1 Kings 3:13

KJV

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have also given {H5414} thee that which thou hast not asked {H7592}, both riches {H6239}, and honour {H3519}: so that there shall not be any {H376} among the kings {H4428} like unto thee all thy days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am also giving you what you didn't ask for, riches and honor greater than that of any other king throughout your life.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.

American Standard Version

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee, all thy days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:13 stands as a profound declaration of God's overflowing generosity to King Solomon, revealing that divine blessing extends beyond human requests when one's heart aligns with God's priorities. Following Solomon's humble and selfless plea for wisdom to govern God's people justly, the Lord not only granted his specific request but also spontaneously bestowed upon him unparalleled riches and honor, establishing him as a king without equal in his lifetime. This verse encapsulates the principle of God's abundant provision for those who prioritize His kingdom and purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct utterance from God to Solomon during a pivotal dream encounter at Gibeon, where Solomon had offered a thousand burnt offerings, signifying his devotion and seeking of divine favor. The immediate preceding verses set the scene: God invites Solomon to ask for anything he desires ([1 Kings 3:5](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5 - God's Invitation to Solomon")). Solomon, recognizing his youth and the immense responsibility of leading a "great people" ([1 Kings 3:8](/1_kings/3-8 "1 Kings 3:8 - Solomon's Acknowledgment of Responsibility")), humbly requests an "understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil" ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")). God's response in [1 Kings 3:10-14](/1_kings/3-10 "1 Kings 3:10-14 - God's Response to Solomon's Wisdom") expresses His pleasure at Solomon's unselfish request and promises not only wisdom but also unasked-for wealth and honor, contingent on his obedience to God's statutes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign marked a golden age for Israel, succeeding his father David. The practice of offering burnt offerings, especially large numbers like a thousand, was a significant act of worship and dedication, often performed at high places like Gibeon, a prominent cultic site before the Temple's construction. Kings in the ancient Near East were expected to be wise rulers, arbiters of justice, and protectors of their people, often seen as divine representatives. Wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but practical discernment, the ability to govern justly and make sound decisions, a quality highly prized and often sought from deities. The concept of a king's wealth and honor was directly tied to his perceived divine favor and the prosperity of his kingdom, reflecting the blessing of his patron deity.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Unasked Blessings to Solomon") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Generosity and Abundance**, demonstrating God's nature to bless exceedingly beyond what is asked when desires align with His will. Secondly, it underscores the **Value of Wisdom**, particularly practical wisdom for governance and discernment, as the foundation upon which other blessings are built and sustained. Solomon's choice elevates wisdom above material gain. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the principle of **Right Priorities**, echoing the later New Testament teaching to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" found in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seeking First God's Kingdom"). Finally, it establishes **Unparalleled Status**, portraying Solomon's reign as uniquely blessed and prosperous, setting a benchmark for future kings and illustrating the potential for national flourishing under a divinely favored ruler.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Riches (Hebrew, _'osher'_):** This term denotes material wealth, abundance, and prosperity. In this context, it signifies not merely accumulated possessions but a divinely bestowed state of affluence that would distinguish Solomon's kingdom. It points to a comprehensive economic flourishing, enabling grand building projects and a lavish lifestyle, reflective of God's favor.
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kavod'_):** This word carries the meaning of glory, weight, dignity, and high esteem. It refers to the respect, prestige, and renown that Solomon would receive not only from his own people but from surrounding nations. This honor is a direct consequence of God's blessing, elevating Solomon's status among the kings of the earth and attracting international attention and tribute.
* **Not asked (Hebrew, _lo' sha'alta'_):** This phrase emphasizes the gratuitous and superabundant nature of God's blessing. It highlights the divine initiative and generosity, demonstrating that God delights in giving more than what is requested when the request itself is selfless and aligned with His divine purposes. It underscores the principle that seeking God's heart can unlock blessings beyond human imagination or expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked,"**: This opening clause immediately sets the tone of divine surplus. God's response goes beyond merely granting Solomon's specific request for wisdom. The "also given" indicates an addition, a bonus, a testament to God's delight in Solomon's selfless heart. The phrase "that which thou hast not asked" underscores the unmerited, overflowing nature of this blessing, a direct consequence of God's pleasure in Solomon's wisdom-focused petition.
* **"both riches, and honour:"**: Here, the specific unasked-for blessings are enumerated. "Riches" (עֹשֶׁר, _'osher'_) refers to material wealth and prosperity, while "honour" (כָּבוֹד, _kavod'_) signifies prestige, glory, and high esteem among nations. These are not merely earthly possessions but divine endowments, signifying God's direct hand in Solomon's unprecedented prosperity and renown. They are presented as a package, intrinsically linked, where wealth contributes to honor and vice versa.
* **"so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days."**: This concluding clause declares the unparalleled and enduring nature of the promised blessings. The superlative "not any among the kings like unto thee" is a hyperbole that emphasizes the extraordinary degree of Solomon's future wealth and renown. It signifies a unique distinction bestowed by God, establishing Solomon as a benchmark for royal prosperity and prestige throughout his lifetime, a direct result of his wise and God-pleasing choice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Divine Promise** is central, as God directly declares His intention to bestow blessings. The phrase "so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days" utilizes **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration for emphasis, to underscore the extraordinary and unique nature of the honor and wealth Solomon would receive. While literally no king might perfectly match him, it powerfully conveys his unparalleled status. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between what Solomon asked for (wisdom) and what God added (riches and honor), highlighting God's abundant generosity. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Divine Affirmation**, as God explicitly validates Solomon's choice by responding with such overwhelming favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 3:13 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that when humanity seeks God's wisdom and purposes, God responds with abundant generosity, often exceeding expectations. This verse showcases God's character as a benevolent Giver who delights in blessing those whose hearts are aligned with His will. It reinforces the idea that true prosperity and honor are ultimately divine endowments, not merely the result of human striving. The narrative teaches that prioritizing spiritual discernment and righteous governance (as Solomon did) creates a foundation upon which material blessings can be added, serving God's broader redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Delight in the Lord")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek first the kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's request and God's lavish response in 1 Kings 3:13 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own prayers and desires: what do we prioritize when given the opportunity to ask God for anything? Solomon's wisdom lay in recognizing his inadequacy and seeking what would enable him to serve God's people effectively, rather than personal gain. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that seeks spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the advancement of God's kingdom above all else. When our primary pursuit is God's will and His righteousness, we can trust that He is a God who not only meets our needs but often provides abundantly beyond what we could ask or imagine, equipping us for His service and demonstrating His glory through our lives. This doesn't guarantee material wealth for every believer, but it assures us of God's faithful provision and blessing in ways that truly matter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Solomon's choice to ask for wisdom, rather than riches or honor, reveal about his priorities at this stage of his life?**
* **How does God's response in 1 Kings 3:13 challenge or affirm your own approach to prayer and what you seek from God?**
* **In what ways might prioritizing spiritual wisdom and discernment lead to unexpected "riches and honor" in your life, even if not material?**
* **What are practical steps you can take to cultivate a heart that seeks God's kingdom and righteousness first, as Solomon did?**

### FAQ

**Was God's promise of riches and honor to Solomon unconditional?**

Answer: While [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Unasked Blessings to Solomon") presents the blessings of riches and honor as a direct, unasked-for gift, the broader context of God's covenant with Israel and His specific words to Solomon indicate that these blessings, particularly their *continuation* and the *longevity* of his reign, were indeed conditional. Immediately following this verse, in [1 Kings 3:14](/1_kings/3-14 "God's Conditional Promise to Solomon"), God explicitly states, "And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days." This shows that while the initial bestowal was a gift of grace in response to his wise request, the sustained enjoyment of these blessings and the stability of his kingdom depended on Solomon's ongoing obedience and faithfulness to God's law. Solomon's later life, marked by disobedience and idolatry ([1 Kings 11:1-13](/1_kings/11-1 "Solomon's Idolatry and Its Consequences")), ultimately led to the division of his kingdom, demonstrating the conditional nature of God's covenant blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's reign, marked by unparalleled wisdom, riches, and honor, foreshadowed a kingly ideal, it ultimately pointed beyond itself to the perfect King, Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely granted, was limited and eventually corrupted by his disobedience ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "Solomon's Heart Turns from God")). In contrast, Jesus is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). He did not ask for earthly riches or honor, yet He possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")), and His kingdom is eternal, not bound by the limitations or failures of human kings. The "riches" Christ offers are not fleeting material wealth but "the unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles")), spiritual blessings, and eternal life. The "honor" He receives is not merely from other kings but from all creation, for He is "highly exalted and given the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation")). Solomon's temporary glory, a gift from God, serves as a dim reflection of the enduring, perfect glory and boundless wisdom that reside fully and eternally in Christ, the true King who perfectly fulfills God's will and offers ultimate, unconditional blessings to those who seek Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 3:16

Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

1 Kings 4:21

And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

1 Kings 4:24

For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.