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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 4:31 He was wiser than all men--wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. 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And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. <a href="/nlt/1_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. <a href="/esv/1_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a> For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For he was wiser than all men—than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For he was wiser than all other people, more than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and the renown of his name was in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/amp/1_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For he was wiser than all [other] men, [wiser] than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. His fame was known in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/csb/1_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He was wiser than anyone —wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations. <a href="/asv/1_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about. <a href="/erv/1_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He was wiser than anyone, than Ethan the Ezrahite, or Heman, Calcol, or Darda, Mahol's sons. His fame spread to all the nations around him. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> He was the wisest of all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame spread throughout all the neighboring countries. <a href="/isv/1_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> He was wiser than anyone of his day—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, and wiser than Mahol's sons Calcol and Darda. His reputation was known throughout the surrounding nations. <a href="/msb/1_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a> He was wiser than any man, including Ethan the Ezrahite or Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He was famous in all the neighboring nations. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations all around. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/web/1_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations all around. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he is wiser than all men, [wiser] than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol, and his name is in all the surrounding nations. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he is wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol, and his name is in all the nations round about. <a href="/slt/1_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will be wise above all men; above Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman and Chalcol and Darda, sons of Mahol: and his name will be in all the nations round about.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Dorda the sons of Mahol, and he was renowned in all nations round about. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan, the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And he was renowned in all the nations on every side. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a> He was wiser than anyone else—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, or Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the musicians—and his fame spread throughout the neighboring peoples. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He was wiser than anyone else, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, children of Mahol; his fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Easterner, and Heman, and Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations round about. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he was wiser than any man, than Ethan the Easterner and Haman and Kelkal and Darda the sons of Mekhul, and his name was in all the nations that were around him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For he was wiser than all men: than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations round about. <a href="/sep/1_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he was wiser than all other men: and he was wiser than Gaethan the Zarite, and than Aenan, and than Chalcad and Darala the son of Mal. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/4-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=1699" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Solomon's Wisdom</a> …30Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31<a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: way·yeḥ·kam (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">He was wiser</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">than all</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">men—</a> <a href="/hebrew/387.htm" title="387: mê·’ê·ṯān (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- Permanence, an Isr. name. The same as 'eythan; permanent; Ethan, the name of four Israelites.">wiser than Ethan</a> <a href="/hebrew/250.htm" title="250: hā·’ez·rā·ḥî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Zerah. Patronymic from Chobab; an Ezrachite or descendant of Zerach.">the Ezrahite,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1968.htm" title="1968: wə·hê·mān (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite name. Probably from 'aman; faithful; Heman, the name of at least two Israelites.">and wiser than Heman,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3633.htm" title="3633: wə·ḵal·kōl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite noted for his wisdom. From kuwl; sustenance; Calcol, an Israelite.">Calcol,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1862.htm" title="1862: wə·ḏar·da‘ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite. Apparently from dar and dea'; pearl of knowledge; Darda, An Israelite.">and Darda,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/4235.htm" title="4235: mā·ḥō·wl (N-proper-ms) -- Father of Heman. The same as machowl; dancing; Machol, an Israelite.">of Mahol.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">And his fame</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḇə·ḵāl- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">throughout</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: sā·ḇîḇ (Adv) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">the surrounding</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: hag·gō·w·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">nations.</a> 32Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">Proverbs 1:1-7</a> These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, / for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, / and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. ... <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:16</a> 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.” <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23-24</a> So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. <a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22-23</a> So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a> Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Proverbs 8:12-14</a> I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. / To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. / Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. <a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a> The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. <a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a> The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a> in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a> For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. <a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a> Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ... <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16</a> How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.wiser<a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a> 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.<a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a> The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.<a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a> The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.Ethan<a href="/1_chronicles/15-19.htm">1 Chronicles 15:19</a> So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;<a href="/psalms/89-1.htm">Psalm 89:1</a> Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.Heman<a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">1 Chronicles 2:6</a> And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.<a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm">1 Chronicles 6:33</a> And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,<a href="/1_chronicles/15-17.htm">1 Chronicles 15:17</a> So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;his fame<a href="/1_kings/5-7.htm">1 Kings 5:7</a> And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.<a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1,6</a> And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions… <a href="/2_chronicles/9-23.htm">2 Chronicles 9:23</a> And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">Calcol</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">Darda</a> <a href="/psalms/89-1.htm">Ethan</a> <a href="/psalms/89-1.htm">Ezrahite</a> <a href="/joshua/9-9.htm">Fame</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/36-22.htm">Heman</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-18.htm">Including</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-50.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-24.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-43.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">Surrounding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Wiser</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">Calcol</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">Darda</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">Ethan</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Ezrahite</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">Fame</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">Heman</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Including</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-3.htm">Round</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-27.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-24.htm">Surrounding</a> <a href="/job/35-11.htm">Wiser</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 4</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Solomon's princes</a> 7. <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">His twelve officers for provision</a> 20. <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">The peace and largeness of his kingdom</a> 22. <a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">His daily provision</a> 26. <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">His stable</a> 29. <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">His wisdom</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He was wiser than all men— This phrase highlights the extraordinary wisdom of Solomon, a gift from God in response to his request for discernment (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>). Solomon's wisdom is unparalleled, surpassing that of all other men, which is a testament to the divine favor upon him. This wisdom is not just intellectual but also practical, as seen in his governance and judicial decisions.wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in <a href="/psalms/89.htm">Psalm 89</a>, which is attributed to him. He is considered a wise man, and his inclusion here underscores the high regard for his wisdom. The comparison to Ethan emphasizes Solomon's superior wisdom, as Ethan was likely a well-known figure of wisdom in Israel.and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. Heman is also mentioned in <a href="/1_chronicles/15-19.htm">1 Chronicles 15:19</a> as a musician and in <a href="/1_chronicles/25-5.htm">1 Chronicles 25:5</a> as a seer, indicating his multifaceted talents and wisdom. Calcol and Darda are less known, but their mention suggests they were recognized for their wisdom in their time. The "sons of Mahol" could imply a family or school of wisdom, indicating a tradition of learning and knowledge. Solomon's wisdom surpasses even these esteemed figures, highlighting his exceptional understanding.And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. Solomon's wisdom was not confined to Israel; it became known internationally. This widespread fame is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where wisdom was highly valued. Solomon's renown attracted leaders and scholars from other nations, as seen in the visit of the Queen of Sheba (<a href="/1_kings/10.htm">1 Kings 10:1-13</a>). This fame also prefigures the universal recognition of Christ's wisdom and kingship, as Solomon is a type of Christ in his role as a wise and just ruler.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ethan_the_ezrahite.htm">Ethan the Ezrahite</a> Known for his wisdom, Ethan is traditionally credited with writing <a href="/bsb/psalms/89.htm">Psalm 89</a>. His mention here highlights Solomon's superior wisdom. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heman.htm">Heman</a> Another wise man, possibly the same Heman mentioned in <a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm">1 Chronicles 6:33</a> as a musician in the service of King David. 4. <a href="/topical/c/calcol_and_darda.htm">Calcol and Darda</a> Sons of Mahol, these men were known for their wisdom, though little else is known about them. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mahol.htm">Mahol</a> Likely a family or clan name, indicating a lineage known for wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_true_wisdom.htm">The Source of True Wisdom</a> Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, reminding us that true wisdom comes from seeking God and His guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a> Wisdom is more valuable than riches or power, as it leads to righteous living and good judgment. <a href="/topical/f/fame_and_influence.htm">Fame and Influence</a> Solomon's wisdom brought him fame and influence, illustrating how godly wisdom can impact those around us and extend beyond our immediate circles. <a href="/topical/c/comparative_wisdom.htm">Comparative Wisdom</a> The comparison to other wise men highlights the uniqueness of God-given wisdom, which surpasses human understanding. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_wisdom.htm">Legacy of Wisdom</a> Solomon's wisdom left a lasting legacy, encouraging us to seek wisdom that will positively impact future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4</a> <a href="/q/who_is_heman_the_ezrahite.htm">Who is Heman the Ezrahite in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ethan_the_ezrahite.htm">Who was Ethan the Ezrahite in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_heman's_authorship_in_psalm_88.htm">Is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting the authorship of Heman the Ezrahite mentioned in Psalm 88:1, or is this purely literary? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_solomon's_life_teach_us.htm">What lessons does Solomon's life teach us?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) He was wiser.--The wisdom of "Heman, Ethan, Chalcol, and Darda," then rivals of Solomon's fame, is now only known to us from this passage. In the genealogy of <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm" title="And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.">1Chronicles 2:6</a>, "Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Dara" (or "Darda") are found as sons of Zerah, the son of Judah; and the coincidence is remarkable enough to suggest identification. But this identification can scarcely hold. This passage evidently implies that these rivals of Solomon were contemporary with him, not belonging, therefore, to a family many generations earlier. Now it happens that we know of a Heman and an Ethan (see <a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm" title="And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,">1Chronicles 6:33</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/6-44.htm" title="And their brothers the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,">1Chronicles 6:44</a>) set by David over the service of song in the Tabernacle, and called "Ezrahites" in the titles of Psalms 88, 89 ascribed to them. Heman is, moreover, designated as "the king's seer in the words of the Lord" (<a href="/1_chronicles/25-5.htm" title="All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.">1Chronicles 25:5</a>); and his Psalm (Psalms 88) is singularly full of thought, moral speculation, and sense of mystery in life and death. Chalcol and Darda are described as sous of Machol. The word Machol may be a proper name. But it is curious that it signifies "dance," or "music"; and it is at least possible that they also, like Heman and Ethan, may have been thus designated, as connected with the music of the Temple. However this may be, it can hardly be wrong, in spite of the repetition of the group of names, to refer this passage to this Heman and this Ethan, and hold Chalcol and Darda to be, like them, contemporaries with Solomon.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 31. - For (Heb. and) he was wiser than all men [Keil adds "of his time," but we have no right to restrict the words to his contemporaries (see note on chap. 3:12). It is very doubtful whether the names mentioned presently are those of contemporaries] than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda [It is impossible to say whether these are the same persons as the Ethan and Heman and Chalcol and Dara of <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">1 Chronicles 2:6</a>, or the Ethan and Heman who were David's singers. The resemblance is certainly remarkable. Not only are the names practically the same (Dara may well be a clerical error: many MSS., together with the Syr. and Arab., read Darda), but they occur in the same order. Our first impression, consequently, is that the two lists represent the same persons, and if so, these four sages were the "sons" of Zerah, the son of Judah (<a href="/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30</a>). But against this it is urged that Ethan is here called the Ezrahite, as are both Ethan and Heman in the titles of <a href="/psalms/89.htm">Psalm 89</a>, and 88. respectively. The resemblance, however, of Ezrahite (אֶזְרָתִי) to Zerahite (זַרְתִי) is so close as to suggest identity rather than difference. There is, perhaps, more weight in the objection that Chalcol and Darda are here distinctly said to be "the sons of Mahol," though here again it has been observed that Mahol (מָחול) means pipe or dance, and the "sons of Mahol," consequently, may merely be a synonym, agreeably to Eastern idiom (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:4</a>, with which cf. <a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">2 Samuel 19:35</a>), for "musicians." We may therefore allow that the four names may be those of sons (i.e., descendants) of Zerah. But the question now presents itself: Are Ethan and Heman to be identified with the well known precentors of David? Against their identity are these facts: 1. That Ethan the singer (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-31.htm">1 Chronicles 6:31</a>) is described as the son of Kishi (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-44.htm">1 Chronicles 6:44</a>), elsewhere called Kushaiah (<a href="/1_chronicles/15-17.htm">1 Chronicles 15:17</a>), and of the family of Merari; as a Levite that is, instead of a descendant of Judah, and that Heman, who is called the singer, or musician (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm">1 Chronicles 6:33</a>), and the "king's seer" (<a href="/1_chronicles/25-5.htm">1 Chronicles 25:5</a>) is said to be a son of Joel, a grandson of the prophet Samuel, and one of the Kohathite Levites (<a href="/1_chronicles/15-17.htm">1 Chronicles 15:17</a>). The first impression in this case, therefore, is that they must be distinct. But it should be remembered (1) that the sons - in the strict sense - of Zerah are nowhere else named for their wisdom, whereas the royal singer and seer probably owed their appointments to their genius, and (2) that though Levites, they may have been incorporated (possibly like Jair, through marriage - see note on ver. 13 above, and cf. <a href="/ezra/2-61.htm">Ezra 2:61</a>) into the tribe of Judah. The Levite in <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Judges 17:7</a> is spoken of as belonging to the family of Judah, because he dwelt in Bethlehem of Judah, and Elkanah the Levite is called an Ephraimite in <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1</a>, because in his civil capacity he was incorporated into the tribe of Ephraim" (Keil). It must be admitted, however, that the natural interpretation of <a href="/1_chronicles/2-6.htm">1 Chronicles 2:6</a> is that the "sons" of Zerah there mentioned were his immediate and actual descendants, and not Levites who long centuries afterwards were somehow incorporated into his family. But the question is one of so much nicety that it is hardly possible to come to a positive conclusion] and his fame [Heb. name] was in all [Heb. all the] nations round about. [Cf. 10:24, etc.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/4-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He was wiser וַיֶּחְכַּם֮ (way·yeḥ·kam) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> To be wise than all מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every men— הָֽאָדָם֒ (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being wiser than Ethan מֵאֵיתָ֣ן (mê·’ê·ṯān) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_387.htm">Strong's 387: </a> Ethan -- 'permanence', an Israelite name the Ezrahite, הָאֶזְרָחִ֗י (hā·’ez·rā·ḥî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_250.htm">Strong's 250: </a> Ezrahite -- a descendant of Zerah and wiser than Heman, וְהֵימָ֧ן (wə·hê·mān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1968.htm">Strong's 1968: </a> Heman -- an Israelite name Calcol, וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל (wə·ḵal·kōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3633.htm">Strong's 3633: </a> Calcol -- an Israelite noted for his wisdom and Darda, וְדַרְדַּ֖ע (wə·ḏar·da‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1862.htm">Strong's 1862: </a> Darda -- an Israelite the sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Mahol. מָח֑וֹל (mā·ḥō·wl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4235.htm">Strong's 4235: </a> Mahol -- father of Heman And his fame שְׁמ֥וֹ (šə·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name spread וַיְהִֽי־ (way·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be throughout בְכָֽל־ (ḇə·ḵāl-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the surrounding סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5439.htm">Strong's 5439: </a> A circle, neighbour, environs, around nations. הַגּוֹיִ֖ם (hag·gō·w·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-31.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 4:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/4-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 4:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>