1 Kings 3:21

KJV

And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when I rose {H6965} in the morning {H1242} to give my child {H1121} suck {H3243}, behold, it was dead {H4191}: but when I had considered {H995} it in the morning {H1242}, behold, it was not my son {H1121}, which I did bear {H3205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I awoke in the morning to feed my child from my breast, there it was, dead. But when I took a closer look later in the morning, why, it wasn't my son at all - not the one I gave birth to!"

Berean Standard Bible

The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.”

American Standard Version

And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead; but when I had looked at it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, whom I did bear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse dramatically opens the famous account of Solomon's judgment, detailing the horrifying discovery made by one of two women sharing a house. As she awakens to nurse her child, she finds him dead, only to realize upon careful examination in the morning light that the deceased infant is not her own son, but the child of the other woman. This shocking revelation sets the stage for the profound dispute that will test King Solomon's God-given wisdom and discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the critical turning point in the narrative of the two harlots and their dispute before King Solomon, found in [1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment"). Immediately preceding [1 Kings 3:21](/1_kings/3-21 "1 Kings 3:21 - The Mother's Discovery"), [1 Kings 3:20](/1_kings/3-20 "1 Kings 3:20 - The Baby Swap") reveals the deceitful act of the other woman, who, having accidentally smothered her own child, secretly swapped the dead infant for the living child of the first woman while she slept. Verse 21 describes the moment of horrifying discovery, igniting the conflict that demands Solomon's intervention. The subsequent verses detail the heated argument between the women and Solomon's ingenious solution that reveals the true mother, culminating in the people's awe at his divine wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, children were considered a profound blessing and a vital part of a family's legacy and security. The loss of a child was devastating, and the absence of male heirs could be particularly dire. The women in this account are identified as "harlots" (or prostitutes), suggesting they lived on the fringes of society, likely without male protectors or family support, which would have made their claims difficult to verify through traditional means. Their shared living arrangement in a single house points to their vulnerable social and economic status. In the absence of a formal judicial system with extensive evidence-gathering, the king often served as the supreme court, expected to deliver justice, especially in complex cases lacking witnesses. This context underscores the unique challenge presented to Solomon and the reliance on his personal discernment.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 3:21](/1_kings/3-21 "1 Kings 3:21 - The Mother's Discovery") powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate the chapter and the broader book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Foremost is the theme of **Maternal Instinct and Love**, as the mother's immediate desire to nurse her child and her subsequent meticulous examination highlight the profound bond between a mother and her offspring. This deep, innate connection becomes the very key to discerning truth. The verse also sets the stage for the theme of **Truth vs. Deception**, as the other woman's lie is exposed, necessitating a divine intervention to uncover the hidden reality. Ultimately, this incident serves as a primary illustration of **Divine Wisdom and Justice**, demonstrating God's provision of extraordinary discernment to King Solomon, enabling him to resolve an otherwise insoluble human dilemma, a wisdom that Solomon had specifically requested from God in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suck (ינק, _yanaq_):** This Hebrew verb means "to suckle," "to nurse," or "to give suck." Its use here emphasizes the natural, intimate act of maternal care and nourishment. The mother's rising to nurse her child signifies a routine, loving gesture, making the discovery of death all the more jarring and unexpected. It highlights the profound connection and responsibility she felt towards her infant.
* **Dead (מת, _met_):** The Hebrew adjective describes the state of being lifeless or deceased. The stark, unambiguous declaration "behold, it was dead" conveys the immediate and shocking reality of the situation. This word introduces the element of tragedy and the core problem that sets the narrative in motion, contrasting sharply with the life-giving act of nursing.
* **Considered (בין, _bin_):** This verb means "to discern," "to understand," "to perceive," or "to examine carefully." It implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a thorough, thoughtful inspection. The mother didn't just see a dead child; she *examined* it, likely in the morning light, noticing details (perhaps physical features, size, or marks) that led her to the crucial realization that this was not the child she had borne. This careful discernment foreshadows the deeper discernment Solomon will later employ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck":** This opening clause establishes the routine and intimate nature of the mother's actions. Her first thought upon waking is to provide nourishment and care for her infant, highlighting the deep maternal bond and the normalcy of the morning before the shocking discovery.
* **"behold, it was dead":** The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected horror of the discovery. The immediate realization of death shatters the routine and introduces the profound tragedy that underpinning the entire dispute.
* **"but when I had considered it in the morning":** This phrase marks a shift from initial shock to careful examination. The "morning" light is crucial, allowing for a clearer inspection than in the darkness of the night. The act of "considering" implies a deliberate, discerning look, suggesting suspicion or a dawning, unsettling realization that something was amiss.
* **"behold, it was not my son, which I did bear":** The second "behold" underscores the profound and horrifying confirmation of her suspicion. This is the definitive moment of recognition: the dead child is not her own. This realization, rooted in intimate maternal knowledge and careful observation, exposes the deception and ignites the central conflict that requires Solomon's extraordinary wisdom to resolve.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic impact. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between the life-affirming act of nursing and the stark reality of death, intensifying the tragedy. The repetition of "behold" (a form of **anaphora** or **epizeuxis**) serves to punctuate the two shocking discoveries: first, the child's death, and second, the realization of the identity swap. This repetition builds dramatic tension and emphasizes the profound impact of each revelation on the mother. **Pathos** is powerfully evoked, eliciting immediate sympathy for the mother who endures such a devastating loss and betrayal. Furthermore, the mother's act of "considering" or discerning foreshadows Solomon's own need for profound **discernment** and **wisdom** to resolve the seemingly irresolvable dispute, making this verse a crucial setup for the climax of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse highlights the profound value of human life, the intensity of maternal love, and the necessity of divine wisdom in discerning truth amidst deception. It underscores that even in the most obscure and complex human situations, God's justice can prevail, often through unexpected means. The mother's intimate knowledge of her child, allowing her to discern truth from falsehood, reflects a deeper theological principle: God's perfect knowledge and discernment of all things, even the hidden motives of the heart. The narrative ultimately points to the source of true wisdom, which is God alone, and His willingness to grant it for the sake of justice and the well-being of His people.

* [Psalm 139:1](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-6 - God's Omniscience")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - Wisdom from the Lord")
* [Isaiah 49:15](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15 - God's Unfailing Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The mother's horrifying discovery in [1 Kings 3:21](/1_kings/3-21 "1 Kings 3:21 - The Mother's Discovery") is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and how deception can infiltrate even the most intimate spaces. Her careful "considering" of the child in the morning light is a profound lesson in discernment. In a world often clouded by misinformation, half-truths, and outright lies, we are called to be discerning, not accepting things at face value but seeking to understand the full reality. This requires patience, careful observation, and often, a reliance on an inner knowing or God-given wisdom. Just as the true mother's love and intimate knowledge of her child were key to uncovering the truth, so too our deep connection with God and His Word can provide the insight needed to navigate complex situations and stand for justice. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of truth-seeking and to trust that even when circumstances seem impossible to untangle, God can bring clarity and resolution.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the mother's act of "considering" the child challenge us to be more discerning in our own lives?**
* **What are some areas in your life where you might need to "consider" things more carefully to discern the truth?**
* **How does this story, even before Solomon's judgment, highlight the value of a mother's unique bond with her child?**
* **In what ways does this verse set the stage for the demonstration of God-given wisdom in resolving seemingly impossible disputes?**

### FAQ
**Why was the mother so certain that the dead child was not her own, despite the darkness of the night?**

Answer: The verse specifies that the mother "rose in the morning" and "considered it in the morning." While the initial swap occurred in the darkness of the night ([1 Kings 3:20](/1_kings/3-20 "1 Kings 3:20 - The Baby Swap")), her realization came with the light of day. This "considering" (Hebrew: _bin_) implies a careful, discerning examination. A mother has an intimate knowledge of her own child, not just its face but its unique features, size, and even feel. It's highly probable that in the morning light, she noticed subtle physical differences, perhaps the baby's complexion, size, or other distinct marks, that confirmed her worst fears and the shocking truth that this was not the son she had borne. Her deep maternal bond and innate knowledge of her child allowed her to detect the deception.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic conflict in [1 Kings 3:21](/1_kings/3-21 "1 Kings 3:21 - The Mother's Discovery"), born of deception and the loss of life, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon's God-given wisdom, which perfectly discerned the true mother and brought justice, foreshadows the perfect wisdom and divine discernment of Christ. He is the ultimate judge, who does not merely hear cases but perfectly knows the hearts and hidden motives of all people ([John 2:24](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")). Where human witnesses fail and truth is obscured, Christ is the Truth itself ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), who brings all hidden things into the light ([Luke 8:17](/luke/8-17 "Luke 8:17 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Made Manifest")). The life-giving instinct of the true mother, willing to sacrifice her claim for her child's life, points to Christ, who willingly laid down His life to give spiritual life to those who were dead in their sins ([Ephesians 2:4](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). He is the true Son, the source of all life, who ensures perfect justice and eternal life for all who belong to 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

Genesis 21:7

And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born [him] a son in his old age.

1 Samuel 1:23

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

Lamentations 4:3

Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

Lamentations 4:4

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.