Question 1

What does 1 Kings 3:10 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 3:10 says that the Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request. Solomon had just asked God for wisdom to govern the people, and this response made God happy. In this scene, Solomon is speaking to God in a dream at Gibeon, after becoming king of Israel. Instead of asking for long life, riches, or victory over enemies, Solomon asks for understanding to judge the people well. The verse highlights that God’s approval is specifically directed at the nature of Solomon’s request.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 3:10

Accepted Answer

The word for "speech" is דָּבָר (davar), which often means "word," "matter," or "thing." Here, it refers to Solomon’s specific request or prayer. "Pleased" uses the word יָטַב (yatav), which means "to be good" or "to be pleasing." The verse emphasizes that God found Solomon’s request to be good in His eyes. "Lord" is אֲדֹנָי (Adonai), a respectful title for God, showing reverence in how the text refers to Him. "Asked" is שָׁאַל (sha’al), meaning "to ask" or "to request." The verse draws attention to the fact that what Solomon asked for, not just how he asked, is what pleased God.

Question 3

Why 1 Kings 3:10 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that God values the motivations and priorities behind prayers, not just the act of asking. The verse sets up the following passage, where God responds by granting Solomon wisdom and more, showing that God’s pleasure leads to generous blessing. It helps the reader see the contrast between Solomon’s request and what most kings might have asked for, highlighting the unique character of Solomon’s reign at its beginning.

1 Kings 3:10 (KJV)