1 Kings 3:26

KJV

Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Then spake {H559} the woman {H802} whose the living {H2416} child {H1121} was unto the king {H4428}, for her bowels {H7356} yearned {H3648} upon her son {H1121}, and she said {H559}, O {H994} my lord {H113}, give {H5414} her the living {H2416} child {H3205}, and in no wise {H4191} slay {H4191} it. But the other said {H559}, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide {H1504} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this, the woman to whom the living child belonged addressed the king, because she felt so strongly toward her son: "Oh, my lord, give her the living child; you mustn't kill it!" But the other one said, "It will be neither yours nor mine. Divide it up!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”

American Standard Version

Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor thine; divide it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:26 captures the dramatic climax of King Solomon's renowned judgment, vividly contrasting the profound, self-sacrificing love of the true mother with the callous indifference of the false claimant. This pivotal moment, driven by Solomon's divinely granted wisdom, reveals the authentic parent through a visceral display of compassion, leading to the just resolution of a seemingly irresolvable dispute and solidifying Solomon's reputation as a discerning ruler.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the emotional and narrative apex of the "Judgment of Solomon" (1 Kings 3:16-28), a foundational story that immediately follows God's granting of wisdom to Solomon in response to his humble prayer for an "understanding heart to govern God's people" (1 Kings 3:9). The preceding verses (1 Kings 3:16-25) set up the complex dispute: two women, living together, each giving birth, with one child dying and the surviving woman claiming the living child as her own. With no witnesses, the case is brought before the young King Solomon, presenting his first major test of leadership and discernment. This verse marks the turning point, where Solomon's unconventional, wisdom-driven strategy elicits the definitive response that exposes the truth, leading directly to the resolution in 1 Kings 3:27 and the people's awe at his divine wisdom in [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - The People's Awe at Solomon's Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in much of the ancient Near East, the king served as the supreme judicial authority, responsible for upholding justice and resolving disputes, particularly when traditional legal means (like witnesses) were absent. The concept of motherhood and lineage was paramount, as a child's identity and inheritance were tied to their biological parents. Without modern forensic methods, discerning truth in such cases relied heavily on the judge's wisdom and insight into human nature. The setting is Solomon's court in Jerusalem, early in his reign, where he is establishing his authority and demonstrating the divine favor promised to him. This narrative also subtly highlights the vulnerability of women in society who might lack male advocates, making the king's intervention all the more crucial.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Discernment**, showcasing how God's gift to Solomon (as promised in [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom to Solomon")) enabled him to perceive truth beyond superficial appearances, using a test that appeals to the deepest human instincts. This wisdom is directly linked to **Justice and Truth Revealed**, as the true mother's selfless reaction exposes the lie and ensures that the rightful parent is identified. The narrative also profoundly explores the nature of **Maternal Love and Compassion**, contrasting genuine, self-sacrificial affection with selfish indifference. The true mother's "bowels yearned" upon her son, a visceral expression of love that prioritizes the child's life above her own claim, serving as a powerful example of authentic love that seeks the well-being of the other, echoing principles found in [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bowels yearned (Hebrew, _rachamim'_):** This powerful phrase, often translated as "compassion" or "mercy," is derived from the Hebrew root _racham_, which is closely related to _rechem_, meaning "womb." This etymological connection underscores the deep, visceral, and innate maternal affection and pity described. It signifies a profound, gut-wrenching emotional response, a deep-seated love that compels the true mother to act selflessly, prioritizing her child's life above her own possessive claim. It's a love that feels "from the gut," an overwhelming and foundational bond.
* **Slay it (Hebrew, _mavet'_):** The word _mavet_ literally means "death." The true mother's plea, "in no wise slay it," emphasizes the ultimate and irreversible consequence of Solomon's proposed action. Her desperate cry highlights the sacredness of life and her absolute unwillingness to see her child harmed, even if it means relinquishing her claim. This word serves as the stark counterpoint to the life-affirming love of the true mother.
* **Divide (Hebrew, _baqa'_):** This verb means "to cleave, split, or tear apart." The false mother's cold agreement to "divide it" reveals her utter lack of maternal bond. She is willing to see the child destroyed rather than see the other woman possess him. The word starkly contrasts with the life-preserving instinct of the true mother, exposing a heart devoid of genuine love and capable of advocating for destruction out of spite or envy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king":** This clause immediately identifies the speaker as the true mother, not by her initial claim, but by her subsequent emotional and verbal response to Solomon's test. Her identity is revealed through her actions and words, rather than through external verification.
* **"for her bowels yearned upon her son":** This explanatory clause provides the profound motivation behind the true mother's plea. Her deep, visceral, maternal compassion, an overwhelming and innate love, compels her to speak. This yearning is the emotional engine driving her self-sacrificial offer.
* **"and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it.":** This is the true mother's desperate and selfless plea. She is willing to surrender her rightful claim and endure personal loss—the loss of her son—if it means preserving his life. Her priority is the child's existence, demonstrating a love that values the beloved's well-being above her own possession or pride.
* **"But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it].":** This clause presents the chilling response of the false mother. Her words reveal a complete absence of maternal love and a heart filled with envy or indifference. She prefers the child's destruction to the other woman having him, highlighting a selfish and destructive mindset that contrasts sharply with the life-affirming love of the true mother.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 3:26 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** is central, creating a stark contrast between the two women's reactions to Solomon's proposal. The true mother's agonizing plea for the child's life is set directly against the false mother's chilling indifference and willingness to see the child divided. This sharp opposition immediately highlights the nature of true love versus selfish desire. There is also a powerful use of **Irony** in Solomon's judgment; his seemingly destructive command to "divide the child" is, in fact, the very instrument that brings truth and life, exposing the real mother through her life-preserving instinct. The **Symbolism** of the child is also significant; the living child represents not only the object of the dispute but also the truth itself, which is revealed through the mothers' responses. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Dramatic Tension**, building suspense as Solomon issues his decree, only to release it with the true mother's desperate cry, making the moment of revelation incredibly powerful and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's wisdom at work through human instrumentality, demonstrating that true discernment often sees beyond superficial claims to the heart of the matter. The profound maternal love displayed by the true mother serves as a powerful earthly reflection of divine compassion, a love willing to sacrifice for the well-being of the beloved. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine love is characterized by selflessness and a desire for life and flourishing, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature of envy and self-interest. Solomon's judgment becomes a testament to the fact that God grants wisdom to those who seek it for righteous governance and justice, allowing truth to prevail even in the most complex and seemingly unresolvable human dilemmas.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - Wisdom from the Lord")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness")
* [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - By their fruits you will know them")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The judgment of Solomon, culminating in this verse, offers timeless lessons for discerning truth, understanding the nature of genuine love, and seeking divine wisdom in our own lives. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and superficial claims, recognizing that true character and motives are often revealed through actions and reactions, especially when under pressure or facing difficult choices. The true mother's willingness to relinquish her claim for the sake of her child's life serves as a profound model of selfless love, urging us to consider whether our own affections are truly life-giving and oriented towards the well-being of others, even at personal cost, or if they are tainted by possessiveness, envy, or destructive self-interest. In a world often marked by disputes and conflicting claims, this narrative encourages us to seek wisdom from God, trusting that He can grant us the discernment needed to navigate complex situations and arrive at just and life-affirming solutions, reflecting His own character of truth and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the true mother's reaction challenge our understanding of what it means to truly love someone?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to "divide" or destroy something precious rather than preserve it, simply out of pride or envy?**
* **How can we cultivate the kind of discernment and wisdom that Solomon displayed, especially when faced with difficult decisions or conflicting perspectives?**
* **What does this story teach us about the importance of prioritizing life and well-being over personal claims or possessions?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon propose such a drastic solution, seemingly intending to harm the child?**

Answer: Solomon's proposal to "divide" the child was not a genuine intention to harm, but a brilliant psychological test designed to expose the true mother. He understood that a real mother's love is so profound and self-sacrificing that she would rather give up her child than see him come to harm. The drastic nature of the proposal was precisely what made it effective, as it forced an immediate and visceral reaction that revealed the true depth of each woman's bond (or lack thereof) to the child. It was a test of the heart, not a judicial sentence.

**What does the phrase "her bowels yearned upon her son" truly convey?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom that expresses deep, visceral, and overwhelming compassion or pity. The Hebrew word for "bowels" (מֵעִים, _me'im_) often refers to the inner organs, seen as the seat of emotions, while "yearned" (רָחַם, _racham_) is closely related to the word for "womb" (רֶחֶם, _rechem_). Together, they convey an innate, gut-wrenching, maternal love and tenderness. It signifies an emotional bond so profound that it compels the mother to act selflessly, prioritizing her child's life above her own claim or desire to possess him. It's a love that feels "from the deepest part of one's being."

**How did this judgment impact Solomon's reign and reputation?**

Answer: This judgment had an immediate and profound impact on Solomon's reign. It was his first major public display of the divine wisdom God had promised him (1 Kings 3:12). The people of Israel "feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment" (1 Kings 3:28). This event solidified his authority, established his reputation as a just and discerning ruler, and demonstrated that God's presence and favor were truly upon him. It instilled confidence in his leadership and set the tone for his early, prosperous reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wisdom displayed by Solomon in this pivotal judgment, though remarkable, ultimately points to the infinitely greater wisdom of Christ. Solomon's discernment, granted by God, allowed him to see into the hearts of the two women, revealing truth where human evidence failed. In Christ, we find the ultimate "Wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). He is the perfect Judge, who not only discerns the heart but also knows all things (John 2:24-25), and whose judgment is always perfectly righteous and true (John 5:30). Furthermore, the true mother's profound, self-sacrificial love, willing to give up her son for his life, serves as a powerful, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of God's ultimate love for humanity. God, in His infinite compassion, did not "divide" humanity in judgment but gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to preserve life (John 3:16). Christ, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11), demonstrating a love that is not possessive or destructive, but life-giving and redemptive. Unlike the false mother who would see the child destroyed, Christ came that we "may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of self-giving love, ensuring that we are not "divided" by sin and death, but united to God and given eternal life through His perfect and complete work (Ephesians 2:14-16).

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

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Jeremiah 31:20

[Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Genesis 43:30

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought [where] to weep; and he entered into [his] chamber, and wept there.

Hosea 11:8

¶ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Philippians 1:8

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.