1 Kings 11:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:3 mean?

1 Kings 11:3 describes how King Solomon had seven hundred wives, who were princesses, and three hundred concubines, and that these wives led him away from wholehearted devotion to God. The verse highlights the enormous number of Solomon’s marriages and the negative spiritual impact they had on him.

This verse comes in a section where the biblical writer is explaining Solomon’s later years as king of Israel. The focus is on Solomon’s personal choices, especially his relationships with many foreign women, which led him to turn away from the exclusive worship of the God of Israel. The verse sets up the reason for Solomon’s later troubles and the division of his kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:3

• "wives" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This word refers to women joined to Solomon in marriage. The repetition in the verse emphasizes the official, legal nature of these relationships.
• "princesses" (שָׂרָה, sarah): This term points out that many of Solomon’s wives were royal women, likely from political alliances with other nations.
• "concubines" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh): Concubines were women of lower status than wives but still part of Solomon’s household, showing the extent of his household and influence.
• "turned away" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to bend, incline, or turn, and here it describes how Solomon’s heart was drawn away from God, not just a casual wandering but a significant shift in loyalty.

Why 1 Kings 11:3 matters

• The verse clarifies that Solomon’s downfall was not just about the number of wives but about the influence these relationships had on his faith and loyalty to God.
• It connects to the broader narrative where Solomon’s choices lead to consequences for the entire nation, setting up the later division of Israel.
• The mention of "princesses" highlights the political motivations behind many of Solomon’s marriages, showing how political strategy conflicted with spiritual faithfulness.