But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;

1 KINGS 11:1KJV
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1 Kings 11:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:1 mean?

1 Kings 11:1 describes how King Solomon loved many foreign women, including the daughter of Pharaoh and women from several neighboring peoples such as the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites. The verse points out that Solomon’s affections extended beyond Israelite women to those from nations around Israel.

This verse is part of a narrative about Solomon’s later years as king of Israel. The writer is explaining a key reason for Solomon’s troubles: his relationships with women from nations that did not worship Israel’s God. Mentioning specific groups highlights that Solomon’s alliances and marriages were broad and included peoples often seen as outsiders or even rivals to Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:1

  • "Loved" (אָהַב, ’ahav): This word means more than just romantic attraction; it often includes deep affection or strong attachment. Here, it signals that Solomon’s relationships were not just political but involved real emotional bonds.
  • "Strange" (נָכְרִי, nokhri): This word means "foreign" or "non-Israelite." It emphasizes that these women came from outside the community of Israel, which was significant because of the cultural and religious differences involved.
  • "Women" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): The plural here underlines the number and variety of Solomon’s relationships, not just a single marriage but many.
  • "Pharaoh" (פַּרְעֹה, Par‘oh): Naming Pharaoh’s daughter specifically highlights a major political alliance, as Egypt was a powerful neighbor.

Why 1 Kings 11:1 matters

  • This verse sets the stage for the troubles that follow in Solomon’s reign, showing that his personal choices had national consequences.
  • It clarifies that Solomon’s marriages were not just about love but also about forming alliances with powerful neighboring nations, which brought foreign influences into Israel.
  • The verse connects to warnings earlier in the Bible about Israel’s kings not marrying foreign women, helping readers understand why Solomon’s actions were seen as problematic in the larger biblical story.