Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.

2 CHRONICLES 9:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 9:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:6 records the Queen of Sheba admitting that she did not believe the reports about King Solomon’s wisdom and greatness until she saw it for herself, and even then, what she witnessed surpassed everything she had heard. The verse highlights how Solomon’s reputation did not fully capture the reality of his wisdom and achievements.

In this scene, the Queen of Sheba is speaking directly to Solomon after visiting his court and seeing his wealth, wisdom, and the way his kingdom is run. She confesses her initial skepticism about the stories she had heard, but now realizes that those reports actually underestimated Solomon’s true greatness. This verse emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Solomon’s wisdom and the impact it had on those who experienced it firsthand.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:6

  • "Believed" (אָמַן, 'aman): This word means to trust or be convinced. The Queen of Sheba is saying she did not put her trust in the reports until she saw the evidence herself.
  • "Greatness" (גְּדֻלָּה, gedullah): This word refers to majesty or magnificence. The Queen is not just talking about wisdom, but the overall splendor and impressive nature of Solomon’s rule.
  • "Wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This is the Hebrew word for wisdom, often meaning practical skill, insight, or understanding. The Queen is specifically amazed by the depth and quality of Solomon’s wisdom.
  • "Exceedest" (יָסַף, yasaf): This verb means to add or surpass. The Queen says Solomon’s reality “exceeds” or goes beyond the fame she had heard, stressing that his reputation did not do him justice.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even the most impressive stories about Solomon did not fully capture the reality of his wisdom and kingdom, highlighting the theme of God’s extraordinary blessing on Solomon.
  • The Queen of Sheba’s words serve as an outside confirmation of Solomon’s reputation, adding credibility to the biblical account by showing that even foreign rulers recognized his greatness.
  • The verse connects to the broader narrative by showing the fulfillment of God’s promise to Solomon and the far-reaching impact of his reign, which drew the attention and admiration of other nations.

Where else these words appear

“greatness” Hebrew H4768 · used in 5 verses

  • Leviticus 25:37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.
  • 1 Samuel 2:33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:29 And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

“fame” Hebrew H8052 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.
  • Psalms 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 49:14 I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle.

“believed” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs: