1 Kings 3:18
1 Kings 3:18 in Multiple Translations
On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us.
And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
And it came to pass the third day after I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also; and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
And three days after the birth of my child, this woman had a child: we were together, no other-person was with us in the house but we two only.
Three days after the birth of my baby, this woman also had a baby. We were together; there was no one else in the house, just the two of us.
And the third day after that I was deliuered, this woman was deliuered also: and we were in the house together: no stranger was with vs in the house, saue we twaine.
and it cometh to pass on the third day of my bringing forth, that this woman also bringeth forth, and we [are] together, there is no stranger with us in the house, save we two, in the house.
The third day after I delivered, this woman delivered also. We were together. There was no stranger with us in the house, just us two in the house.
And it came to pass the third day after I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save us two in the house.
And the third day, after that I was delivered, she also was delivered, and we were together, and no other person with us in the house, only we two.
Three days after my baby was born, this woman also gave birth to a baby. Only the two of us were in the house; there was no one else there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 3:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֞י
בַּ/יּ֤וֹם
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁי֙
לְ/לִדְתִּ֔/י
וַ/תֵּ֖לֶד
גַּם
הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה
הַ/זֹּ֑את
וַ/אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
יַחְדָּ֗ו
אֵֽין
זָ֤ר
אִתָּ֨/נוּ֙
בַּ/בַּ֔יִת
זוּלָתִ֥י
שְׁתַּֽיִם
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
בַּ/בָּֽיִת
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/יּ֤וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁי֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | Adj
לְ/לִדְתִּ֔/י
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/תֵּ֖לֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
וַ/אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Conj | Pron
יַחְדָּ֗ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
זָ֤ר
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
אִתָּ֨/נוּ֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
בַּ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
זוּלָתִ֥י
zûwlâh
H2108
exception
Prep
שְׁתַּֽיִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
בַּ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:18
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בַּ/יּ֤וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁי֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
לְ/לִדְתִּ֔/י
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וַ/תֵּ֖לֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
וַ/אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Conj | Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
יַחְדָּ֗ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
זָ֤ר
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
אִתָּ֨/נוּ֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בַּ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
זוּלָתִ֥י
zûwlâh
H2108
"exception"
Prep
This word means exception or removal, like scattering something away, and is used in phrases like except or besides. The KJV translates it as beside, but, only, or save. It is often used to make exceptions in biblical commands.
Definition: 1) a removal, a putting away prep 2) except, besides, with the exception of, with removal of conj 3) except that
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, but, only, save. See also: Deuteronomy 1:36; 2 Kings 24:14; Psalms 18:32.
שְׁתַּֽיִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
בַּ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Solomon Judges Wisely
16At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
17One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house.
18On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us.
19During the night this woman’s son died because she rolled over on him. 20So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I was asleep. She laid him in her bosom and put her dead son at my bosom.1 Kings 3:18 Summary
This verse is describing a situation where two women, who are prostitutes, have both given birth to sons, and they are now disputing over which son belongs to which mother. The woman speaking in this verse is explaining the circumstances of their situation, saying that they were alone in the house with no one else present, as described in 1 Kings 3:17-18. This situation is setting the stage for King Solomon to make a wise decision, as seen in 1 Kings 3:24-27, and it teaches us about the importance of honesty, integrity, and seeking God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and James 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of 1 Kings 3:18?
The context of 1 Kings 3:18 is a dispute between two prostitutes who both gave birth to sons, as described in 1 Kings 3:16-20, and the king must decide which son belongs to which mother, as seen in 1 Kings 3:16-28.
Why did the two women not have any other people in the house with them?
The Bible does not explicitly state why the two women did not have any other people in the house with them, but it is implied that they may have been alone because they were prostitutes and did not have any family or friends to help them, similar to the situation described in Judges 11:1-2.
Is this verse teaching us that it is acceptable to live with someone outside of marriage?
No, this verse is not teaching that it is acceptable to live with someone outside of marriage, but rather it is describing the circumstances of the two prostitutes, and as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, it is clear that God's design for relationships is for one man and one woman to be married and faithful to each other.
What is the main point of 1 Kings 3:18?
The main point of 1 Kings 3:18 is to set the stage for the wise decision that King Solomon will make in 1 Kings 3:24-27, demonstrating his wisdom and discernment, as given to him by God in 1 Kings 3:12.
Reflection Questions
- How do you think the two women felt in this situation, and what can we learn from their experiences about the importance of honesty and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 10:9?
- What would you do if you were in a similar situation, and how would you seek God's wisdom and guidance, as described in James 1:5?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom and discernment in the book of 1 Kings, and what can we learn from King Solomon's example, as seen in 1 Kings 3:1-15?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in our own lives, and how can we apply this principle in our daily decisions, as seen in Psalm 119:105?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:18
And it came to pass, the third day after I was delivered,.... Of a child, as before expressed: that this woman was delivered also; of another child; and being both of the same sex, both sons, as
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:18
The third day; so they could not be distinguished by their age. There was no stranger with us in the house; therefore no witness on either side; and although there might be some sensible difference to an exact observer between the features of the two children, yet it is not probable that was much minded by the neighbours; for though civil women might assist them both in their child-births, yet it is not likely they would afterwards converse much with them, as being persons of suspected fame, and the features of the children, especially for so few days, might easily be so like, that it was difficult to discern the one from the other. And the testimonies of the women were of equal credit, i.e. of none at all.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:18
1 Kings 3:18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we [were] together; [there was] no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.Ver. 18. That this woman was delivered also.] Hence some argue that they were not harlots, because they use not to bring forth children; or if they do, they usually make them away as soon as they are born. There was no stranger with us in the house.] This made the case so difficult, because there was not witness to be had, nor any other way of discovery left to see to, nisi hariolari in re dubia, but to give a guess at the business. Tortura fortassis nondum in usu fuit. - Phlac.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:18
18. there was no stranger with us] Thus the mother of the dead child was able to persist in her false story. The word of one was as good as that of the other.