1 Kings 3:26

1 Kings 3:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”

King James Version KJV

Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.

American Standard Version ASV

Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor thine; divide it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the mother of the living child came forward, for her heart went out to her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the child; do not on any account put it to death. But the other woman said, It will not be mine or yours; let it be cut in two.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the woman whose son was alive had so much love for him as a mother that she cried out to the king, “Please, Your Majesty, give her the boy! Don't kill him!” But the other woman said, “He won't be mine or yours—cut him in two!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then spake the woman, whose the liuing child was, vnto the King, for her compassion was kindled toward her sonne, and she sayde, Oh my lorde, giue her the liuing childe, and slay him not: but the other sayde, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but deuide it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the woman whose son [is] the living one saith unto the king (for her bowels yearned over her son), yea, she saith, 'O, my lord, give to her the living child, and put it not at all to death;' and this [one] saith, 'Let it be neither mine or thine — cut [it].'

World English Bible WEB

Then the woman whose the living child was spoke to the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no way kill him!” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours. Divide him.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then spoke the woman whose the living child was to the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it .

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But the woman whose child was alive, said to the king, (for her bowels were moved upon her child,) I beseech thee, my lord, give her the child alive, and do not kill it. But the other said: Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.

Translation for Translators T4T

But the woman whose baby was alive loved her baby very much, so she said to the king, “No, Your Majesty! Do not allow him to kill the baby! Give her the child that is alive!” But the other woman said to the king, “No, cut it in half. Then it will not be her baby or my baby.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:26

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 3:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר הָ/אִשָּׁה֩ אֲשֶׁר בְּנָ֨/הּ הַ/חַ֜י אֶל הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ כִּֽי נִכְמְר֣וּ רַחֲמֶי/הָ֮ עַל בְּנָ/הּ֒ וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִ֗/י תְּנוּ לָ/הּ֙ אֶת הַ/יָּל֣וּד הַ/חַ֔י וְ/הָמֵ֖ת אַל תְּמִיתֻ֑/הוּ וְ/זֹ֣את אֹמֶ֗רֶת גַּם לִ֥/י גַם לָ֛/ךְ לֹ֥א יִהְיֶ֖ה גְּזֹֽרוּ

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

הָ/אִשָּׁה֩ ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בְּנָ֨/הּ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

הַ/חַ֜י chay H2416 alive Art | Adj

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

נִכְמְר֣וּ kâmar H3648 to grow warm V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

רַחֲמֶי/הָ֮ racham H7356 womb N-mp | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

בְּנָ/הּ֒ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

בִּ֣י bîy H994 please Part

אֲדֹנִ֗/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

תְּנוּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Impv-2mp

לָ/הּ֙ Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/יָּל֣וּד yâlad H3205 to beget Art | V-Qal-Inf-c

הַ/חַ֔י chay H2416 alive Art | Adj

וְ/הָמֵ֖ת mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תְּמִיתֻ֑/הוּ mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp | Suff

וְ/זֹ֣את zôʼth H2063 this Conj | Pron

אֹמֶ֗רֶת ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

לִ֥/י Prep | Suff

גַם gam H1571 also Adv

לָ֛/ךְ Prep | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִהְיֶ֖ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

גְּזֹֽרוּ gâzar H1504 to cut V-Qal-Impv-2mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:26

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר 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/אִשָּׁה֩ 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.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

בְּנָ֨/הּ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

הַ/חַ֜י chay H2416 "alive" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

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/מֶּ֗לֶךְ 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.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

נִכְמְר֣וּ kâmar H3648 "to grow warm" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word describes a strong emotional response, like feeling passionate love or pity. It can also mean to become physically hot, as in 2 Peter 3:10. The word is used to convey a deep sense of longing or yearning.

Definition: 1) to yearn, be kindled, be black (hot), grow warm and tender, be or grow hot, become hot, become emotionally agitated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to grow warm and tender 1a2) to be or grow hot

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be black, be kindled, yearn. See also: Genesis 43:30; Lamentations 5:10; Hosea 11:8.

רַחֲמֶי/הָ֮ racham H7356 "womb" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.

Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

בְּנָ/הּ֒ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

Definition: : child/son

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

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.

אֲדֹנִ֗/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.

תְּנוּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ/הּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

אֶת 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.

הַ/יָּל֣וּד yâlad H3205 "to beget" Art | V-Qal-Inf-c

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.

הַ/חַ֔י chay H2416 "alive" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

וְ/הָמֵ֖ת mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תְּמִיתֻ֑/הוּ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp | Suff

וְ/זֹ֣את zôʼth H2063 "this" Conj | 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.

אֹמֶ֗רֶת ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

לִ֥/י "" Prep | Suff

גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

לָ֛/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִהְיֶ֖ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

גְּזֹֽרוּ gâzar H1504 "to cut" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to cut or divide something, like cutting down a tree or deciding a matter. It is used in various ways, such as cutting off or destroying something. This word appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: 1) to cut, divide, cut down, cut off, cut in two, snatch, decree 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in two, divide 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to cut off, destroy, exterminate 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off, separated, excluded 1b2) to be destroyed, cut off 1b3) to be decreed

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: cut down (off), decree, divide, snatch. See also: 1 Kings 3:25; Psalms 88:6; Psalms 136:13.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 3:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:26
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:26
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:26
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:26
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:26

Context — Solomon Judges Wisely

24The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword, 25and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

26Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”

27Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.” 28When 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 49:15	“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!
2	Jeremiah 31:20	Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.
3	1 John 3:17	If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
4	Genesis 43:30	Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep.
5	Hosea 11:8	How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!
6	Philippians 1:8	God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
7	Philippians 2:1	Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
8	Psalms 39:3	My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:
9	2 Timothy 3:3	unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,
10	Romans 1:31	They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.

1 Kings 3:26 Summary

In 1 Kings 3:26, we see a powerful example of a mother's love and compassion for her child. The true mother is willing to give up her claim to the child in order to save its life, which shows that she values the child's well-being above her own desires. This is similar to the way that God loves us, as seen in John 3:16, where He gave His only Son to save us from sin. We can learn from this example by prioritizing the needs of others and showing them love and compassion, just like the true mother did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated the true mother to plead with King Solomon in 1 Kings 3:26?

The true mother's motivation was her deep love and compassion for her son, as seen in her yearning for him, which is reminiscent of the love that God has for His children, as described in Psalm 103:13 and Isaiah 49:15.

Why did the false mother suggest cutting the baby in two?

The false mother suggested cutting the baby in two because she did not truly care about the child's well-being and was only seeking to possess the child, as opposed to the true mother who prioritized the child's life and safety, much like the selfless love demonstrated by Jesus in John 15:13.

How does this verse relate to the concept of motherly love?

This verse highlights the selfless and sacrificial nature of motherly love, as the true mother was willing to give up her claim to the child in order to save its life, which is reflective of the love that God has for humanity, as seen in John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16.

What can we learn from the true mother's actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of selfless love and putting the needs of others before our own desires, as exemplified by the true mother and also by Jesus in Matthew 20:28 and Philippians 2:3-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate selfless love to those around me, just like the true mother in 1 Kings 3:26?
How can I prioritize the well-being and safety of others, even if it means giving up something that I want or desire?
In what ways can I show compassion and empathy to those who are hurting or in need, just like the true mother showed compassion for her son?
What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of putting the needs of others before my own desires, and how can I start making changes in those areas?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:26

Then spake the woman, whose the living child [was], unto the king,.... In haste, and with great vehemency, lest the executioner should at once dispatch it: (for her bowels yearned upon her son); not

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:26

1 Kings 3:26 Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it].Ver. 26. For her bowels yearned.] Good blood, we say, will not belie itself: good nature will work. O my lord.] Parce puero, spare my child: this she would have said to the king. Give her, &c. This she saith to the officers.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:26

26. her bowels yerned] It was believed that some of the viscera were the seat of the emotions. Hence this expression is very common both in the Old and New Testament for the keenest and strongest feeling. The verb yern, cognate with the German adverb gern = ‘eagerly’, ‘gladly’, implies intense desire. The literal sense of the Hebrew verb is ‘to grow excessively warm.’ We speak of the heart burning within any one. in no wise slay it] The mother’s love comes out. She could be content if it only lived and she might see it, though it were called the child of another. divide it] In this word she addresses those who stand ready to execute the king’s sentence, ‘divide (ye) it.’

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:26

26. Let it be neither mine nor thine — Wordsworth compares this language of the false mother to the demands of schism in the Church of Christ, and calls it “the popular language of sects and

Sermons on 1 Kings 3:26

	Sermon	Description
	Knowing God as Our Father - Inwardly (Tamil) by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father and understanding His sovereignty. It highlights the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to truly e
	Our Great Hight Priest by Don McClure	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the imperfections and struggles of our lives, comparing them to a car that is broken and failing. Despite our flaws, the preacher emphasize
	A Marriage Changed by God by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctions and roles within marriage, highlighting the need to recognize and respect the differences between husband an
	Separated From Our Loved Ones by Keith Daniel	This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for si
	Isaiah 49 by Robert F. Adcock	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the comforting and reassuring nature of God's love and care for his people. He highlights the fact that God is in control of everything and
	Destroying Every Idol by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart and making sacrifices for Him. It highlights the significance of true devotion to Jesus Christ, prioritizing
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the deep teachings of Isaiah chapters 40 to 66, highlighting the importance of humility, trust in God's ways, and the need for true repentance and righteous

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