1 Kings 3:20

1 Kings 3:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So 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.

King James Version KJV

And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

American Standard Version ASV

And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thy handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while your servant was sleeping; and she took it in her arms and put her dead child in my arms.

Free Bible Version FBV

She got up in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while I was sleeping. She lay him close beside her to cuddle him, and she lay her dead son close beside me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And she rose at midnight, and tooke my sonne from my side, while thine handmaide slept, and layde him in her bosome, and layde her dead sonne in my bosome.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and she riseth in the middle of the night, and taketh my son from beside me — and thy handmaid is asleep — and layeth it in her bosom, and her dead son she hath laid in my bosom;

World English Bible WEB

She arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me while your servant slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thy handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And rising in the dead time of the night, she took my child from my side, while I thy handmaid was asleep, and laid it in her bosom: and laid her dead child in my bosom.

Translation for Translators T4T

So she got up at midnight and took my baby boy who was lying beside me while I was sleeping. She carried him to her bed and brought her dead baby and put it in my bed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:20

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 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תָּקָם֩ בְּ/ת֨וֹךְ הַ/לַּ֜יְלָה וַ/תִּקַּ֧ח אֶת בְּנִ֣/י מֵֽ/אֶצְלִ֗/י וַ/אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙ יְשֵׁנָ֔ה וַ/תַּשְׁכִּיבֵ֖/הוּ בְּ/חֵיקָ֑/הּ וְ/אֶת בְּנָ֥/הּ הַ/מֵּ֖ת הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה בְ/חֵיקִֽ/י

וַ/תָּקָם֩ qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

בְּ/ת֨וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

הַ/לַּ֜יְלָה layil H3915 night Art | N-ms

וַ/תִּקַּ֧ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בְּנִ֣/י bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

מֵֽ/אֶצְלִ֗/י ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep | Prep | Suff

וַ/אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙ ʼâmâh H519 maidservant Conj | N-fs | Suff

יְשֵׁנָ֔ה yâshên H3463 sleeping Adj

וַ/תַּשְׁכִּיבֵ֖/הוּ shâkab H7901 to lie down Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff

בְּ/חֵיקָ֑/הּ chêyq H2436 bosom Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

בְּנָ֥/הּ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

הַ/מֵּ֖ת mûwth H4191 to die Art | V-Qal

הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs

בְ/חֵיקִֽ/י chêyq H2436 bosom Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:20

וַ/תָּקָם֩ qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

בְּ/ת֨וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

הַ/לַּ֜יְלָה layil H3915 "night" Art | N-ms

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

וַ/תִּקַּ֧ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בְּנִ֣/י bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

מֵֽ/אֶצְלִ֗/י ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep | Prep | Suff

Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.

Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.

וַ/אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙ ʼâmâh H519 "maidservant" Conj | N-fs | Suff

A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.

יְשֵׁנָ֔ה yâshên H3463 "sleeping" Adj

Refers to someone who is sleeping or sleepy, like the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:40. It describes a person in a state of rest or slumber.

Definition: sleeping

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: asleep, (one out of) sleep(-eth, -ing), slept. See also: 1 Samuel 26:7; Psalms 78:65; Hosea 7:6.

וַ/תַּשְׁכִּיבֵ֖/הוּ shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

בְּ/חֵיקָ֑/הּ chêyq H2436 "bosom" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.

Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בְּנָ֥/הּ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

Definition: : child/son

הַ/מֵּ֖ת mûwth H4191 "to die" Art | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

הִשְׁכִּ֥יבָה shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

בְ/חֵיקִֽ/י chêyq H2436 "bosom" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.

Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 3:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:20
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:20
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:20
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:20

Context — Solomon Judges Wisely

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.

21The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.” 22“No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 3:20	Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
2	Matthew 13:25	But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away.
3	Psalms 139:11	If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”—
4	Job 24:13–17	Then there are those who rebel against the light, not knowing its ways or staying on its paths. When daylight is gone, the murderer rises to kill the poor and needy; in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight. Thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ he covers his face. In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light. For to them, deep darkness is their morning; surely they are friends with the terrors of darkness!

1 Kings 3:20 Summary

In 1 Kings 3:20, a woman takes another woman's living baby and replaces it with her own dead child, showing the desperation and grief that can lead us to make poor choices. This situation highlights the importance of honesty, integrity, and seeking wisdom, as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3. We can learn from this story by seeking support and help in times of need, as encouraged in Psalm 34:17-18, and by trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Romans 8:28. By reflecting on this verse, we can grow in our understanding of the importance of honesty and integrity, and seek to cultivate these qualities in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated the woman to switch the babies in 1 Kings 3:20?

The woman's motivation was likely desperation and grief over the loss of her own son, as described in 1 Kings 3:19, and a desire to have a living child to care for, similar to the desire expressed in Genesis 30:1-2 for children.

How could the woman in 1 Kings 3:20 be so heartless as to take another woman's living child?

The woman's actions, although wrong, were driven by her emotional state and the cultural context, where having children was a significant aspect of a woman's identity, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:6-7, and she may have felt desperate and hopeless.

What can we learn from the actions of the two women in 1 Kings 3:18-22?

We can learn about the importance of honesty, integrity, and seeking wisdom, as the two women's actions and subsequent argument before King Solomon in 1 Kings 3:22 demonstrate the consequences of deceit and the need for truth and wisdom, as emphasized in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of 1 Kings 3?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of King Solomon's wisdom and his ability to discern right from wrong, as demonstrated in his judgment in 1 Kings 3:23-28, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and justice, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6 and Deuteronomy 1:17.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that desperation and grief can lead us to make poor choices, and how can we seek help and support in those times, as encouraged in Psalm 34:17-18 and Psalm 42:1-5?
How can we cultivate honesty and integrity in our own lives, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 28:18?
What are some ways that we can seek wisdom and discernment in our decision-making, as encouraged in James 1:5-6 and Proverbs 2:1-6?
How can we learn to trust God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:20

And she arose at midnight,.... Perceiving what she had done, that she had overlaid her child, and it was dead; either through fear of punishment inflicted on persons thus negligent, or because of the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:20

She arose at midnight, when I was asleep, as she reasonably and truly concluded. Took my son from beside me; either because she really desired the comfort of a child, to be educated by her, and owned as hers; or because she would not be thought guilty of the child’ s death, for which she knew not how severely Solomon would punish her. While thine handmaid slept; as she might well know, because had she been awake, she had discovered and prevented her design.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:20

1 Kings 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.Ver. 20. While thine handmaid slept.] But how could she certainly tell what was done when she was asleep? The proofs in this cause alleged were so weak and unsatisfactory, that it was thought the wit of man could not determine it. But "a divine sentence was in the mouth of the king: his lips transgressed not in judgment." And laid her dead child in my bosom.] This was Qυχρονπαραγκαλισμα, a cold bosomful, as one calleth a bad wife. And another complaineth of some in these days, that, harlot-like, they take their dead and putrid fancies, and lay them in the bosom of the Scripture, as of a mother, while they go about to give unto it, and not to receive from it the sense; wresting it to their own destruction.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:20

20. and laid it in her bosom] It is not easy to account for the action of this woman. We need not however suppose her to have been possessed of very fine feelings, as indeed her after-behaviour shews. But it is somewhat more than unnatural to adopt such a scheme as this described here at a moment’s notice. It may be that she was chiefly moved by anxiety to preserve her own health, which would be imperilled through the sudden loss of the babe which she was meant to nurse.

Sermons on 1 Kings 3:20

	Sermon	Description
	God Is Light by Bob Jennings	This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of God's truth, highlighting the blessings of fellowship with God and other believers, the cleansing power of Jesus' b
	Your Conscience, the Cross, True Faith, False Religion by David Cooper	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary. The preacher emphasizes the selfless love and grace of
	Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the fool
	The Seal of God's Firm Foundation by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel in raising people up. He shares a personal anecdote about being asked to remove his shoes in a hotel room, which lea
	When a Pastor Lives a Double Life by Eric Ludy	This sermon emphasizes the need for the body of Christ to yield to the Spirit of God, be stirred, convicted, and driven to the foot of the cross for purification. It calls for alig
	The Accepted Man by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between the accepted man, Jesus Christ, and the natural man, who is blind to his own condition and lacks the moral motives of Christ. H
	Hated Without a Cause by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson preaches about the profound love and compassion of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost while humbly serving others. Despite performing miraculous acts of heal