1 Kings 4:31
1 Kings 4:31 in Multiple Translations
He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about.
For he was wiser than all men, even than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman and Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and he had a great name among all the nations round about.
He was wiser than anyone, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation spread through the nations around.
For he was wiser then any man: yea, then were Ethan the Ezrahite, the Heman, then Chalcol, then Darda the sonnes of Mahol: and he was famous throughout all nations round about.
and he is wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol, and his name is in all the nations round about.
For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations all around.
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.
And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Dorda the sons of Mahol, and he was renowned in all nations round about.
Ethan from Ezrah and Heman and Calcol and Darda and the sons of Mahol were considered to be very wise, but Solomon was wiser than all of them. People in all the nearby countries heard about Solomon.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 4:31
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Study Notes — 1 Kings 4:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 4:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 4:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 4:31
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 4:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
- Sermons on 1 Kings 4:31
Context — Solomon’s Wisdom
29And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore.
30Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
31He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.
32Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 2:6 | The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara —five in all. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 15:19 | The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 3:12 | behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. |
| 4 | Luke 11:31 | The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 6:33 | These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, |
| 6 | Matthew 12:42 | The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. |
| 7 | Psalms 89:1–52 | I will sing of the loving devotion of the LORD forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah The heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD— Your faithfulness as well— in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. O LORD God of Hosts, who is like You? O mighty LORD, Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them. You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded. North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name. Mighty is Your arm; strong is Your hand. Your right hand is exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are those who know the joyful sound, who walk, O LORD, in the light of Your presence. They rejoice in Your name all day long, and in Your righteousness they exult. For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted. Surely our shield belongs to the LORD, and our king to the Holy One of Israel. You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and loving devotion will be with him, and through My name his horn will be exalted. I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand upon the rivers. He will call to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock of my salvation.’ I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they violate My statutes and fail to keep My commandments, I will attend to their transgression with the rod, and to their iniquity with stripes. But I will not withdraw My loving devotion from him, nor ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips. Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness— I will not lie to David— his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Selah Now, however, You have spurned and rejected him; You are enraged by Your anointed one. You have renounced the covenant with Your servant and sullied his crown in the dust. You have broken down all his walls; You have reduced his strongholds to rubble. All who pass by plunder him; he has become a reproach to his neighbors. You have exalted the right hand of his foes; You have made all his enemies rejoice. You have bent the edge of his sword and have not sustained him in battle. You have ended his splendor and cast his throne to the ground. You have cut short the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. Selah How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire? Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! What man can live and never see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah Where, O Lord, is Your loving devotion of old, which You faithfully swore to David? Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from so many people— how Your enemies have taunted, O LORD, and have mocked every step of Your anointed one! Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and amen. |
| 8 | Psalms 88:1 | O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 10:6 | She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 15:17 | So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; |
1 Kings 4:31 Summary
This verse tells us that Solomon was wiser than anyone else in his time, including some very wise men. God had given him this wisdom, and it was so impressive that people from all around heard about it (as seen in 1 Kings 4:29-30). Solomon's wisdom is an example of how God can give us gifts and abilities that bring Him glory and bless others. By trusting in God's wisdom and provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, we can live lives that honor Him and bring joy to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and why are they mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31?
These individuals are mentioned as being exceptionally wise, but Solomon's wisdom surpassed theirs, as given by God (1 Kings 4:29). They are likely the same individuals mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:6 and 1 Kings 4:31, known for their wisdom and poetic abilities.
How did Solomon's wisdom compare to that of others in his time?
According to 1 Kings 4:30, Solomon's wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt, demonstrating God's gift to him (1 Kings 4:29).
What was the result of Solomon's exceptional wisdom?
As stated in 1 Kings 4:31, Solomon's fame spread throughout the surrounding nations, showcasing God's blessing and favor on his life (Proverbs 22:1).
Is Solomon's wisdom an example for believers today?
While Solomon's wisdom was a unique gift from God, believers can still seek wisdom from God and trust in His provision, as encouraged in James 1:5 and Proverbs 2:6, which reminds us that wisdom comes from the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can seek wisdom from God in my own life, just as Solomon did?
- How can I use the wisdom God has given me to bless and serve others, as Solomon's wisdom brought him fame and recognition?
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust in God's wisdom and provision, rather than relying on my own understanding?
- How can I balance the desire for human recognition with the desire to please and honor God, as Solomon's wisdom ultimately brought glory to God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 4:31
For he was wiser than all men,.... Not only that lived in his time, but in ages past since the fall of Adam, and in times to come, especially in natural wisdom and knowledge, in all the branches of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:31
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
Wiser than all men; either of his nation, or of his time, or of all times and nations, whether of the east or any other country, excepting only the first and Second Adam. Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman; Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned 15:19 25:4 89:1. Chalcol and Dorda of whom see . The sons of Mahol. Object. All these four were the sons of Zerah, , or of Ezrah, as others call him. Answ. Either the same man had two names, Zerah and Mahol, which was common amongst the Jews; and he might be called Mahol from his office or employment; for that signifies a dance, or a pipe; and he was expert in musical instruments, and so were his sons, , who possibly may here be called, by a vulgar Hebraism, sons of the musical instrument, from their dexterity in handling it, as upon another account we read of the daughters of music, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.Ver. 31. For he was wiser than all men.] Far beyond Socrates, whom Apollo pronounced the wisest of men. Than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman.] These were famous in their generations for wisdom and learning. Of these, haply, it was then held and said, as a modern writer saith of Tacitus and Pliny, Literarum nomina sunt, non hominum, they are rather learning itself than learned. And his fame was in all nations.] As Aristotle’ s was in Greece, Varo in Rome, Melanchthon’ s in Germany, Dr John Reynolds’ s here, whose learning and memory, saith one, were near to a miracle. And Chalcol, and Darda.] Who lived, likely, in Solomon’ s time. Felix proventus sapientum sub aspectu benigno principis sapientissimi. So various learned men flourished in the time of our Henry II, who was for his learning surnamed Beauelerk. Daniel 68
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
(31) He was wiser.—The wisdom of “Heman, Ethan, Chalcol, and Darda,” then rivals of Solomon’s fame, is now only known to us from this passage. In the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 2:6, “Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Dara” (or “Darda”) are found as sons of Zerah, the son of Judah; and the coincidence is remarkable enough to suggest identification. But this identification can scarcely hold. This passage evidently implies that these rivals of Solomon were contemporary with him, not belonging, therefore, to a family many generations earlier. Now it happens that we know of a Heman and an Ethan (see 1 Chronicles 6:33; 1 Chronicles 6:44) set by David over the service of song in the Tabernacle, and called “Ezrahites” in the titles of Psalms 88, 89 ascribed to them. Heman is, moreover, designated as “the king’s seer in the words of the Lord” (1 Chronicles 25:5); and his Psalm (Psalms 88) is singularly full of thought, moral speculation, and sense of mystery in life and death. Chalcol and Darda are described as sous of Machol. The word Machol may be a proper name. But it is curious that it signifies “dance,” or “music”; and it is at least possible that they also, like Heman and Ethan, may have been thus designated, as connected with the music of the Temple. However this may be, it can hardly be wrong, in spite of the repetition of the group of names, to refer this passage to this Heman and this Ethan, and hold Chalcol and Darda to be, like them, contemporaries with Solomon.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
Verse 31. He was wiser than all men] He was wiser than any of those who were most celebrated in his time, among whom were the four after mentioned, viz., Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda. Ethan was probably the same as is mentioned in some of the Psalms, particularly Psalms 89:1, title; and among the singers in 1 Chronicles 6:42. There is a Heman mentioned in the title to Psalms 88:1. In 1 Chronicles 2:6 we have all the four names, but they are probably not the same persons, for they are there said to be the sons of Zerah, and he flourished long before Solomon's time. Some suppose that בני מחול beney machol should be rendered masters of dancing or music, as מחול machol signifies not only a dance or choir, but also an instrument of music of the pipe kind. Perhaps a reference is here made to Solomon's skill in music and poetry, as he is compared to persons who appear to have been eminent poets and musicians.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 4:31
31. Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman] Ethan and Heman are among the names of the singers (1 Chronicles 15:19) appointed by David when the ark was brought up to the city of David, but there is no possibility of deciding whether those are the men alluded to here. In 1 Chronicles (1 Kings 15:17) Ethan is called the son of Kushaiah, and the son of Kishi (1 Chronicles 6:44), and Heman is, in the latter chapter (1 Kings 4:33), called the son of Joel. See the next note. Chalcol] The better orthography is Calcol which A.V. gives for the same name in 1 Chronicles 2:6. In that passage we find (with a slight modification of the last) the four names of this verse all mentioned as sons of Zerah, the son of Judah. These would therefore be greatgrandsons of Jacob. The difference between the name Darda γψγς and Dara γψς (of 1 Chronicles 2:6) may be due only to a slip of the transcriber. But no tradition has survived which tells of the special wisdom of this family, nor can we connect the name Mahol, as the father of some of them at least is here called, with Zerah. But the occurrence of the four names together in one family inclines to the opinion that these men were the men spoken of here.
Their fame, even if not at first great, may have grown so during the time between Judah and Solomon. in all nations] We know that it had reached the queen of Sheba. See chap. 10.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 4:31
It is most probable that the persons with whom Solomon is compared were contemporaries, men noted for “wisdom,” though there is no other mention of them. His fame was in all nations - See below, 1 Kings 10.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:31
31. Ethan… Heman… Chalcol… Darda — These men were well known and distinguished for wisdom in Solomon’s time, but to what age they belonged, and to what nation, is by no means clear.
Sermons on 1 Kings 4:31
| Sermon | Description | |
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Get Your Fingers Out of Your Ears by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses why people, both physically and spiritually, stick their fingers in their ears and refuse to listen to the message of God. He believes there |
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The Most High a Prayer Hearing God by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the character of the Most High as a prayer-hearing God, emphasizing that God graciously takes notice of the prayers of His people, accepts their suppli |
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The Queen of Sheba by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ compared to the Queen of Sheba's admiration for King Solomon. He challenges the congregation t |
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Bible Survey - Proverbs by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of the fear of the Lord as the foundation of knowledge, contrasting wisdom with foolishness and emphasizing the practical application of Go |
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A Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding the word of God. He refers to the parable of the sower in Mark 4, where Jesus teaches the multit |
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(Spain) a Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm and questions why the disciples were so fearful and lacking in faith. He shares a personal experience |
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Christ Is Greater 03 Greater Than Solomon by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of a man trapped in a burning building, desperately calling for help. Eventually, a fireman arrives and extends a ladder t |