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 3:9 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?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/3-9.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_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><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/3-9.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/3-9.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 9</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="/ad9.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/3-8.htm" title="1 Kings 3:8">◄</a> 1 Kings 3:9 <a href="/1_kings/3-10.htm" title="1 Kings 3:10">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_kings/3.htm">New International Version</a> So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” <a href="/esv/1_kings/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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?” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil. For who is capable of judging this great people of Yours?” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “So give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Thine?” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So give Your slave a listening heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this glorious people of Yours?” <a href="/amp/1_kings/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart [with which] to judge Your people, so that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge and rule this great people of Yours?” <a href="/csb/1_kings/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours? ” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people? <a href="/cev/1_kings/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours. <a href="/erv/1_kings/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people? <a href="/gwt/1_kings/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?" <a href="/gnt/1_kings/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?" <a href="/isv/1_kings/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> So give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, so I can discern between good and evil. Otherwise, how will I be able to govern this great people of yours?" <a href="/msb/1_kings/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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?? <a href="/net/1_kings/3.htm">NET Bible</a> So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours." <a href="/nheb/1_kings/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?" <a href="/wbt/1_kings/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? <a href="/web/1_kings/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and You have given an understanding heart to Your servant, to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Thou hast given to Thy servant an understanding heart, to judge Thy people, to discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this Thy great people?' <a href="/slt/1_kings/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And give to thy servant a heart to hear to judge thy people to discern between good to evil: for who shall be able to judge this thy weighty people?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people, and discern between good and evil. For who shall be able to judge this people, thy people which is so numerous? <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, give to your servant a teachable heart, so that he may be able to judge your people, and to discern between good and evil. For who will be able to judge this people, your people, who are so many?” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and evil. For who is able to give judgment for this vast people of yours?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people and to discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Give to your servant a hearing heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil, for who can judge this, your great people?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Give Thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this Thy great people?' <a href="/sep/1_kings/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Thou shalt give therefore to thy servant a heart to hear and to judge thy people justly, and to discern between good and evil: for who will be able to judge this thy great people? <a href="/parallel/1_kings/3-9.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=1213" 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/3.htm">Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom</a> …8Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. 9<a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯa·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">Therefore give</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">Your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·mê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">an understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: liš·pōṭ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To judge, govern. ">to judge</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/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">Your people</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: lə·hā·ḇîn (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">and to discern</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên- (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: lə·rā‘ (Prep-l:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">and evil.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">is able</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: liš·pōṭ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To judge, govern. ">to govern</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/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3515.htm" title="3515: hak·kā·ḇêḏ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Heavy. From kabad; heavy; figuratively in a good sense or in a bad sense.">great</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people of Yours?”</a> <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="/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/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a> Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. <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="/2_chronicles/1-10.htm">2 Chronicles 1:10</a> Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” <a href="/psalms/119-66.htm">Psalm 119:66</a> Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> 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. <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a> For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a> But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this your so great a people?Give therefore<a href="/1_chronicles/22-12.htm">1 Chronicles 22:12</a> Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-19.htm">1 Chronicles 29:19</a> And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.<a href="/2_chronicles/1-10.htm">2 Chronicles 1:10</a> Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?understanding [heb] hearing<a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Proverbs 20:12</a> The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.to judge<a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">1 Kings 3:28</a> And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.<a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">Psalm 72:1,2</a> A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son… <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a> The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.discern<a href="/2_samuel/14-17.htm">2 Samuel 14:17</a> Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.<a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2-4</a> And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; … <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14,15</a> But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned… who is able<a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11,12</a> And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? … <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10-13</a> And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue… <a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a> Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/22-39.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-13.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-47.htm">Distinguish</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-44.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-42.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-17.htm">Govern</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-6.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-27.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-8.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-44.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/5-3.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-18.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/ezra/3-13.htm">Distinguish</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-7.htm">Govern</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-13.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-7.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-7.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-20.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 3</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/3-1.htm">Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter</a> 2. <a href="/1_kings/3-2.htm">High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon</a> 5. <a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him, </a> 10. <a href="/1_kings/3-10.htm">preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor</a> 16. <a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">Solomon's judgment makes him renowned</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/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>Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart Solomon, newly anointed king, acknowledges his need for divine wisdom. The phrase "understanding heart" implies a deep, discerning mind, not just intellectual knowledge. In Hebrew culture, the heart is the center of thought and will. Solomon's request reflects humility and a recognition of his own limitations. This request aligns with the biblical principle that true wisdom comes from God (<a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a>).to judge Your people Solomon's role as king involves making judicial decisions for the nation of Israel. The term "judge" here is not merely about legal matters but encompasses leadership and governance. The historical context shows that Israel was a theocratic nation, where the king was expected to rule according to God's laws. This request highlights Solomon's desire to lead justly, reminiscent of the judges who led Israel before the monarchy was established (<a href="/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16</a>).and to discern between good and evil This phrase echoes the moral discernment that was lost in the Garden of Eden (<a href="/genesis/3-22.htm">Genesis 3:22</a>). Solomon seeks the ability to distinguish right from wrong, a crucial quality for a ruler. This request is prophetic of the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect wisdom and justice (<a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2-4</a>). The ability to discern is a gift of the Spirit, as seen in the New Testament (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10</a>).For who is able to govern this great people of Yours? Solomon acknowledges the magnitude of his responsibility. The phrase "this great people" reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing their chosen status (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6</a>). Solomon's rhetorical question underscores his dependence on God for the task of leadership. This humility is a model for all leaders, pointing to the ultimate governance of Christ, who shepherds His people with perfect wisdom and care (<a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's request for an understanding heart is a pivotal moment in his reign. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign Lord who appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him anything he desires. God's response to Solomon's request sets the stage for Solomon's wise and prosperous reign. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The chosen people of God, whom Solomon is tasked with governing. The nation of Israel is significant as God's covenant people, and their well-being is central to Solomon's request. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gibeon.htm">Gibeon</a> The place where Solomon offers sacrifices and where God appears to him in a dream. Gibeon is significant as a high place of worship before the temple is built in Jerusalem. 5. <a href="/topical/d/dream.htm">Dream</a> The medium through which God communicates with Solomon, highlighting the divine nature of Solomon's request and God's response.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a> Solomon's request highlights the importance of seeking wisdom over wealth or power. As believers, we should prioritize wisdom in our prayers and decisions. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a> Solomon's desire to discern between good and evil is crucial for effective leadership. Whether in the church, workplace, or home, discernment is essential for making godly decisions. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> Solomon acknowledges his inability to govern without divine help. This humility is a model for us to rely on God's strength and guidance in all areas of life. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_means_of_grace.htm">Prayer as a Means of Grace</a> Solomon's interaction with God demonstrates the power of prayer. We are encouraged to approach God with our needs, trusting in His willingness to provide. <a href="/topical/g/god's_generosity.htm">God's Generosity</a> God's response to Solomon's request shows His generous nature. We can be confident that God desires to bless us with what we need to fulfill His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 3</a> <a href="/q/how_did_solomon_solve_the_mothers'_dispute.htm">How did Solomon resolve the dispute between two mothers?</a> <a href="/q/is_king_solomon_considered_saved.htm">Is King Solomon considered saved?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_discernment.htm">What does the Bible teach about discernment?</a> <a href="/q/what_events_are_described_in_1_kings.htm">What events are described in 1 Kings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Give therefore thy servant an understanding [Heb. hearing. Cf. ver. 11 (Heb. "to hear judgment.") The idea is not docility, as the Vulg. (cor docile), but discrimination, penetration. Cf. <a href="/2_samuel/14-17.htm">2 Samuel 14:17</a> (Heb.); <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9, 10</a> (marg.)] heart [i.e., a judicial mind. The "hearing heart" was desired, not that it might "give heed to the law" (Keil), but to qualify him] to Judge thy people [The Hebrew king, like most ancient monarchs, was supreme judge as well as governor ("prince and judge," <a href="/exodus/5-14.htm">Exodus 5:14</a>; and cf. <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Exodus 18:16</a>). The Jews desired a king that he might judge them (<a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5</a>). Their rulers so far had been purely "Judges" (שֹׁפְטִים; compare the Carthaginian name, suffetes.) When they desired one who should, lead their armies, they still put his judicial functions in the first place (loc. cit. ver. 20). And what were the duties of a king in this respect, Absalom's words (<a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4</a>) show. In vers. 16-28 we see Solomon sitting as Chief Justice], that I may discern between good and bad [i.e., right and wrong, true and false; cf. <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a>): for who is able to judge this thy so great [Heb. heavy, i.e., numerous; compare graves greges] a people. [The number of the Israelites at this period is referred to in <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20</a>.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Therefore give וְנָתַתָּ֨ (wə·nā·ṯa·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set Your servant לְעַבְדְּךָ֜ (lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant an understanding שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙ (šō·mê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently heart לֵ֤ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre to judge לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט (liš·pōṭ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate Your people עַמְּךָ֔ (‘am·mə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and to discern לְהָבִ֖ין (lə·hā·ḇîn) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> To separate mentally, understand between בֵּֽין־ (bên-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between good ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good and evil. לְרָ֑ע (lə·rā‘) Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction who מִ֤י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is able יוּכַל֙ (yū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power to govern לִשְׁפֹּ֔ט (liš·pōṭ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate this הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that great הַכָּבֵ֖ד (hak·kā·ḇêḏ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3515.htm">Strong's 3515: </a> Heavy people of Yours?” עַמְּךָ֥ (‘am·mə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 3:10" /></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>