CINXE.COM

<!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 3:27 Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/3-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/11_1Ki_03_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 3:27 - Solomon Judges Wisely" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the king gave his ruling: Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/3-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/3-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm" title="1 Kings 3:26">◄</a> 1 Kings 3:27 <a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm" title="1 Kings 3:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the king gave his ruling: &#8220Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the king said, “Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she <i>is</i> the mother thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the king answered and said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she <i>is</i> his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king replied, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king said, &#8220Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means put him to death. She is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said, “Give the first woman [who is pleading for his life] the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king responded, “Give the living baby to the first woman, and don’t kill him. She is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king responded, &#8220Give the living baby to the first woman, and don&#8217t kill him. She is his mother.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Solomon said, "Don't kill the baby." Then he pointed to the first woman, "She is his real mother. Give the baby to her." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king replied, "Give the living child to the first woman. Don't kill him. She is his mother."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, "Don't kill the child! Give it to the first woman--she is its real mother." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king announced his decision: "Give the living child to the first woman. Don't kill him. She is his mother." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king gave his ruling: ?Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king responded, "Give the first woman the living child; don't kill him. She is the mother."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king answered, "Give her the living child, and in no way kill it. She is its mother."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king answered, “Give the first woman the living child, and definitely do not kill him. She is his mother.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king answers and says, “Give the living child to her [who wants him], and do not put him to death at all; she [is] his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king answereth and saith, 'Give ye to her the living child, and put it not at all to death; she is its mother.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will answer and say, Ye shall give to her the living child, and slaying, ye shall not slay it: she is his mother.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The king answered, and said: Give the living child to this woman, and let it not be killed, for she is the mother thereof. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The king responded and said: “Give the living infant to this woman, and do not kill it. For she is his mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king then answered, “Give her the living baby! Do not kill it! She is the mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king responded: “Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him. She is his mother.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, Give the child alive to the first woman and in no wise slay it; she is the mother thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The King answered and said: “Give her the living boy, and you shall not kill him! She is his mother.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said: 'Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then the king answered and said, Give the child to her that said, ?Give it to her, and by no means slay it:' she <i>is</i> its mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/3-27.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=1413" 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/3.htm">Solomon Judges Wisely</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>Then 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!” <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">gave his ruling:</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tə·nū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">“Give</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ha·ḥay (Art:: N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">the living</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: hay·yā·lūḏ (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">baby</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">to the first woman.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">By no means</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ṯə·mî·ṯu·hū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: 3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">should you kill him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wə·hā·mêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">she</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’im·mōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">is his mother.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.…<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/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6-9</a></span><br />For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. / He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, / to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2-4</a></span><br />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. / And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<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/2-52.htm">Luke 2:52</a></span><br />And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">Psalm 72:1-2</a></span><br />Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Proverbs 8:14-16</a></span><br />Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. / By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:2</a></span><br />A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-29.htm">Isaiah 28:29</a></span><br />This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-24.htm">John 7:24</a></span><br />Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/3-18.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-19.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-22.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-51.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-16.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-17.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-24.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-40.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-29.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-24.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-28.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-2.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-32.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/3-1.htm">Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/3-2.htm">High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/3-10.htm">preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">Solomon's judgment makes him renowned</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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the king gave his ruling:</b><br>This phrase highlights King Solomon's role as a judge, a position of great responsibility in ancient Israel. Solomon's wisdom, granted by God (<a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a>), is demonstrated in his ability to discern the truth in difficult situations. This moment is a fulfillment of God's promise to give Solomon a wise and discerning heart, setting a precedent for his reign.<p><b>“Give the living baby to the first woman:</b><br>The context of this ruling involves two women claiming to be the mother of the same child. Solomon's decision to give the baby to the first woman reveals his insight into human nature and maternal instincts. This reflects the cultural importance of motherhood and the value placed on life in ancient Israel. The decision also underscores the biblical principle of justice and mercy.<p><b>By no means should you kill him;</b><br>This command emphasizes the sanctity of life, a core biblical value. The preservation of the child's life aligns with the broader scriptural theme that life is a gift from God (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>). Solomon's ruling avoids the potential tragedy of infanticide, which was not uncommon in ancient times, and instead upholds the dignity and worth of the child.<p><b>she is his mother.”</b><br>Solomon's declaration identifies the true mother through her willingness to sacrifice her claim to save her child's life. This reflects the deep, sacrificial love that is often associated with motherhood. The resolution of this case not only demonstrates Solomon's wisdom but also points to the deeper truth of God's love for His children, as seen in the sacrificial nature of Christ (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>). Solomon's wisdom here can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate wisdom and justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_solomon.htm">King Solomon</a></b><br>The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, which he received from God. In this passage, he demonstrates his wisdom by discerning the true mother of the child.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_two_women.htm">The Two Women</a></b><br>These women are described as prostitutes who come to King Solomon with a dispute over a living child, each claiming to be the mother. Their identities are not as important as the moral and ethical dilemma they present.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where King Solomon reigned and where this judgment took place. It is the political and spiritual center of Israel during Solomon's reign.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_living_baby.htm">The Living Baby</a></b><br>The child at the center of the dispute. Solomon's decision regarding the child reveals his wisdom and understanding of human nature.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_court_of_solomon.htm">The Court of Solomon</a></b><br>The setting for this event, where Solomon's wisdom is publicly demonstrated, establishing his reputation as a wise and just ruler.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Value of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Solomon's decision exemplifies the importance of seeking wisdom from God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize divine wisdom over worldly knowledge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>Effective leadership requires discernment and the ability to make just decisions. Solomon's ruling teaches us the importance of understanding human nature and motives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart's_true_intentions.htm">The Heart's True Intentions</a></b><br>The account reveals that true intentions are often revealed under pressure. As believers, we should strive for purity of heart and sincerity in our actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_justice_in_society.htm">The Role of Justice in Society</a></b><br>Justice is a foundational principle in God's kingdom. Solomon's judgment underscores the need for fairness and righteousness in our dealings with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_compassion.htm">The Power of Compassion</a></b><br>Solomon's compassion for the child and the true mother reflects God's compassion for His people. We are called to act with compassion in our interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_solomon_solve_the_mothers'_dispute.htm">How did Solomon resolve the dispute between two mothers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_king_solomon_considered_saved.htm">Is King Solomon considered saved?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_kings_3_16-28_a_legend_or_history.htm">Could the well-known judgment over the baby in 1 Kings 3:16–28 be a moralistic legend rather than a historical account? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/shealtiel's_father__jechoniah_or_neri.htm">Who was the father of Shealtiel? Jechoniah (Matthew 1:12) Neri (Luke 3:27)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then the king answered and said</span> [He simply echoes the exact words of the mother. This is clear from the fact that the word <span class="hebrew">יָלוּד</span> - <span class="accented">natus</span>, "the one born," here and in ver. 26 rendered "<span class="accented">child</span>," is a very unusual one], <span class="cmt_word">Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it</span> [The LXX., which reads "Give the child to her who said, Give it to her," etc., obscures the evidently designed repetition] <span class="cmt_word">she is the mother thereof</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">she, his mother</span>]. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/3-27.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">Then the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gave his ruling:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֗אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Give</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּנוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(tə·nū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the living</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">baby</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיָּל֣וּד</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yā·lūḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the first woman.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">By no means</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should you kill him;</span><br /><span class="heb">תְמִיתֻ֑הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·mî·ṯu·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֖יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is his mother.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mother, )</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/3-27.htm">1 Kings 3:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/3-27.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 3:27 Then the king answered Give her (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 3:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 3:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 3:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 3:28" /></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>