1 Kings 3:25

KJV

And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559}, Divide {H1504} the living {H2416} child {H3206} in two {H8147}, and give {H5414} half {H2677} to the one {H259}, and half {H2677} to the other {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said, "Cut the living child in two; give half to the one and half to the other."

Berean Standard Bible

and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

American Standard Version

And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:25 captures the dramatic climax of King Solomon's most celebrated act of judicial wisdom, where he issues a shocking command to divide a living child. This seemingly cruel decree was, in fact, a divinely inspired psychological test designed to expose the true mother's selfless love and discern the truth amidst conflicting claims, thereby demonstrating the unparalleled wisdom God had bestowed upon him for the just governance of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the narrative of King Solomon's early reign, immediately following his profound encounter with God at Gibeon. There, Solomon famously requested an [understanding heart to judge God's people](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom"), rather than riches or long life. God was pleased with this selfless request and promised him not only unparalleled wisdom but also riches and honor, as recorded in [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise to Solomon"). The case of the two harlots, each claiming the same living child, serves as the very first public and dramatic demonstration of this divinely granted wisdom, validating God's promise and establishing Solomon's reputation as a just and discerning ruler before all Israel. The narrative builds tension as the two women present their irreconcilable claims, setting the stage for Solomon's unexpected and revealing judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king served as the supreme judicial authority, often hearing cases directly, especially those that were complex or involved matters of life and death, or where traditional legal precedents were insufficient. There was no formal supreme court system as we understand it today; the king's court was the final arbiter of justice. This particular dispute, involving two prostitutes and a child, highlights the vulnerability of marginalized individuals and the absence of clear evidence (like witnesses to the birth or death) that necessitated an extraordinary method of discernment. Solomon's ability to resolve such a difficult case would have been crucial for solidifying his authority and legitimacy in the eyes of his people and neighboring nations, demonstrating that the God of Israel indeed granted wisdom to their king, a highly valued trait in ancient Near Eastern monarchies.

* **Key Themes:** The events surrounding [1 Kings 3:25](/1_kings/3-25 "1 Kings 3:25 - Solomon's Judgment") powerfully illustrate several enduring themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Wisdom in Action**, showcasing the practical manifestation of the wisdom God bestowed upon Solomon. His command to "divide the living child in two" was not a genuine intent to harm but a brilliant psychological test, revealing a profound insight into human nature and maternal love, far beyond mere legal knowledge. This leads to the theme of **True Maternal Love**, where the core of the judgment rests on the nature of a mother's self-sacrificial love. The true mother, driven by an innate, selfless desire for her child's life, would rather see her child live with another than die, echoing principles of [agape love](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - God is Love"). Conversely, the false mother, motivated by envy and spite, was indifferent to the child's fate, only desiring that if she couldn't have him, neither could the other woman. Finally, the narrative underscores **Discernment and Justice**, as Solomon's method allowed him to cut through conflicting testimonies and emotional appeals to identify the truth, fulfilling his prayer to [discern between good and evil](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for an Understanding Heart") and solidifying his reputation as a just and wise ruler.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **בָּתַר (Hebrew, _bātar_):** This verb means "to cut in two," "to divide," or "to cleave." While it is used in other biblical contexts for the dividing of animals in covenant rituals (e.g., [Genesis 15:10](/genesis/15-10 "Genesis 15:10 - Abraham's Covenant Ritual")), its application here to a living human child is deliberately shocking and serves to highlight the extreme nature of Solomon's proposed solution. The word choice emphasizes the stark, irreversible action, creating immediate tension and revealing the true stakes of the judgment.
* **הַיָּ֑חַי (Hebrew, _hayyaḥay_):** This phrase translates to "the living child." The definite article "the" (הַ) emphasizes the specificity and preciousness of this particular child, the one whose life is at stake and whose true parentage is in dispute. The word "living" (חַי) stands in stark contrast to the dead child mentioned earlier in the narrative, underscoring the value of the life that the true mother desperately seeks to preserve. Its inclusion highlights the moral and emotional gravity of the king's command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said":** This opening clause establishes Solomon's authority and the decisive nature of his pronouncement. As the supreme judicial authority, his word carries absolute weight, setting the stage for a command that would test the very limits of human compassion and justice.
* **"Divide the living child in two":** This is the shocking core of Solomon's decree. It is a command that appears to be a literal instruction for execution and division, designed to elicit an immediate and visceral reaction. Its purpose is not actual implementation but rather a profound psychological test, forcing the claimants to reveal their true hearts and motives in the face of an unthinkable outcome.
* **"and give half to the one, and half to the other":** This clause completes the apparent "solution," presenting a seemingly equitable, yet horrific, distribution. The "fairness" of dividing the child equally serves as a trap, as it is precisely this "justice" that a true mother could never accept, while a false claimant, driven by envy or indifference, might find it acceptable if it meant the other woman also lost out.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's judgment is masterfully crafted, employing several potent literary devices. **Irony** is central, as the king's command, which appears to be a cruel and unjust decree, is in fact the very means by which true justice and discernment are achieved. The apparent intent (to divide) is the opposite of the actual intent (to reveal truth and preserve life). **Psychological Test** is the primary device, as Solomon's wisdom is demonstrated through his deep understanding of human nature, particularly maternal love. He creates a scenario that forces the claimants to react instinctively, revealing their deepest affections and motives without further testimony. The child itself functions as a powerful **Symbol**, representing not only life and innocence but also the truth that Solomon seeks to uncover. The willingness to sacrifice the child's "possession" for its life symbolizes the essence of genuine, selfless love. Furthermore, the entire episode serves as **Foreshadowing** of Solomon's reign, indicating that his rule would be characterized by extraordinary wisdom and righteous judgment, inspiring awe and respect among his people and beyond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound wisdom displayed by Solomon in [1 Kings 3:25](/1_kings/3-25 "1 Kings 3:25 - Solomon's Judgment") is not merely a testament to his intellectual prowess but a direct manifestation of God's character working through him. This narrative underscores God's commitment to justice, truth, and discernment, particularly for the vulnerable. It illustrates that divine wisdom is not abstract knowledge but a practical, discerning insight into the human heart, enabling righteous judgment and upholding societal order. God empowers human leaders, when they seek Him, to administer justice that reflects His own perfect righteousness, revealing hidden truths and protecting the innocent. The story also speaks to the nature of true love, mirroring God's own self-sacrificial love, which prioritizes the well-being of the beloved above all else.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [1 John 4:7](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - God is Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless account of Solomon's judgment offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It reminds us that true wisdom, especially in complex situations, often requires looking beyond the surface, discerning motives, and understanding the deeper truths at play. Just as Solomon sought wisdom from God, we are called to prioritize spiritual discernment in our own decision-making, trusting that God will grant wisdom generously to those who ask (as seen in [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")). Furthermore, the true mother's willingness to relinquish her claim for the sake of her child's life serves as a powerful illustration of authentic love—a love characterized by self-sacrifice, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal gain or pride. This challenges us to examine our own relationships and commitments, asking whether our love is truly selfless and willing to yield for the greater good. In leadership roles, whether in family, church, or community, the story underscores the necessity of keen insight, not just rote application of rules, but a compassionate understanding of underlying human realities to administer justice and foster reconciliation effectively.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's method of discernment challenge our conventional understanding of justice and problem-solving?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently in need of divine wisdom and discernment? How are you seeking it?**
* **What does the true mother's decision reveal about the nature of genuine love, and how can we apply this principle in our own relationships?**
* **How can leaders cultivate the kind of insightful discernment demonstrated by Solomon in their own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ

**Was Solomon serious about dividing the child?**

Answer: No, Solomon was not serious about literally dividing the child. His command was a brilliant psychological test designed to reveal the true mother. He understood that a genuine mother's love is inherently self-sacrificial and would prioritize her child's life above all else, even her claim to the child. The false mother, driven by envy and spite, would be indifferent to the child's death if it meant the other woman also suffered, as seen in her response in [1 Kings 3:26](/1_kings/3-26 "1 Kings 3:26 - The False Mother's Response").

**How did this judgment demonstrate God's wisdom?**

Answer: This judgment demonstrated God's wisdom through Solomon in several ways. Firstly, it showed an extraordinary insight into human nature, particularly the depth of maternal love, which could not be feigned. Secondly, it provided a clear, undeniable method for discerning truth in a situation where traditional evidence was lacking. This was not merely human cleverness but a divine illumination that enabled Solomon to "discern between good and bad," fulfilling the very request he made to God in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for an Understanding Heart"). The people recognized that "the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment" ([1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - The People's Recognition of Solomon's Wisdom")).

**What does this story teach us about true love?**

Answer: The story powerfully teaches that true love is self-sacrificial and prioritizes the well-being and life of the beloved above one's own desires, claims, or pride. The true mother was willing to give up her child to another woman if it meant the child would live, demonstrating a love that seeks the good of the other, even at great personal cost. In contrast, the false mother's willingness to see the child die rather than live with the other woman revealed a love rooted in selfishness and envy, not genuine affection. This resonates with biblical teachings on love, such as [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Nature of Love"), which describes love as patient, kind, not envious, and enduring all things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wisdom of Solomon, so strikingly displayed in [1 Kings 3:25](/1_kings/3-25 "1 Kings 3:25 - Solomon's Judgment"), serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate wisdom embodied in Jesus Christ. Solomon's ability to discern truth and administer justice through unconventional means points to Christ, who is not merely wise, but is the very [wisdom of God personified](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom"). Where Solomon's judgment revealed the true mother, Christ's ministry and sacrifice reveal the ultimate truth about God's character and humanity's need for redemption. The self-sacrificial love of the true mother, willing to give up her claim for the child's life, finds its perfect and complete fulfillment in Jesus, who, as the divine Son, willingly [gave His life](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This") to preserve the spiritual life of humanity, His beloved. He did not merely discern truth; He declared Himself to be [the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). In Christ, we find not just a wise judge, but the righteous King who perfectly executes divine justice and mercy, offering true life through His ultimate sacrifice, far surpassing the wisdom of any earthly monarch.

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

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.