1 Kings 3:17
1 Kings 3:17 in Multiple Translations
One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house.
And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
And the one woman said, Oh, my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
And one of them said, O my lord, I and this woman are living in the same house; and I gave birth to a child by her side in the house.
One of the women spoke up, saying, “If it please Your Majesty: I share a house with this woman. I had a baby while she was living in the house.
And the one woman sayd, Oh my lorde, I and this woman dwell in one house, and I was deliuered of a childe with her in the house.
and the one woman saith, 'O, my lord, I and this woman are dwelling in one house, and I bring forth with her, in the house;
The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house. I delivered a child with her in the house.
And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
And one of them said: I beseech thee, my lord, I and this woman dwelt in one house, and I was delivered of a child with her in the chamber.
One of them said, “Your Majesty, this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was there in the house.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:17
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 3:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֜אמֶר
הָ/אִשָּׁ֤ה
הָֽ/אַחַת֙
בִּ֣י
אֲדֹנִ֔/י
אֲנִי֙
וְ/הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה
הַ/זֹּ֔את
יֹשְׁבֹ֖ת
בְּ/בַ֣יִת
אֶחָ֑ד
וָ/אֵלֵ֥ד
עִמָּ֖/הּ
בַּ/בָּֽיִת
וַ/תֹּ֜אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אִשָּׁ֤ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
הָֽ/אַחַת֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
בִּ֣י
bîy
H994
please
Part
אֲדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וְ/הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
יֹשְׁבֹ֖ת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בְּ/בַ֣יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
וָ/אֵלֵ֥ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
עִמָּ֖/הּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
בַּ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
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 3:17
וַ/תֹּ֜אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֤ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
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.
הָֽ/אַחַת֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
בִּ֣י
bîy
H994
"please"
Part
This phrase means please or oh that, used to introduce a request or entreaty, like saying excuse me or if it please you.
Definition: 1) if it please, pray excuse me, excuse me please 1a) used to introduce an entreaty or request
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: alas, O, oh. See also: Genesis 43:20; Judges 6:13; 1 Kings 3:26.
אֲדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וְ/הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | Art | N-fs
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.
הַ/זֹּ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
יֹשְׁבֹ֖ת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/בַ֣יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | 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.
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
וָ/אֵלֵ֥ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
עִמָּ֖/הּ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
בַּ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Solomon Judges Wisely
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. 19During the night this woman’s son died because she rolled over on him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 13:7 | Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
| 2 | Genesis 43:20 | “Please, sir,” they said, “we really did come down here the first time to buy food. |
1 Kings 3:17 Summary
In 1 Kings 3:17, one of the two women explains her situation to King Solomon, saying that she and the other woman live in the same house and that she gave birth to a baby while the other woman was there. This sets the stage for the rest of the story, where King Solomon will use his wisdom to determine which woman is the true mother of the baby. This story shows that King Solomon's wisdom and justice were available to all people, regardless of their background or social status, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9. It also reminds us that God is a God of wisdom and justice, as seen in Psalm 89:14, and that He desires us to act with compassion and empathy towards others, as encouraged in Matthew 9:36 and Luke 10:25-37.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the two women's story in 1 Kings 3:17?
The context is that two prostitutes came to King Solomon with a dispute over a baby, as told in 1 Kings 3:16-27, and one woman is explaining her situation to the king in 1 Kings 3:17.
Why did the two women live in the same house?
The Bible does not specifically state why the two women lived in the same house, but it is likely because they were both prostitutes and this was their place of work, as mentioned in 1 Kings 3:16.
What can we learn from the fact that these women were prostitutes?
The fact that these women were prostitutes shows that King Solomon's wisdom and justice were available to all people, regardless of their background or social status, as seen in 1 Kings 3:28 and Proverbs 31:8-9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Kings 3?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story, where King Solomon uses his wisdom to determine which woman is the true mother of the baby, as told in 1 Kings 3:23-28, and it demonstrates his ability to make wise and just decisions, as promised in 1 Kings 3:12.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of the two women, and how can we apply this to our own relationships with others?
- How does King Solomon's response to the women's dispute demonstrate his wisdom and commitment to justice, and what can we learn from his example?
- What role does compassion and empathy play in this story, and how can we show these qualities to those around us, as encouraged in Matthew 9:36 and Luke 10:25-37?
- How does this verse contribute to the overall theme of 1 Kings 3, which is the establishment of King Solomon's wisdom and reign, and what can we learn from this theme about God's plan for our lives?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:17
And the one woman said,.... Who was the plaintiff: O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; pointing to the defendant, who stood by her: and I was delivered of a child with her in the house;
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:17
1 Kings 3:17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.Ver. 17. I and this woman dwell in one house.] They lived together, but scarce dwelt together, as one saith of married couples that disagree, quorum coniugium nihil aliud est quam coniurgium.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:17
17. I was delivered of a child with her] In the narrative of Josephus the two children are said to have been born at the same hour of the same day. The LXX. renders ‘we were delivered of children in the house,’ making ‘with her’ equivalent to ‘I as well as she.’
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi |
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1 Peter 2:7 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:7, emphasizing that true believers are those who recognize their lost state and see Christ as their only Savior. He describes how Christ is precious |
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Fraud Exposed and Condemned by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of conducting fair and upright business transactions as a reflection of true religion. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be gove |
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Have You Paid This Debt? by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that debts extend beyond financial obligations, highlighting the importance of honoring and respecting others as lifelong debts we owe. He discusses the respo |
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |
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Fraud Exposed and Condemned. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of conducting fair and upright business transactions as a reflection of true religion. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be gove |
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Homily 70 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the Pharisees' attempt to entangle Jesus in His words, highlighting their wicked intentions and hidden craftiness. Despite their flattery and deceitf |