Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” New Living Translation Then he said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!” English Standard Version And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” Berean Standard Bible and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” Berean Literal Bible And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one and half to one.” King James Bible And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. New King James Version And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.” New American Standard Bible And the king said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” NASB 1995 The king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” NASB 1977 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” Amplified Bible Then the king said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to the one [woman] and half to the other.” Berean Annotated Bible and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other. Christian Standard Bible And the king said, “Cut the living boy in two and give half to one and half to the other.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Solomon said, “Cut the living boy in two and give half to one and half to the other.” American Standard Version And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Contemporary English Version "Cut the baby in half! That way each of you can have part of him." English Revised Version And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. GOD'S WORD® Translation he said, "Cut the living child in two. Give half to the one and half to the other." Good News Translation he said, "Cut the living child in two and give each woman half of it." International Standard Version "Divide the living child in two!" he ordered. "Give half to the one and half to the other." NET Bible The king then said, "Cut the living child in two, and give half to one and half to the other!" New Heart English Bible The king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other." Webster's Bible Translation And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” World English Bible The king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king says, “Cut the living child into two, and give half to one, and half to the other.” Berean Literal Bible And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one and half to one.” Young's Literal Translation and the king saith, 'Cut the living child into two, and give the half to the one, and the half to the other.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say, Divide the living child in two, and ye shall give the half to the one, and the half to the other. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDivide, said he, the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Catholic Public Domain Version he said, “Divide the living infant in two parts, and give a half part to the one and a half part to the other.” New American Bible he said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other.” New Revised Standard Version The king said, “Divide the living boy in two; then give half to the one, and half to the other.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King said: “Cut the living boy in two, and give half of him to one and a half to the other one.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king said: 'Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said, Divide the live child, the suckling, in two; and give half of it to one, and half of it to the other. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible 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!”… Cross References and the king declared, 2 Samuel 12:5-7 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” / Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. Proverbs 16:10 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice. Ecclesiastes 8:4 For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” “Cut the living child in two Jeremiah 34:18-19 And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf, Matthew 24:51 Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. and give half to one and half to the other.” 1 Samuel 30:24-25 Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” / And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel to this very day. Luke 15:12 The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Luke 12:13-14 Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” / But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?” Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Luke 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. Treasury of Scripture And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. 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. Proverbs 25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. Jump to Previous Child Cut Divide Half OrderJump to Next Child Cut Divide Half Order1 Kings 3 1. Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter2. High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon 5. Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him, 10. preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor 16. Solomon's judgment makes him renowned and the king declared This phrase introduces King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, who was known for his wisdom. Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity, and he is often remembered for his request to God for wisdom to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9). This declaration is part of a judicial decision, showcasing his role as a judge and leader of Israel. The king's authority in ancient Israel was both political and spiritual, as he was seen as God's appointed ruler. “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he is the king who makes a wise judgment. 2. Two Women These are the two mothers who come before King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the living child. Their dispute sets the stage for Solomon's demonstration of wisdom. 3. The Living Child The infant who is the subject of the dispute between the two women. Solomon's proposed solution reveals the true mother. 4. Jerusalem The city where Solomon's court is located, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel during his reign. 5. The Court of Solomon The setting for this event, where Solomon's wisdom is displayed publicly, establishing his reputation as a wise and discerning ruler. Teaching Points The Value of Godly WisdomSolomon's request for wisdom over wealth or power demonstrates the importance of prioritizing spiritual discernment in leadership and personal decisions. The Heart's True Intentions Solomon's test reveals the true intentions of the heart. In our lives, we should seek to understand the motivations behind our actions and those of others. The Role of Justice in Leadership Solomon's judgment underscores the necessity of justice and fairness in leadership. Leaders today should strive to make decisions that reflect God's justice. Trusting God in Difficult Situations The account encourages believers to trust God for wisdom in challenging situations, knowing that He can provide insight beyond human understanding. The Power of Discernment Discernment is crucial in resolving conflicts and understanding truth. Believers are called to develop discernment through prayer and study of the Scriptures. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 3:25?2. How does 1 Kings 3:25 demonstrate Solomon's wisdom in discerning true intentions? 3. What does Solomon's command reveal about justice and mercy in biblical leadership? 4. How can we apply Solomon's wisdom in resolving conflicts within our communities? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Solomon's wisdom and James 1:5 on divine wisdom? 6. How does 1 Kings 3:25 challenge us to seek God's guidance in decisions? 7. What does 1 Kings 3:25 reveal about Solomon's wisdom and decision-making process? 8. How does 1 Kings 3:25 illustrate the concept of justice in the Bible? 9. What cultural practices are reflected in the story of 1 Kings 3:25? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 3? 11. Who were the children of King David? 12. 2 Kings 11:3: Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that supports a child being hidden in the Temple for six years? 13. Why does Matthew 25 appear to emphasize good works (Matthew 25:31-46) when other passages stress faith alone (e.g., Romans 3:28)? 14. How does the severe condemnation of these idolatries in Ezekiel 8 align or conflict with other biblical accounts of tolerating foreign gods? What Does 1 Kings 3:25 Mean and the king declared• Solomon speaks from the throne God established (1 Kings 2:12). • His word carries the weight of divine authority, reflecting the promise, “I have given you a wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12). • The case of the two mothers (1 Kings 3:16-22) highlights the limits of human testimony; Solomon’s declaration moves beyond evidence to expose motives—echoing Proverbs 8:15-16, “By me kings reign… rulers decree justice.” • Like Judges 4:4-5 and Deuteronomy 17:8-9, the king functions as final earthly arbiter, yet ultimately points to the heavenly Judge (Psalm 72:1-2). Cut the living child in two • The shocking command is not cruel intent but deliberate strategy. Solomon trusts God’s wisdom to reveal the truth (James 1:5). • The living child becomes the test; true love values life above possession (John 10:11). • God often uses surprising words to lay bare the heart (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Samuel 16:7). • The scene echoes Genesis 22:10-12, where a life-threatening command uncovers genuine faith and obedience. and give half to one • At face value, the proposal seems “fair,” yet Solomon exposes the emptiness of mere human equity when detached from righteousness (Micah 6:8). • Half a child is no child; real justice protects wholeness, mirroring God’s covenant concern that nothing be torn apart (Exodus 22:31). • The false claimant’s indifference (1 Kings 3:26) reveals a heart devoid of motherly compassion, akin to the harshness in 2 Samuel 21:1-9 where life is treated as bargaining chip. and half to the other. • Solomon’s ploy forces a response: genuine love sacrifices rights to save life (1 Kings 3:26; John 15:13). • The rightful mother’s plea parallels Moses’ intercession, “Blot me out…but spare them” (Exodus 32:32). • Justice is achieved when the living child is handed fully to her (1 Kings 3:27), displaying Proverbs 17:15—“He who justifies the righteous…is an abomination” reversed: righteousness is vindicated. • News of this verdict spreads (1 Kings 3:28), affirming that godly wisdom instills reverent fear, just as Joseph’s insight did in Genesis 41:37-39. summary 1 Kings 3:25 records Solomon’s startling order not as literal intention to harm but as a divinely inspired tactic to uncover truth. Each phrase underscores principles of godly authority, the power of words to reveal hearts, the insufficiency of surface-level fairness, and the sacrificial nature of true love. The passage affirms that Scripture’s historical account is accurate and literal, showing how God-given wisdom delivers perfect justice and preserves life. Verse 25. - And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other [Heb. one].Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king declared, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Cut גִּזְר֛וּ (giz·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1504: To cut down, off, to destroy, divide, exclude, decide the living הַחַ֖י (ha·ḥay) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life child הַיֶּ֥לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring in two לִשְׁנָ֑יִם (liš·nā·yim) Preposition-l | Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) and give וּתְנ֤וּ (ū·ṯə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set half הַחֲצִי֙ (ha·ḥă·ṣî) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2677: The half, middle to one לְאַחַ֔ת (lə·’a·ḥaṯ) Preposition-l | Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first and half הַחֲצִ֖י (ha·ḥă·ṣî) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2677: The half, middle to the other.” לְאֶחָֽת׃ (lə·’e·ḥāṯ) Preposition-l | Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first Links 1 Kings 3:25 NIV1 Kings 3:25 NLT 1 Kings 3:25 ESV 1 Kings 3:25 NASB 1 Kings 3:25 KJV 1 Kings 3:25 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 3:25 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 3:25 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 3:25 French Bible 1 Kings 3:25 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 3:25 The king said Divide the living child (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
    |