1 Kings 3:24
1 Kings 3:24 in Multiple Translations
The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword,
And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
And the king said, Fetch me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
Then he said, Get me a sword. So they went and put a sword before the king.
“Bring me a sword,” the king ordered. So they brought him a sword.
Then the King said, Bring me a sworde: and they brought out a sworde before the King.
And the king saith, 'Take for me a sword;' and they bring the sword before the king,
The king said, “Get me a sword.” So they brought a sword before the king.
And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
The king therefore said: Bring me a sword. And when they had brought a sword before the king,
So he said to one of his servants, “Bring me a sword.” So the servant brought a sword to the king.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:24
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 3:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
קְח֣וּ
לִ/י
חָ֑רֶב
וַ/יָּבִ֥אוּ
הַ/חֶ֖רֶב
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
קְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לִ/י
Prep | Suff
חָ֑רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
וַ/יָּבִ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Art | N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:24
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
קְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
לִ/י
""
Prep | Suff
חָ֑רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וַ/יָּבִ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Art | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Solomon Judges Wisely
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.
23Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’”
24The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword,
25and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” 26Then 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!”1 Kings 3:24 Summary
In 1 Kings 3:24, King Solomon asks for a sword to help him make a difficult decision about which woman is the true mother of the living child. This shows that he is willing to take drastic measures to find the truth, and it also reveals the depths of the mothers' love for their children. Just like King Solomon, we can ask God for wisdom and guidance in our own difficult decisions, as promised in James 1:5 and Psalm 119:105. By seeking God's wisdom and being willing to make tough choices, we can demonstrate our love and commitment to what is right, just as the true mother did in this story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Solomon ask for a sword in 1 Kings 3:24?
King Solomon asked for a sword to test the mothers' love for their children, as a means to discern the truth, similar to how God tests our hearts in Deuteronomy 8:2 and Psalm 66:10.
Was King Solomon really going to cut the child in two?
It is unlikely that King Solomon intended to actually cut the child in two, but rather used this as a test to reveal the true mother, demonstrating his wisdom as described in 1 Kings 3:12.
What does this verse reveal about King Solomon's character?
This verse reveals King Solomon's wisdom, fairness, and desire to do what is right, as he seeks to uncover the truth and act justly, in line with the principles outlined in Proverbs 1:3 and Isaiah 11:4.
How does this event relate to the rest of the Bible?
This event showcases King Solomon's wisdom, which is a key theme in the book of 1 Kings, and is also reflective of God's desire for justice and righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 61:8 and Matthew 23:23.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in King Solomon's position, and how would you handle a difficult decision like this?
- How can you apply the principle of testing and discernment from this verse to your own life and decision-making processes?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God in difficult situations, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5?
- How does this event demonstrate the value of selfless love and sacrifice, as seen in the true mother's willingness to give up her child rather than see him harmed, and how can you apply this to your own relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:24
And the king said, bring me a sword,.... The design of which might not at first appear to the court, and it might be thought strange, and greatly wondered at: what should be the meaning of it: and
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:24
1 Kings 3:24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.Ver. 24. Bring me a sword.] For what purpose? thought the standers by; wondering and perhaps laughing within themselves. The actions of wise princes are riddles to vulgar constructions: nor is it for the shallow capacities of the multitude to fathom the deep projects of sovereign authority. Seuton. Delrio Panormit.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:24
24. Bring me a sword] As the verb is not the same as that which in the next clause is rendered ‘brought’, it may be well to use different English. Read ‘Fetch me a sword.’