1 Kings 4:34

Verse

So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

American Standard Version (1901)

And there came of all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

Bible in Basic English

People came from every nation to give ear to the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had word of his wisdom.

Free Bible Version

People from all nations came to hear Solomon's wisdom. They were sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard about his wisdom.

Geneva Bible 1599

And there came of all people to heare the wisedome of Salomon, from all Kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisedome.

King James (Authorized) Version

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

Translation for Translators

People came from all over the world to hear the wise things that Solomon said. Many kings sent men to listen to him and then return and tell them what Solomon said.

Unlocked Literal Bible

People came from all the nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon. They came from all kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom.

Noah Webster Bible

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

World English Bible

People of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, sent by all kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom.

Young's Literal Translation

and there come out of all the peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth who have heard of his wisdom.

Context

Solomon’s Wisdom

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.³⁴So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

Summary

1 Kings 4:34 highlights the wisdom of King Solomon, stating that people from all nations came to hear his wisdom and seek his counsel. This verse showcases the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon of surpassing wisdom and understanding. It demonstrates how God's blessings on Solomon's life extended beyond Israel to impact neighboring nations, bringing glory to God's name. The verse serves as a testament to the importance of seeking wisdom and the positive influence it can have on others when used for God's purposes.

Commentary

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

There came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon - We learn from 1 Kings 10, that the queen of Sheba was one of those visitants, and perhaps the most remarkable, as we have the particulars of her visit, but not of the others. It is astonishing that of a person so renowned for wisdom, so little should be left to prove the truth of a fact of which all the civilized nations of the world have heard, and of which scarcely any man has ever doubted. The people that came from all kings of the earth were probably ambassadors, who came to form and maintain friendship between their sovereigns and the Israelitish king. We cannot understand the place as speaking of people who, either through an idle or laudable curiosity, came to see and converse with Solomon; to give free access to such people would ill comport with the maintenance of his dignity.