1 Kings 4:30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

And Solomon's {H8010} wisdom {H2451} excelled {H7235} the wisdom {H2451} of all the children {H1121} of the east country {H6924}, and all the wisdom {H2451} of Egypt {H4714}.

Shlomo's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of the people from the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Commentary

Context

This verse, 1 Kings 4:30, is part of an extensive description of King Solomon's reign, specifically highlighting the unparalleled nature of his wisdom. Following his ascension to the throne, Solomon famously prayed for an understanding heart to govern God's people (1 Kings 3:9). God responded by granting him wisdom beyond measure (1 Kings 3:12) and also wealth and honor.

The "children of the east country" refers to the peoples of Mesopotamia, including Babylonians, Chaldeans, and others known for their advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, philosophy, and divination. "Egypt" was also a renowned center of ancient learning, celebrated for its advancements in medicine, architecture, administration, and its deep mystical traditions. This verse sets the stage, demonstrating that Solomon's divinely bestowed wisdom surpassed even the most esteemed intellectual and cultural centers of his time.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Wisdom: The primary message is the extraordinary and unmatched nature of Solomon's wisdom. It wasn't just great; it "excelled" or surpassed all other known sources of knowledge and understanding in the ancient world.
  • Divine Source of Wisdom: Implicit in this description is the understanding that Solomon's wisdom was not merely a product of natural intellect or education, but a direct gift from God, as detailed earlier in 1 Kings 3. This divine origin made his wisdom uniquely profound.
  • Global Recognition: The comparison to the wisdom of the East and Egypt emphasizes that Solomon's renown extended far beyond Israel's borders, signifying a widespread acknowledgement of his intellectual superiority. His reign brought a golden age of intellectual and cultural flourishing.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "excelled" (גָדַל - gadal) means to be great, become great, or grow. Here, in the context of wisdom, it conveys the idea of being superior, surpassing, or exceedingly great. It emphasizes the qualitative and quantitative superiority of Solomon's wisdom over all contemporary knowledge, highlighting its exceptional nature and the divine power behind it.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Solomon's story reminds us that true wisdom is a precious gift, often divinely bestowed. It teaches us several valuable lessons:

  • Value of Wisdom: The Bible consistently elevates wisdom above riches or power. Solomon's example shows how wisdom can bring renown, influence, and order.
  • Source of Wisdom: While human learning is valuable, ultimate wisdom comes from God. As believers, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, trusting that He will provide it generously.
  • Purpose of Wisdom: Solomon's wisdom was given not for personal gain alone, but primarily to govern God's people justly. This highlights that divine wisdom is often given for the benefit of others and for God's purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 5:11 (6 votes)

    There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

  • Daniel 5:12 (6 votes)

    Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

  • Genesis 25:6 (6 votes)

    But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

  • Acts 7:22 (6 votes)

    And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

  • Daniel 1:20 (5 votes)

    And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.

  • Job 1:3 (4 votes)

    His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

  • Isaiah 19:11 (4 votes)

    Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?