1 Kings 3:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 3:23 mean?

1 Kings 3:23 shows King Solomon repeating the claims of two women who each insist that the living child is hers and the dead child belongs to the other. The verse captures Solomon summarizing their dispute before he makes his famous judgment.

In this scene, Solomon is acting as judge between two women who both gave birth, but one child died. Each woman claims the surviving baby is hers. Solomon restates their arguments to clarify the situation for everyone present, setting the stage for his wise decision that follows.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 3:23

• The word for "king" is מֶלֶךְ (melekh), emphasizing Solomon’s official role as the judge and authority in this situation.
• The word for "son" is בֵּן (ben), used repeatedly to highlight the central issue: whose child is alive and whose is dead.
• The word for "living" is חַי (chai), meaning alive, and for "dead" is מֵת (met), meaning deceased. The repetition of these words underlines the life-and-death stakes of the dispute.

Why 1 Kings 3:23 matters

• This verse shows Solomon’s careful approach, making sure both women’s claims are clearly heard before he acts, which is a key part of his wisdom.
• The verse sets up the tension and seriousness of the case, making the reader aware of how difficult the decision is.
• By restating the claims, Solomon ensures there is no confusion about what each woman is saying, which highlights the fairness and clarity expected from a wise judge.