1 Kings 3:27

KJV

Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she [is] the mother thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Give {H5414} her the living {H2416} child {H3205}, and in no wise {H4191} slay {H4191} it: she is the mother {H517} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king answered, "Give the living child to the first woman, don't kill it, because she is its mother."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.”

American Standard Version

Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:27 records the climactic declaration of King Solomon's famous judgment, revealing his divinely-granted wisdom in discerning the true mother of a disputed child. After proposing the horrific act of dividing the living child, Solomon observes the contrasting reactions of the two women—one's desperate, self-sacrificing plea to spare the child's life, and the other's cold indifference. This verse captures Solomon's decisive and righteous ruling, awarding the child to the woman whose profound maternal love was unequivocally demonstrated, thereby establishing his reign as one marked by profound insight and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic resolution to the narrative introduced in [1 Kings 3:16](/1-kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Case of the Two Prostitutes"). The preceding verses detail the complex and tragic legal dispute brought before King Solomon: two prostitutes living in the same house, each giving birth, and one child dying during the night, leading to a clandestine swap. With no witnesses or physical evidence, the case presented an impossible legal dilemma. Solomon's unconventional and shocking proposal to divide the living child ([1 Kings 3:25](/1-kings/3-25 "1 Kings 3:25 - Solomon's Shocking Proposal")) was not a genuine intent to harm but a brilliant psychological test designed to expose the truth through the raw emotion of maternal love. Verse 27, therefore, is the culmination of this test, where Solomon, having observed the true mother's agonizing plea ([1 Kings 3:26](/1-kings/3-26 "1 Kings 3:26 - The True Mother's Plea")), renders his final, irrefutable verdict, bringing the entire episode to a just and satisfying close.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is early monarchic Israel during the reign of King Solomon, a period of relative peace and prosperity following David's tumultuous rule. Kings in ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, served as the supreme judicial authority, often hearing cases directly, especially those that were complex or lacked clear legal precedent. The absence of a formal, extensive legal system as we know it meant that the king's wisdom and discernment were paramount for ensuring justice. The cultural understanding of motherhood and the profound bond between a mother and her child were deeply ingrained, making the true mother's reaction in this narrative universally understandable and culturally significant. The public nature of such judgments also served to establish the king's legitimacy and the righteousness of his rule in the eyes of his people, reinforcing the divine mandate often associated with kingship.

* **Key Themes:** The judgment of Solomon, culminating in [1 Kings 3:27](/1-kings/3-27 "1 Kings 3:27 - Solomon's Wise Judgment"), powerfully illustrates several core themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Discernment**, which is the central focus of [1 Kings 3](/1-kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom and His Wise Judgment"). Solomon's prayer for an "understanding heart to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil" ([1 Kings 3:9](/1-kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")) is directly answered by God's promise of unparalleled wisdom ([1 Kings 3:12](/1-kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom to Solomon")). This judgment is the primary textual evidence of that promised wisdom in action, demonstrating not just intellectual acuity but a profound, divinely-inspired insight into human nature and truth. Another crucial theme is **Maternal Love and Sacrifice**. The true mother's willingness to relinquish her claim to the child, even to her rival, rather than see it harmed, underscores the self-sacrificial nature of genuine love and the profound value placed on human life. This contrasts sharply with the false mother's callous indifference. Finally, the narrative highlights **True Justice and Righteous Governance**. Solomon's method ensures that justice is served not through mere legal technicality but by uncovering the moral truth, establishing his reign as one characterized by fairness and righteousness, a testament to God's blessing on his leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Living (Hebrew, _ḥay_):** This word, meaning "alive" or "living," is crucial as it emphasizes the very object of contention and Solomon's test. The dispute is over the *living* child, not the dead one. The true mother's plea to "give her the living child" underscores her desire for the child's continued existence above her own possession of it. It highlights the stark contrast between life and death, and the true mother's prioritization of life itself.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _mût_):** The verb "slay" or "kill" is used here in the strong negative command "in no wise slay it." This absolute prohibition reveals the horrific nature of the proposed act and, more importantly, elicits the visceral, protective response from the true mother. It's the ultimate test of love, as only a genuine mother would recoil from the prospect of her child's death. The KJV's "in no wise" emphasizes the absolute nature of the command and the true mother's desperate plea.
* **Mother (Hebrew, _ʾem_):** This simple noun, "mother," is the core of Solomon's declaration. It signifies the true identity and relationship that the entire judgment sought to uncover. Solomon's final statement, "she [is] the mother thereof," is a definitive legal and relational pronouncement, validating the true maternal bond based on the demonstrated love and protective instinct. It's not merely a biological fact but a recognition of the emotional and sacrificial essence of motherhood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king answered and said,"**: This opening phrase signifies Solomon's authoritative and decisive response, marking the culmination of his deliberation and the execution of his divinely-inspired wisdom. It indicates the moment of judgment and the pronouncement of his verdict.
* **"Give her the living child,"**: This is Solomon's direct command for the restitution of the child to its rightful parent. It follows the true mother's desperate plea to spare the child's life, showing that Solomon has heard and understood the profound implication of her self-sacrificing love. This command reverses the previous order to divide the child, restoring justice.
* **"and in no wise slay it:"**: This absolute prohibition is the critical condition attached to the command. It directly responds to the true mother's agonizing cry to prevent the child's death, confirming that her reaction was the definitive proof of her genuine maternal bond. The phrase "in no wise" (KJV) emphasizes the utter finality and gravity of this instruction, ensuring the child's safety.
* **"she [is] the mother thereof."**: This is Solomon's conclusive declaration, the ultimate verdict based on the evidence of true love and compassion. It definitively identifies the true parent, settling the dispute with unquestionable clarity. This statement is the theological and narrative climax, confirming Solomon's divine wisdom and the triumph of truth and justice.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Solomon's judgment, culminating in [1 Kings 3:27](/1-kings/3-27 "1 Kings 3:27 - Solomon's Wise Judgment"), is rich with literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as Solomon proposes the division of the child, knowing that such a horrific suggestion will expose the true mother's heart, while the women (and the audience) initially perceive it as a genuine, albeit shocking, solution. The two women serve as powerful **Foils**, their contrasting reactions to the proposed division highlighting the stark difference between genuine maternal love and selfish indifference. The true mother's selfless plea stands in stark relief against the false mother's cold agreement. The verse itself represents the **Climax** of the entire narrative, bringing the tension to its peak before delivering the resolution. The child, in this context, functions as a **Symbol** of truth, life, and the future, with the outcome of the judgment determining not just possession but the very preservation of life and the revelation of true character. The entire account also employs **Pathos**, evoking strong emotions in the reader, particularly sympathy for the true mother and admiration for Solomon's wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The judgment of Solomon in 1 Kings 3:27 stands as a powerful testament to the divine wisdom granted to King Solomon, demonstrating God's active involvement in establishing justice and righteousness through His chosen leaders. This narrative underscores that true wisdom is not merely intellectual prowess but a divinely-imparted discernment that penetrates human motives and uncovers hidden truths, particularly in complex moral dilemmas. It highlights God's commitment to justice for the vulnerable and His ability to reveal truth even in the absence of conventional evidence. Furthermore, the story profoundly illustrates the value of human life and the self-sacrificial nature of genuine love, reflecting God's own character of compassion and His desire for life to flourish.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom")
* [Psalm 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1 "Psalm 72:1-4 - A Prayer for the King's Righteous Judgment")
* [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless narrative of Solomon's judgment in 1 Kings 3:27 continues to offer profound lessons for our lives today. It challenges us to seek and cultivate a wisdom that transcends mere factual knowledge, a wisdom rooted in divine insight that allows us to discern truth, motives, and the heart of complex situations. In a world often clouded by deception and ambiguity, the ability to see beyond the surface, to understand the deeper human dynamics at play, is invaluable for resolving conflicts, administering justice, and fostering healthy relationships. Moreover, the true mother's selfless act reminds us of the profound power of genuine love—a love that prioritizes the well-being of others, even at personal cost. This calls us to examine our own loves and allegiances, asking if we are willing to sacrifice for the good of others, particularly the vulnerable, rather than clinging to our own claims or desires. For leaders in any sphere, this story serves as a powerful model for ethical decision-making, emphasizing the need for creativity, compassion, and a reliance on divine guidance to ensure just and righteous outcomes that uphold the dignity and value of every life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate the kind of discerning wisdom that Solomon demonstrated, especially in situations where truth is obscured?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate a selfless, sacrificial love akin to the true mother's, prioritizing another's well-being over your own claim?**
* **What does this story teach us about the true nature of justice, and how might we apply this understanding in our own communities or spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of Solomon's seemingly cruel proposal to divide the child?**

Answer: Solomon's proposal to divide the living child ([1 Kings 3:25](/1-kings/3-25 "1 Kings 3:25 - Solomon's Shocking Proposal")) was not an actual intent to harm the child but a brilliant psychological test designed to reveal the true mother. He understood that a genuine mother's love would be so profound and protective that she would rather relinquish her claim to the child than see it killed. The false mother, lacking this deep maternal bond, would be indifferent to the child's death, perhaps even agreeing to the division out of spite or a desire for the other woman to suffer. Thus, the purpose was to elicit an emotional response that would expose the truth where conventional evidence was lacking, demonstrating Solomon's profound discernment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wisdom demonstrated by Solomon in 1 Kings 3:27, though remarkable, ultimately points to a greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's ability to discern the true heart of the matter and bring forth justice foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom")). Just as Solomon's judgment saved the life of the child, Jesus came to bring life, and life more abundantly ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). His discernment of hearts far surpasses Solomon's, as He knows the thoughts and intentions of all ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")). Furthermore, the true mother's willingness to sacrifice her claim for the child's life powerfully prefigures Christ's ultimate act of self-sacrificial love. He, the true "parent" of humanity, did not merely give up a claim but gave His very life on the cross so that we, His beloved, might live ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). In His judgment, He takes the penalty for our sin, ensuring that we are not "slain" by eternal death, but are given new life through His resurrection ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death, But the Gift of God is Eternal Life")). Solomon's wise verdict was a shadow; Christ is the perfect Judge, the source of all life, and the ultimate expression of sacrificial love.

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.