1 Kings 3:8
1 Kings 3:8 in Multiple Translations
Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
And your servant has round him the people of your selection, a people so great that they may not be numbered, and no account of them may be given.
I, your servant, am here among your chosen people, a great people that are so many they cannot be counted.
And thy seruant is in the mids of thy people, which thou hast chosen, euen a great people which cannot be told nor nobred for multitude.
and Thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people, whom Thou hast chosen, a people numerous, that is not numbered nor counted for multitude,
Your servant is among your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered or counted for multitude.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
And thy servant is in the midst of the people which thou hast chosen, an immense people, which cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
I am here among the people whom you have chosen. They are a very large group of people; there are very, very many of them, with the result that no one can count them [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:8
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 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַ֨בְדְּ/ךָ֔
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בָּחָ֑רְתָּ
עַם
רָ֕ב
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
לֹֽא
יִמָּנֶ֛ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
יִסָּפֵ֖ר
מֵ/רֹֽב
וְ/עַ֨בְדְּ/ךָ֔
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּחָ֑רְתָּ
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
עַם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
רָ֕ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִמָּנֶ֛ה
mânâh
H4487
to count
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִסָּפֵ֖ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/רֹֽב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:8
וְ/עַ֨בְדְּ/ךָ֔
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
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.
בָּחָ֑רְתָּ
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
עַם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
רָ֕ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
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.
לֹֽא
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.
יִמָּנֶ֛ה
mânâh
H4487
"to count"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count, number 1a2) reckon, assign, appoint 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be counted, be numbered 1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned 1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) appointed (participle) Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. See also: Genesis 13:16; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 90:12.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יִסָּפֵ֖ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
מֵ/רֹֽב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:8
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:8
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:8
- Sermons on 1 Kings 3:8
Context — Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
6Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.
8Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number.
9Therefore 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?” 10Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 15:5 | And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” |
| 2 | Genesis 13:16 | I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 21:2 | So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” |
| 4 | Genesis 22:17 | I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. |
| 5 | Psalms 78:71 | from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 12:22 | Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. |
| 7 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 27:23–24 | David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky. Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 7:6–8 | For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 21:5–6 | And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah. But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count, because the king’s command was detestable to him. |
1 Kings 3:8 Summary
In this verse, Solomon is expressing his humility and recognition of the enormous task God has given him as king over a vast and numerous people. He understands that he is not just a ruler, but a servant of God, entrusted with the care of God's chosen people, much like Moses was in Exodus 3:10. This realization leads him to seek God's wisdom and heart to lead them well, as we see in the following verse. By acknowledging his limitations and God's sovereignty, Solomon sets an example for us to approach our own responsibilities with humility and a desire for God's guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the people are 'too numerous to count or number'?
This phrase emphasizes the vast size of the Israelite population, much like in Genesis 13:16 where God promises to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth. It highlights the enormity of the task before Solomon as their king.
Why does Solomon refer to himself as 'Your servant' in this verse?
By calling himself 'Your servant', Solomon acknowledges his humble position before God and recognizes that his role as king is a stewardship entrusted to him by God, as seen in 1 Kings 3:7 where he says 'You have made Your servant king'.
What is the significance of Solomon being 'among the people You have chosen'?
This phrase underscores God's special relationship with the Israelites, as expressed in Deuteronomy 7:6 where it says 'For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.'
How does this verse relate to Solomon's request in the next verse?
Solomon's recognition of the people's vast number and his role among them as their king sets the stage for his request for an 'understanding heart' in 1 Kings 3:9, demonstrating his awareness of the challenge and his dependence on God for wisdom to lead them.
Reflection Questions
- What are the implications of being part of a people chosen by God, and how should this impact my daily life?
- In what ways can I, like Solomon, acknowledge my dependence on God and seek His wisdom in my own life and decisions?
- How does recognizing the vastness and diversity of the people around me influence my approach to serving and loving them as a follower of God?
- What does it mean to be a 'servant' of God in my own context, and how can I embody this mindset in my relationships and responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:8
And thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen,.... To be his special and peculiar people above all people on the earth; this is not to be understood locally, though
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:8
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:8
Is in the midst of thy people, i.e. is set over them to rule and guide them; a metaphor from the overseer of divers workmen, who usually is in the midst of them, that he may the better observe how each of them dischargeth his office. Which thou hast chosen; thy peculiar people, whom thou takest special care of, and therefore wilt expect a more punctual account of my government of them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:8
1 Kings 3:8 And thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.Ver. 8. Is in the midst of thy people.] As lordkeeper of both tables of the law; as an antesignanus, a supreme governor. Royalty without wisdom is but eminent dishonour. A great people.] The greater is my charge, and must be my care, who am yet unexperienced, unqualified.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:8
8. a great people, &c.] The language is that of inexperience, which exaggerates the extent of duties and cares which it has not yet encountered, and which come upon it all at once.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3:8
Compare the marginal references. Solomon regards the promises as fulfilled in the existing greatness and glory of the Jewish nation.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:8
8. That cannot be numbered — An acknowledged fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham. Genesis 13:16. Solomon feels that he has been made king of the covenant people.
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of faith and its application in the work of the Lord. He refers to various passages from the Bible, including Genesis, Romans, an |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 32:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praying honestly and openly to God. He uses the example of Moses praying to God on behalf of the Israelites. Moses reminds |
|
(Fury of Fire) 10 - Being a Doer of the Law Through the Covenant of Scriptures by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing the Word of God over traditions and wrong teachings. He refers to the story of Abraham and how God promised him de |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 13:14-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's appearance to Abram and the promise of land and offspring. God instructs Abram to look in all directions and confirms that he will giv |
|
Through the Bible - Genesis - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God. He emphasizes that God watches every transaction and attitu |
|
|
The Israel of God - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in Christianity. He states that faith is the foundation, continuation, and confirmation of the Christian life. It is |
|
I Know What Your Calling Is by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the condition of a nation just before the judgment of God comes upon it. He highlights the presence of a conspiracy among the prophets, who ha |