nor did such use either to bring forth children, or to have such a tender care of and affection to them as these express. Yet that they were unmarried persons, and so guilty of fornication, seems most probable, both because there is no mention of any husbands, whose office it was, if there were any such, to contest for their wives; and because they lived a solitary life in one house. Unto the king: haply they had presented their cause to the inferior courts, who could not determine; and therefore now they bring it to the king, as the supreme magistrate, and famous for his wisdom. Stood there before him, desiring and expecting his sentence in the case.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
1 Kings 3:16 Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.Ver. 16. Then came there two women that were harlots.] Or rather hostesses; for harlots would not have been so hardy as to have appeared in their colours before Solomon, who was yet in his prime, and zealous for God’ s law. If, therefore, these were harlots, they were privy harlots; for there were then no stews or brothel houses allowed, as are now at Rome, and other places in Italy, for a commonwealth, say Papists, and for the avoiding of greater evils, adultery, incest, &c. But what saith Augustine? Cursed be that remedy of sin that is itself a sin. God will not have such a gain to be recompensed with such a loss.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
(16) Then came there.—The celebrated “judgment of Solomon,” given here as a specimen of his wisdom, is simply an instance of intuitive sagacity, cutting the Gordian knot of hopeless difficulty by the appear to maternal instinct—an appeal which might, of course, fail, but which was, under the exceptional circumstances, the only appeal possible. It is in the knowledge how to risk failure rather than be reduced to impotence, and how to go straight to the heart of a difficulty when the slow, regular approaches of science are impossible, that we recognise what men call “a touch of genius,” and what Scripture here calls the “wisdom of God.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
Verse 16. Then came there two women-harlots] The word זנות zonoth, which we here, and in some other places, improperly translate harlots, is by the Chaldee (the best judge in this case) rendered פונדקין pundekayan, tavern-keepers. (See on Joshua 2:1). If these had been harlots, it is not likely they would have dared to appear before Solomon; and if they had been common women, it is not likely they would have had children; nor is it likely that such persons would have been permitted under the reign of David. Though there is no mention of their husbands, it is probable they might have been at this time in other parts, following their necessary occupations; and the settling the present business could not have been delayed till their return; the appeal to justice must be made immediately.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:16
16–28. Solomon’s judgement between the two harlots, and the effect produced thereby (Not in Chronicles) 16. Then came, &c.] We need not, any more than with τότε in the New Test., consider ‘then’ as indicating immediate succession in order of time upon what has gone before. harlots] The Chaldee paraphrase explains in the sense of πανδοκεύτριαι, but Josephus calls them (Ant. viii. 2, 2) ἑταῖραιτὸνβίον. and stood before him] The Eastern monarchs sat often to give judgement at the gate of the city and so were accessible to all applicants. So sat the elders of the city by the Mosaic ordinance (Deuteronomy 21:19). Compare also Rth 4:11; 2 Samuel 19:8; Proverbs 22:22, in which last instance, the words ‘in the gate’ mean ‘when he is before the tribunal, where his cause is heard.’
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:16
SOLOMON’S , 1 Kings 3:16-28. 16. Then came there two women — This seems to have been the first judicial decision of the new king, and it established in all Israel (1 Kings 3:28) his reputation as a wise ruler and judge.
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz |
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Get Wisdom by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom in order to find true and lasting happiness. He acknowledges that people may pursue temporary sources of hap |
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The Dividing Sword by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the powerful and divisive nature of the Word of God, likening it to a sharp sword that penetrates deep into the soul, spirit, joints, and marrow, revealing |
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By His Stripes We Are Healed by Philip Powell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Hebrew words "Peshah" and "Abon," which are translated as transgression and iniquity. These words convey the ideas of rebellion, perversi |
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The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici |
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Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests |
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Mind Over Materialism by Peter Masters | This sermon delves into the story of Rahab in the Old Testament, highlighting her transition from a polytheistic, materialistic society to a believer in the one true God. It emphas |