1 Kings 4:31

KJV

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he was wiser {H2449} than all men {H120}; than Ethan {H387} the Ezrahite {H250}, and Heman {H1968}, and Chalcol {H3633}, and Darda {H1862}, the sons {H1121} of Mahol {H4235}: and his fame {H8034} was in all nations {H1471} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he was wiser than everyone - wiser than Eitan the Ezrachi and wiser than Heiman, Kalkol and Darda the sons of Machol; so that his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.

Berean Standard Bible

He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

American Standard Version

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:31 serves as a powerful capstone to the preceding description of King Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and administrative prowess, declaring his intellectual superiority over even the most renowned sages of his era. This verse highlights the divine origin of Solomon's exceptional discernment, which not only surpassed human understanding but also propelled his reputation across the ancient Near East, solidifying his fame in all surrounding nations as a testament to God's abundant favor and blessing upon his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section (1 Kings 4:20-34) that elaborates on the prosperity, peace, and particularly the wisdom of Solomon's reign. Verses 1 Kings 4:20-28 detail the vastness of his kingdom, its stability, and the abundant provisions, setting the stage for the source of this prosperity: God-given wisdom. Immediately preceding 1 Kings 4:31, verses [1 Kings 4:29-30](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-30 - God's Gift of Wisdom to Solomon") explicitly state that "God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt." Verse 31 then offers specific examples of those he surpassed, reinforcing the superlative nature of his wisdom, before transitioning to a description of his literary and scientific accomplishments (1 Kings 4:32-34). The entire chapter aims to magnify the unique divine endowment upon Solomon.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the "sons of Mahol," provides a cultural benchmark for wisdom in Solomon's time. While their exact identities and works are not fully detailed in the biblical text, Ethan and Heman are associated with musical and wisdom traditions. Ethan is traditionally identified with [Psalm 89](/psalms/89 "Psalm 89 - A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite"), and Heman with [Psalm 88](/psalms/88 "Psalm 88 - A Song or Psalm of the Sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite"), suggesting they were respected figures, possibly scribes, poets, or sages, known for their intellectual or artistic contributions. The phrase "sons of Mahol" could indicate a family or school known for wisdom or musical talent (Mahol means "dance" or "flute"). By comparing Solomon to these recognized figures, the text establishes a verifiable standard of excellence that Solomon transcended. His "fame was in all nations round about" reflects the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, where rulers and their courts would exchange knowledge, gifts, and diplomatic relations, making a king's reputation for wisdom a significant asset.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of First Kings - The Reign of Solomon and the Divided Kingdom"). Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Source of Wisdom**, emphasizing that Solomon's extraordinary intellect was not merely innate genius but a direct, supernatural gift from God, fulfilling God's promise to him in [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom"). Secondly, it highlights the **Unparalleled Excellence** of this divine gift, asserting Solomon's preeminence over all human wisdom of his day, a claim further substantiated by the visit of the [Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Widespread Fame and Influence**, demonstrating how God's blessings, particularly wisdom, lead to international recognition and honor, fulfilling the promise that Solomon would be a great king whose name would be known.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wiser (Hebrew, חָכַם _ḥāḵam_):** This verb, used here in its superlative form, signifies not merely intellectual knowledge or cleverness, but a comprehensive, practical, and moral discernment. It encompasses the ability to make sound judgments, to govern effectively, to understand complex situations, and to apply knowledge in a way that leads to flourishing. It implies skill, insight, and prudence, often with a divine or ethical dimension. Solomon's wisdom, therefore, was not just academic but profoundly practical and divinely infused, enabling him to rule justly and build the temple.
* **Fame (Hebrew, שֵׁם _šēm_):** Literally meaning "name," _šēm_ in this context refers to reputation, renown, or celebrity. It denotes public recognition and widespread acknowledgment of one's character, achievements, or attributes. Solomon's "fame" being "in all nations round about" indicates that his reputation for wisdom, wealth, and power had spread far beyond the borders of Israel, establishing him as a prominent figure on the international stage. This was a direct result of the divine gift and a fulfillment of God's blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he was wiser than all men":** This opening clause establishes the central assertion of the verse: Solomon's wisdom was not just great, but superior to that of every other human being. The Hebrew construction implies an absolute superlative, emphasizing his unique and unmatched intellectual and practical discernment, which was a direct gift from God as detailed in [1 Kings 4:29](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29 - God Gives Solomon Wisdom").
* **"than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol":** This phrase provides specific, contemporary benchmarks against which Solomon's wisdom is measured and found superior. These individuals were evidently recognized as leading sages, musicians, or poets of their time, possibly even authors of wisdom literature or psalms. By explicitly naming them, the text grounds Solomon's exceptional wisdom in a tangible comparison, demonstrating that his preeminence was not just a general claim but a verifiable reality against the best minds of his era.
* **"and his fame was in all nations round about":** This concluding clause highlights the widespread impact and recognition of Solomon's wisdom and reign. His reputation extended beyond Israel's borders, reaching neighboring kingdoms and beyond. This international renown was a visible sign of God's blessing upon him and served to glorify God's power and faithfulness through His chosen king, drawing others, like the Queen of Sheba, to witness his wisdom firsthand.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to emphasize Solomon's unparalleled wisdom. **Hyperbole** is present in the declaration "wiser than all men," which, while perhaps literally true in the context of his divine endowment, functions to magnify his unique status. This is immediately followed by **Comparison**, where Solomon's wisdom is explicitly measured against the known sages of his time—Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda. By naming these specific, presumably well-known figures, the text provides concrete evidence and a relatable standard for the reader, making the claim of Solomon's superiority more impactful and less abstract. The use of a **Superlative** ("wiser than all men") underscores the absolute and unmatched nature of his wisdom. Finally, the phrase "his fame was in all nations round about" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "nations" stands for the people within those nations, indicating the widespread recognition and influence of Solomon's reputation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 4:31 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that true wisdom originates from God and is a divine gift, not merely an acquired human trait. Solomon's wisdom, exceeding all others, serves as a testament to God's boundless generosity and His ability to equip His chosen servants for their unique callings. This wisdom was not an end in itself but was given for the purpose of governing God's people justly and building His temple, demonstrating that divine wisdom is always practical and purposed for God's glory and the good of His kingdom. The widespread fame resulting from this wisdom underscores God's desire for His blessings to be evident to the nations, drawing attention to His power and faithfulness through His instruments.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Gives Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's story, particularly this verse, invites us to reflect on the nature and source of true wisdom in our own lives. While we may not be called to rule a kingdom or possess Solomon's unique intellectual capacity, the principle remains: genuine wisdom, the kind that enables us to navigate life's complexities, make righteous decisions, and live in a way that honors God, is a gift to be sought from Him. It reminds us that our greatest strengths and most impactful contributions are often those divinely empowered, not solely self-generated. Just as Solomon's fame spread because of God's blessing, a life lived with godly wisdom can have a far-reaching and beneficial impact, reflecting God's glory and drawing others to Him. It challenges us to prioritize seeking God's wisdom above all else, trusting that He will equip us for every good work and use our lives for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God's wisdom today?**
* **How does understanding the divine source of Solomon's wisdom change your perspective on seeking wisdom for yourself?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that seeks God's wisdom daily?**

### FAQ
**Who were Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, and why are they mentioned?**

Answer: Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the "sons of Mahol," were likely highly respected sages, poets, or musicians of their time, recognized for their wisdom and intellectual or artistic contributions. Ethan and Heman, in particular, are associated with musical leadership in the temple (1 Chronicles 15:19) and are credited with authoring psalms ([Psalm 88](/psalms/88 "Psalm 88 - A Psalm of Heman") for Heman and [Psalm 89](/psalms/89 "Psalm 89 - A Psalm of Ethan") for Ethan). Their mention here serves as a literary device to provide concrete, contemporary benchmarks for wisdom. By stating that Solomon was wiser than these renowned figures, the text powerfully emphasizes the truly unparalleled and divinely bestowed nature of Solomon's wisdom, demonstrating that his intellect surpassed even the most celebrated minds of his era.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's wisdom was unparalleled among men, it ultimately pointed to a greater wisdom yet to come—the perfect and ultimate wisdom embodied in Jesus Christ. Solomon, though divinely gifted, was still a fallen man whose wisdom eventually faltered, leading to the division of his kingdom. Jesus, however, is not merely wise but is the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom")). The Queen of Sheba traveled great distances to hear Solomon's wisdom ([1 Kings 10:1-9](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-9 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")), but Jesus declared that "a greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - A Greater Than Solomon")). Solomon's fame spread throughout the nations because of his wisdom, but Christ's fame and the wisdom of His gospel are intended to reach "all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem" ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness to be Proclaimed to All Nations")). Solomon's wisdom brought temporary peace and prosperity to Israel, but Christ's wisdom brings eternal peace with God and everlasting life to all who believe, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never end ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")). Thus, Solomon's exceptional wisdom serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the perfect, redemptive wisdom found supremely and eternally in Jesus Christ.

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

1 Chronicles 2:6

And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

1 Chronicles 15:19

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, [were appointed] to sound with cymbals of brass;

1 Kings 3:12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

Psalms 89:1

¶ Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 89:52

Blessed [be] the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

Matthew 12:42

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

1 Chronicles 6:33

And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,