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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Solomon&#8217s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Solomon&#8217s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Solomon&#8217s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Solomon's wisdom was greater than that of all the eastern people and all the wisdom of the Egyptians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Solomon was wiser than the wise men of the East or the wise men of Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Solomon was wiser than any of the eastern leaders and wiser than anyone in Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Solomon?s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Solomon was wiser than all the men of the east and all the sages of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the wisdom of Solomon is greater than the wisdom of any of the sons of the east, and [greater] than all the wisdom of Egypt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the wisdom of Solomon is greater than the wisdom of any of the sons of the east, and than all the wisdom of Egypt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the wisdom of Solomon will be multiplied above the wisdom of all the sons of the east, and above all the wisdom of Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the wisdom of Solomon surpassed the wisdom of all the Orientals, and of the Egyptians, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the wisdom of Solomon surpassed the wisdom of all the East, and of the Egyptians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom surpassed that of all the peoples of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So that Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of the Egyptians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the wisdom of Solomon was greater than the wisdom of all the sons of the East, and than the wisdom of the Egyptians.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Solomon abounded greatly beyond the wisdom of all the ancients, and beyond all the wise men of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/4-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=1691" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Solomon's Wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29</span>And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: šə·lō·mōh (N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: wat·tê·reḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">was greater than</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: mê·ḥā·ḵə·maṯ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</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 men</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: qe·ḏem (N-ms) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">of the East,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·mik·kōl (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">greater than all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">the wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt.</a> </span><span class="reftext">31</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a></span><br />let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:16</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:9</a></span><br />Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11-12</a></span><br />The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-10.htm">Isaiah 47:10</a></span><br />You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a></span><br />The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a></span><br />So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.</p><p class="hdg">the children</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/25-6.htm">Genesis 25:6</a></b></br> But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-3.htm">Job 1:3</a></b></br> His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Daniel 1:20</a></b></br> And in all matters of wisdom <i>and</i> understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians <i>and</i> astrologers that <i>were</i> in all his realm.</p><p class="hdg">the wisdom of Egypt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11,12</a></b></br> Surely the princes of Zoan <i>are</i> fools, the counsel of the wise counsellers of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I <i>am</i> the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a></b></br> And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/2-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-24.htm">Country</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">East</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-10.htm">Excelled</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-47.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Solomon's</a> <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm">Surpassed</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/6-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-25.htm">East</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-1.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">Excelled</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-7.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">Solomon's</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">Surpassed</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Solomon's princes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">His twelve officers for provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">The peace and largeness of his kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">His daily provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">His stable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">His wisdom</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East</b><br>Solomon's wisdom is a central theme in the narrative of his reign. The "men of the East" likely refers to the wise men from regions such as Arabia, Mesopotamia, and possibly Persia, known for their philosophical and scientific advancements. These regions were renowned for their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and literature. Solomon's wisdom surpassing theirs highlights the divine gift bestowed upon him, as seen in <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a>, where God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but also practical, as demonstrated in his judicial decisions and governance. The comparison to the East underscores the breadth and depth of Solomon's understanding, which was recognized and respected by surrounding nations.<p><b>greater than all the wisdom of Egypt</b><br>Egypt was a center of learning and culture in the ancient world, famous for its advancements in architecture, medicine, and writing. The wisdom of Egypt was legendary, with its priests and scholars being highly esteemed. By stating that Solomon's wisdom exceeded that of Egypt, the text emphasizes the extraordinary nature of his insight and knowledge. This comparison also serves to elevate the God of Israel above the gods of Egypt, as Solomon's wisdom is a direct result of divine favor. The mention of Egypt may also remind readers of the Exodus narrative, where God's power was demonstrated over the Egyptian deities. Solomon's wisdom, therefore, is not only a personal attribute but also a testament to the superiority of Israel's God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he is a central figure in the account of Israel's history.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_of_the_east.htm">Men of the East</a></b><br>This term likely refers to the wise men from regions east of Israel, such as Mesopotamia and Arabia, known for their knowledge and philosophical insights.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>A powerful and ancient civilization known for its advanced knowledge in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Egypt was often seen as a center of wisdom and learning.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_true_wisdom.htm">The Source of True Wisdom</a></b><br>Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, reminding us that true wisdom comes from seeking God and His guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is more valuable than riches or power. Solomon's wisdom brought him fame and respect, illustrating the importance of prioritizing wisdom in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/comparative_wisdom.htm">Comparative Wisdom</a></b><br>The comparison to the wisdom of the East and Egypt highlights the superiority of God-given wisdom over human knowledge. We should seek wisdom that aligns with God's truth rather than relying solely on worldly understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Solomon's wisdom was crucial for his role as a leader. In our own spheres of influence, we should seek wisdom to lead and make decisions that honor God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_asking_god_for_wisdom_imply.htm">What does asking God for wisdom imply?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_solomon's_vast_kingdom_credible.htm">How historically credible is the claim that Solomon's kingdom spanned from the Euphrates to Egypt (1 Kings 4:21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/solomon's_horse_stalls_count.htm">How many stalls of horses did Solomon have? (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_don't_sources_mention_solomon's_peace.htm">Why do other historical sources not mention Solomon's supposed peaceful reign 'on every side' in 1 Kings 5:4?</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>(30-34) The whole passage implies a general growth of wisdom, a largeness of knowledge, and an outburst of literature, of which, as usual with great men, Solomon is at once the child and the leader.<p>(30) <span class= "bld">The wisdom of all the children of the east.</span>--The phrase "children of the east" is apparently used (see <a href="/genesis/29-1.htm" title="Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.">Genesis 29:1</a>; <a href="/judges/6-3.htm" title="And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;">Judges 6:3</a>; <a href="/judges/6-33.htm" title="Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.">Judges 6:33</a>; <a href="/judges/7-12.htm" title="And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.">Judges 7:12</a>; <a href="/judges/8-10.htm" title="Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.">Judges 8:10</a>) for the tribes of the country lying between the country of Israel and Mesopotamia. Of these "men of the east," Job is expressly said to be one, and among the chief (<a href="/job/1-3.htm" title="His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.">Job 1:3</a>), What their wisdom was, the utterances of Job and his friends may testify, showing as they do large knowledge of nature and of man, speculating on the deepest moral questions, and throughout resting, though with an awe greater than was felt within the circle of the Abrahamic covenant, upon the consciousness of the one God. The Book of Job also shows that this wisdom was not unconnected with the proverbial "wisdom of Egypt," with which it is here joined. The Egyptian wisdom (as the monuments show) was a part of a more advanced and elaborate civilisation, enriched by learning and culture, and manifesting itself in art and science, but perhaps less free and vigorous than the simpler patriarchal wisdom of the children of the east. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 30.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Solomon's wisdom excelled</span> [or exceeded; same word as in ver. 29] <span class="cmt_word">the wisdom of all the children of the east country</span> [By the <span class="accented">Beni-Kedem</span> we are hardly to understand (with Rawlinson) a distinct tribe on the banks of the Euphrates. It is true that the land of the Beni-Kedem is identified with Haran or Mesopotamia (<a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Genesis 29:1</a>), and the mountains of Kedem (<a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7</a>) are evidently those of Aram. It is also true that "the children of the East" are apparently distinguished from the Amalekites and Midianites (<a href="/judges/6-8.htm">Judges 6:8, 33</a>; <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12</a>; <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Judges 8:10</a>). It is probable, nevertheless, that the name is here employed to designate all the Arabian tribes east and southeast of Palestine - Sabaeans, Idumeans, Temanites, Chaldeans. What their wisdom was like, we may see in the Book of Job. Cf. <a href="/jeremiah/49-7.htm">Jeremiah 49:7</a>; <a href="/obadiah/1.htm">Obadiah 1:8</a>] <span class="cmt_word">and all the wisdom of Egypt.</span> [The learning of Egypt was of great repute in the Old World. It differed very considerably from the wisdom of Kedem, being scientific rather than gnomic (<a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11, 12</a>; <a href="/isaiah/31-2.htm">Isaiah 31:2, 8</a>; <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a>) and including geometry, astronomy, magic, and medicine. See Jos., Ant. 8:02.5; Herod. 2:109. 160. Wilkinson, "Ancient Egyptians" vol. 2. pp. 316-465. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/4-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Solomon’s</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·mōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> </span><span class="str2">Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵə·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was greater than</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֵּ֙רֶב֙</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that]</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽחָכְמַ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥā·ḵə·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the East,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֶ֑דֶם</span> <span class="translit">(qe·ḏem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front, of place, time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">greater than all</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִכֹּ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mik·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵə·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Egypt.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְרָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·rā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 4:30 Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 4:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/4-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 4:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:31" /></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>