1 Kings 3:28

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1 Kings 3:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

American Standard Version ASV

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do justice.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And news of this decision which the king had made went through all Israel; and they had fear of the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to give decisions.

Free Bible Version FBV

When everyone in Israel heard about the verdict the king had delivered, they had great respect for the king, because they recognized the wisdom God had given him to judge rightly.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And all Israel heard the iudgement, which the King had iudged, and they feared the King: for they sawe that the wisedome of God was in him to doe iustice.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And all Israel hear of the judgment that the king hath judged, and fear because of the king, for they have seen that the wisdom of God [is] in his heart, to do judgment.

World English Bible WEB

All Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And all Israel heard the judgment which the king had judged, and they feared the king, seeing that the wisdom of God was in him to do judgment.

Translation for Translators T4T

All the Israeli people heard about what the king had decided, and they revered him. They realized that God had truly enabled him to be very wise, to judge people’s matters fairly.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:28

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 3:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֣וּ כָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶת הַ/מִּשְׁפָּט֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׁפַ֣ט הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וַ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ מִ/פְּנֵ֣י הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ כִּ֣י רָא֔וּ כִּֽי חָכְמַ֧ת אֱלֹהִ֛ים בְּ/קִרְבּ֖/וֹ לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת מִשְׁפָּֽט

וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֣וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/מִּשְׁפָּט֙ mishpâṭ H4941 justice Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

שָׁפַ֣ט shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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

וַ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ yârêʼ H3372 to fear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

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

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

רָא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

חָכְמַ֧ת chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs

אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

בְּ/קִרְבּ֖/וֹ qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff

לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִשְׁפָּֽט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:28

וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֣וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

כָל 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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

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/מִּשְׁפָּט֙ mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Art | N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר 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.

שָׁפַ֣ט shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ 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.

וַ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

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.

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

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.

כִּ֣י 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.

רָא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

חָכְמַ֧ת 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.

אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

בְּ/קִרְבּ֖/וֹ qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.

Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.

לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

מִשְׁפָּֽט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:28

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Context
Cross References
1 Kings 3:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:28
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3:28
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:28

Context — Solomon Judges Wisely

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	Daniel 2:47	The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”
2	1 Kings 3:9–12	Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.
3	Colossians 2:3	in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4	1 Corinthians 1:24	but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
5	Proverbs 24:21	My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
6	Ecclesiastes 7:19	Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
7	Daniel 2:21	He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
8	Ezra 7:25	And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.
9	Daniel 5:11	There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
10	1 Chronicles 29:24	All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.

1 Kings 3:28 Summary

[This verse tells us that King Solomon made a wise decision, and the people of Israel were amazed by his wisdom, which came from God. This is similar to what happens when we follow God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written that if we trust in the Lord with all our heart, He will make our paths straight. King Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, and it helped him make good choices. We can also ask God for wisdom, and He will give it to us, as promised in James 1:5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the wisdom of God was in King Solomon to administer justice?

This means that King Solomon was given divine insight and guidance from God to make fair and just decisions, as seen in 1 Kings 3:28, and is a fulfillment of God's promise to him in 1 Kings 3:12.

How did the people of Israel respond to King Solomon's judgment?

The people of Israel stood in awe of King Solomon, recognizing that God's wisdom was with him, as stated in 1 Kings 3:28, and this response is similar to the way the people responded to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7:28-29.

What can we learn from King Solomon's example about seeking wisdom?

We can learn that seeking wisdom from God is essential for making good decisions and administering justice, as seen in 1 Kings 3:9-12 and James 1:5, where it is written that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

How does this verse relate to the concept of fear of the Lord?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, and King Solomon's wisdom was a result of his fear of the Lord, demonstrated by his request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9, and this fear is what led the people to stand in awe of him in 1 Kings 3:28.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need God's wisdom to make just and fair decisions?
How can I, like King Solomon, humble myself and ask God for wisdom to navigate challenging situations?
In what ways can I demonstrate the wisdom of God in my own life, and what impact might this have on those around me?
What does it mean for me to 'stand in awe' of God's wisdom, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for His wisdom in my own heart?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:28

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged,.... In the above case; the decision of it was divulged throughout the land, and the fame of it was spread everywhere: and they feared

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28

The wisdom of God; either great and eminent wisdom, as the cedars or mountains of God are the highest and most eminent of the kind; or Divine wisdom with which God had inspired him for the better government of his people. Was in him to judgment; to assist him in wisely examining and justly determining the causes and controversies of his people.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28

1 Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.Ver. 28. And all Israel heard,] sc., Of the king’ s singular sagacity. And they feared the king.] Good men reverenced him; bad men stood in awe of him, as a sharp and severe judge.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28

Verse 28. They feared the king] This decision proved that they could not impose upon him; and they were afraid to do those things which might bring them before his judgment-seat. They saw that the wisdom of God was in him] They perceived that he was taught of God, judged impartially, and could not be deceived. What was done to the other woman we are not told; justice certainly required that she should be punished for her lies and fraud.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:28

28. they feared the king] As having a power beyond what they had seen in any other to detect wrong, and to find out truth and falsehood, and so to make certain the punishment of evildoers. There was no escape from such a judge. the wisdom of God] i.e. Wisdom which God had given, and which made the king skilful in trying the very thoughts of those who came before him. A superhuman discernment had taken up its home within him.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3:28

The wisdom of God - i. e. “Divine wisdom,” “a wisdom given by God” 1 Kings 3:12.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:28

28. The wisdom of God was in him — That is, wisdom given by God. The people perceived that their king was divinely gifted to execute justice.

Sermons on 1 Kings 3:28

	Sermon	Description
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends,
	K-484 Discipleship by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the state of the world and the future. He believes that the current cultural changes are just the beginning and that thin
	May God Give Us Light by Carter Conlon	This sermon is a powerful call to resist the temptations and delicacies of the world, to stand firm in faith like Daniel did, and to choose to walk in the light of God's truth. It
	1 Corinthians 14:20 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom delivers a sermon urging the congregation to maintain order and reverence in the church, emphasizing the importance of edifying one another through spiritual gifts
	Get Understanding by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders
	Christ Is All and in All by Lance Lambert	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers growing and coming to full maturity. They highlight that the natural creation is longing for the manifestation of
	The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wi