New International Version King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. New Living Translation So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king on earth. English Standard Version Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Berean Standard Bible So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. Berean Literal Bible And King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. King James Bible So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. New King James Version So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. New American Standard Bible So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in wealth and wisdom. NASB 1995 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. NASB 1977 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Legacy Standard Bible So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Amplified Bible So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in wealth and in wisdom. Berean Annotated Bible So King Solomon (peace) surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. Christian Standard Bible King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom. Holman Christian Standard Bible King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom. American Standard Version So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Contemporary English Version He was the richest and wisest king in the world. English Revised Version So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. GOD'S WORD® Translation In wealth and wisdom King Solomon was greater than all the [other] kings of the world. Good News Translation King Solomon was richer and wiser than any other king, International Standard Version As a result, King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in regards to wealth and wisdom. NET Bible King Solomon was wealthier and wiser than any of the kings of the earth. New Heart English Bible So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Webster's Bible Translation So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. World English Bible So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd King Solomon is greater than any of the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom, Berean Literal Bible And King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. Young's Literal Translation And king Solomon is greater than any of the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom, Smith's Literal Translation And king Solomon will be magnified above all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches, and wisdom. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, king Solomon was magnified above all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. New American Bible Thus King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. New Revised Standard Version Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And King Solomon became greater than all Kings of Earth in wealth and in wisdom. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Solomon increased beyond all the kings of the earth in wealth and wisdom. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Solomon's Wealth and Splendor…22For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. 23So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 24The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.… Cross References So King Solomon 1 Kings 4:1 So King Solomon ruled over Israel, 1 Kings 2:12 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. 2 Chronicles 1:1 Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him. surpassed all the kings of the earth 2 Chronicles 9:22 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 1 Kings 4:21 And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. Psalm 89:27 I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. in riches 2 Chronicles 9:13-14 The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents, / not including the revenue from the merchants and traders. And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon. 1 Kings 3:13 Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. 2 Chronicles 1:15 The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. and wisdom. 1 Kings 4:29-34 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. … 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. Ecclesiastes 1:16 I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.” 1 Kings 4:30-31 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. 1 Kings 5:12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty. 1 Kings 9:22 But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. 1 Kings 11:42-43 Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. / And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place. Treasury of Scripture So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. exceeded Mr. 1 Kings 3:12,13 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee… 1 Kings 4:29-34 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore… 2 Chronicles 9:22,23 And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom… Jump to Previous Earth Exceeded Excelled Greater Kings Riches Solomon Wealth WisdomJump to Next Earth Exceeded Excelled Greater Kings Riches Solomon Wealth Wisdom1 Kings 10 1. The queen of Sheba admires the wisdom of Solomon14. Solomon's gold 16. His targets 18. The throne of ivory 21. His vessels 24. His presents 26. his chariots and horse 28. his tribute So King Solomon Solomon, whose name means “peaceful,” the son of David and Bathsheba, succeeded David as Israel’s third king. His peaceful reign provided the setting for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling David’s preparations and God’s promise that David’s son would build a house for His name. 1Ki 4:1 So King Solomon ruled over Israel, surpassed all the kings of the earth Solomon’s renown extended throughout the surrounding world. Kings and rulers sought his counsel, entered alliances with Israel, and brought tribute, as the visit of the queen of Sheba demonstrates. Israel reached an unusual height of security, influence, and international prominence under the son of David. 2Ch 9:22 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth… in riches God gave Solomon extraordinary material abundance through tribute, trade, royal revenues, and partnerships with foreign lands. Gold, silver, horses, chariots, and precious goods flowed into Jerusalem. Such prosperity displayed God’s faithfulness, yet Solomon’s later compromises show that wealth cannot guard a heart from drifting from the Lord. 2Ch 9:13-14 The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year… and wisdom. Solomon received wisdom from God after asking for an understanding heart to govern God’s people. His discernment brought justice, order, and widespread admiration, and it is reflected in the wisdom literature associated with his name. Solomon’s greatness ultimately points beyond himself to Christ, who is greater than Solomon and in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 1Ki 4:29-34 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight… Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history. 2. The Kings of the Earth This phrase refers to the rulers of other nations during Solomon's time. It highlights the extent of Solomon's fame and the global recognition of his wisdom and wealth. 3. The Kingdom of Israel Under Solomon's rule, Israel reached unprecedented levels of prosperity and influence, becoming a center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East. Teaching Points The Source of True Wisdom and WealthSolomon's wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, reminding us that true wisdom and prosperity come from Him. We should seek God's wisdom above all else. The Danger of Earthly Riches While Solomon's wealth was a blessing, it also became a snare, leading to idolatry and eventual division in the kingdom. We must guard our hearts against the love of money. The Importance of Humility Despite his wisdom, Solomon's later years were marked by pride and disobedience. Humility and obedience to God are crucial for maintaining His blessings. The Legacy of Leadership Solomon's reign teaches us about the impact of leadership. Our actions and decisions can have lasting effects on those we lead and influence. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 10:23?2. How does Solomon's wealth in 1 Kings 10:23 reflect God's blessings on obedience? 3. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's reign about earthly vs. spiritual riches? 4. How does Solomon's wealth compare to Jesus' teachings on material possessions? 5. How can we prioritize spiritual wisdom over material wealth in our lives today? 6. What does Solomon's wealth teach us about God's provision and our stewardship responsibilities? 7. How did Solomon's wealth compare to other ancient kings according to 1 Kings 10:23? 8. Does 1 Kings 10:23 suggest material wealth is a sign of God's favor? 9. What archaeological evidence supports Solomon's wealth as described in 1 Kings 10:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 10? What Does 1 Kings 10:23 Mean So King Solomon• The verse begins with Solomon’s name to remind us that God’s chosen son of David is the focus (1 Kings 3:7–9). • “So” links back to the Queen of Sheba’s astonishment and the catalog of treasures just described (1 Kings 10:1–22). • Solomon’s reign fulfills God’s promise in 1 Kings 3:12–13, showing the direct connection between divine gift and human achievement. • His prominence foreshadows a greater King: “Something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). surpassed all the kings of the earth • The statement is literal—no other monarch in that era matched his prominence (2 Chronicles 9:22). • Nations streamed to Jerusalem “to hear Solomon’s wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34); rulers brought tribute (1 Kings 10:24–25). • Psalm 72:11, written for Solomon, anticipates universal homage that ultimately points to Christ’s kingdom. • His supremacy fulfills covenant blessings promised to Israel when obedient (Deuteronomy 28:1, 10). in riches • Annual gold intake: “666 talents of gold” (1 Kings 10:14). • Luxuries: ivory throne, gold drinking vessels, imported apes and peacocks (1 Kings 10:18–22). • Silver and gold became “as common as stones” (2 Chronicles 1:15). • Material abundance showcased God’s generosity but later tested Solomon’s heart (1 Kings 11:1–4). and wisdom. • God pledged an unmatched “wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12). • Displayed in the judgment between two mothers (1 Kings 3:16–28) and in composing “3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs” (1 Kings 4:32). • Ecclesiastes 2:9 records Solomon’s own testimony: “my wisdom also remained with me.” • His wisdom was intended to govern justly (Proverbs 8:15) and to magnify the Lord who granted it (1 Kings 10:9). summary 1 Kings 10:23 declares that the Lord’s promise to Solomon came to full, visible fruition: one man, chosen by God, exceeded every contemporary ruler in both material prosperity and God-given insight. The verse underscores God’s faithfulness, illustrates the blessings tied to obedience, and hints at the ultimate, perfect King whose riches and wisdom are eternal. (23-25) All the kings.—These verses indicate the character of the empire of Solomon, as a loosely-compacted group of tributary states round the dominant kingdom of Israel, kept to their allegiance mainly by the ascendency of his personal wisdom and ability, partly by the ties of commercial intercourse and the attractions of his wealth and splendour, and to some degree (though in his case to a less extent than usual) by an imposing military force. It rose rapidly in the comparative abeyance of the great neighbouring empires of Egypt and Assyria, and fell as rapidly on the death of Solomon and the disruption of the kingdom. In the grand description of it in Psalms 72, we observe that while its wealth and prosperity are painted in bright colours, the chief stress is laid on its moral greatness, as a kingdom of righteousness and peace: “All kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth . . . He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.” Here, with the same general idea, but with a characteristic difference of expression, the chief emphasis is laid on the wisdom of Solomon, acknowledged as the gift of God (see Note on 1Kings 4:29), and being a moral and religious at least as much as an intellectual power. In this higher character it was the type of the kingdom of the true Son of David. In this, rather than in wealth and power, lay its true glory; and the falling away from this in the later days of Solomon brought at once decay and ruin.Verse 23. - So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and wisdom [Cf. 1 Kings 3:13. "There is something ominous of evil here. Riches are put before wisdom. This was not the case in the beginning of Solomon's reign (1 Kings 3:11)" - Wordsworth.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Solomon שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne surpassed וַיִּגְדַּל֙ (way·yiḡ·dal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great all מִכֹּ֖ל (mik·kōl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the kings מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 4428: A king of the earth הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land in riches לְעֹ֖שֶׁר (lə·‘ō·šer) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6239: Wealth and in wisdom. וּלְחָכְמָֽה׃ (ū·lə·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom Additonal Resources 1 Kings 10:23 Blue Letter Bible1 Kings 10:23 Bible Gateway 1 Kings 10:23 Bible.com 1 Kings 10:23 NIV |
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