2 Chronicles 1:12

KJV

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wisdom {H2451} and knowledge {H4093} is granted {H5414} unto thee; and I will give {H5414} thee riches {H6239}, and wealth {H5233}, and honour {H3519}, such as none of the kings {H4428} have had that have been before {H6440} thee, neither shall there any after {H310} thee have the like.

Complete Jewish Bible

not only are wisdom and knowledge being given to you, but I will also give you riches, wealth and honor such as no king before you has ever had; and no king after you will have as much."

Berean Standard Bible

therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”

American Standard Version

wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee; neither shall there any after thee have the like.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 1:12 encapsulates God's extraordinary and superabundant response to King Solomon's humble and selfless prayer for wisdom. Recognizing the immense responsibility of governing God's vast people, Solomon prioritized discernment and understanding over personal desires such as long life, riches, or victory over enemies. In return, God not only granted his specific petition for wisdom and knowledge but also promised him unprecedented riches, wealth, and honor, establishing his reign as a unique period of divine favor and prosperity unmatched by any king before or after him. This verse powerfully illustrates God's nature to bless those who align their priorities with His purposes and seek His will above all else.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic divine promise following a pivotal encounter between God and the newly enthroned King Solomon at Gibeon. Immediately prior, Solomon demonstrated his devotion by offering a thousand burnt offerings on the bronze altar there, signifying a profound act of consecration and dependence upon God ([2 Chronicles 1:6](/2_chronicles/1-6 "2 Chronicles 1:6 - Solomon's Offerings at Gibeon")). In a dream or vision that very night, God appeared to him, extending an open invitation to ask for anything he desired ([2 Chronicles 1:7](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7 - God's Invitation to Solomon")). Instead of requesting personal benefits, Solomon humbly acknowledged his youth and the overwhelming task of leading God's chosen people, requesting "wisdom and knowledge that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this great people of yours?" ([2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "2 Chronicles 1:10 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")). This selfless request profoundly pleased the Lord, leading directly to the divine declaration and promise found in 2 Chronicles 1:11-12, which sets the stage for the unparalleled prosperity and glory of Solomon's reign detailed in subsequent chapters. The parallel account in [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Dream and Wisdom") corroborates the significance of this foundational divine encounter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's ascension marked a critical juncture following the unified kingdom established by his father, David. Solomon was tasked not only with consolidating power but also with building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and ushering in an era of peace (Shalom) and prosperity. Gibeon, though not Jerusalem, was a prominent "high place" where the tabernacle of meeting and the bronze altar were located at this time ([2 Chronicles 1:3](/2_chronicles/1-3 "2 Chronicles 1:3 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")), making it a legitimate and significant site for such a grand sacrifice and divine encounter. In the ancient Near East, a king's wisdom was considered a paramount attribute, often viewed as a divine endowment crucial for just rule, effective administration, military success, and maintaining national stability. Prosperity and honor were tangible signs of divine favor upon a monarch and, by extension, upon the entire nation. The promise of unparalleled riches and honor would have been understood by Solomon and his contemporaries as God's public endorsement of his kingship and a divine guarantee of a golden age for Israel, establishing his rule as a benchmark for all future kings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Generosity and Abundance**, demonstrating God's nature to give not only what is asked but "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")). This principle underscores that God's blessings often surpass human expectations when His will is prioritized. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Priority of Wisdom**, illustrating that when one seeks spiritual discernment and capacity for God's purposes, material blessings often follow as a byproduct of divine favor. This principle is deeply echoed throughout the [Book of Proverbs](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"), which consistently extols wisdom as the most valuable possession and the foundation for true prosperity. Thirdly, the emphatic declaration "such as none of the kings have had... neither shall there any after thee have the like" underscores the **Unparalleled Nature of God's Blessing** upon Solomon, establishing his reign as a unique epoch of divine favor, prosperity, and peace. This serves as a benchmark for future generations, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant and His willingness to bless those who walk in His ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh_):** More than mere intellectual knowledge or cleverness, _chokmâh_ denotes practical skill, discernment, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively for righteous living, sound judgment, and effective governance. It encompasses moral insight, prudence, and the capacity to make right decisions in complex situations, which were absolutely essential for a king ruling God's people.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _maddâʻ_):** Refers to understanding, insight, and acquaintance with facts and truths. When paired with _chokmâh_, it signifies a comprehensive cognitive and practical capacity for intelligent and righteous rule. This enabled Solomon not only to possess abstract wisdom but also to understand the specific complexities of his people and the world, applying wisdom appropriately and effectively.
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbôwd_):** While the verse also mentions "riches" (_ʻôsher_) and "wealth" (_nekeç_), _kâbôwd_ (honor/glory) encapsulates the full scope of Solomon's elevated status. It signifies not just material abundance but also reputation, prestige, and respect both domestically and internationally. This term underscores that God's blessing extended beyond mere possessions to encompass Solomon's standing and renown among nations, making him a figure of unparalleled eminence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee;":** This initial clause directly affirms God's immediate and positive response to Solomon's specific request for wisdom and knowledge ([2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "2 Chronicles 1:10 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")). The verb "granted" (derived from the Hebrew root _nathan_) emphasizes that this is a divine gift, freely bestowed by God, not something Solomon earned or achieved on his own. It highlights God's delight in a selfless petition that prioritizes His kingdom and people.
* **"and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, ":** This part of the verse reveals God's super-abundant generosity. These additional blessings—material prosperity and high esteem—were not explicitly requested by Solomon, yet God promises them as an unsolicited addition. This demonstrates God's nature to bless beyond what is asked, often providing material and reputational prosperity when spiritual priorities are correctly aligned. The repetition and accumulation of "riches, and wealth, and honour" emphasize the comprehensive and overflowing nature of the material and reputational blessings Solomon would receive.
* **"such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.":** This emphatic declaration underscores the unparalleled and unique nature of the blessings promised to Solomon. It sets his reign apart as an extraordinary period in Israel's history, marked by a level of prosperity, international prestige, and wisdom that would not be matched by any future monarch. This hyperbolic language serves to magnify God's favor and the exceptional nature of Solomon's reign, marking it as a unique epoch of divine blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Speech** is central, as the words are directly attributed to God Himself, lending them ultimate authority, infallibility, and weight. The use of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "such as none of the kings have had... neither shall there any after thee have the like" powerfully emphasizes the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of the blessings, elevating Solomon's reign to a unique, almost mythical status in Israel's history. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** between Solomon's humble, selfless request for spiritual wisdom and God's expansive, unasked-for material and reputational blessings, highlighting God's boundless generosity and the principle that seeking His kingdom first often results in abundant provision. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, predicting the unparalleled prosperity, peace, and glory that would characterize Solomon's reign, as extensively detailed in subsequent chapters of both Chronicles and Kings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 1:12 is a profound testament to God's character and the principles of His kingdom. It reveals that God delights in blessing those who prioritize spiritual discernment and capacity for His purposes above personal gain. Solomon's selfless request for wisdom to govern God's people, rather than for long life or riches, pleased the Lord immensely, prompting an outpouring of divine generosity that exceeded all expectations. This demonstrates a core biblical principle: when we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first, trusting Him to equip and provide, He often adds other blessings to us. The unparalleled nature of Solomon's blessings also points to God's covenant faithfulness, as He continued to bless the Davidic line, though this blessing was uniquely manifested in Solomon due to his specific, God-honoring request. It underscores that true prosperity flows from a right relationship with God and a heart aligned with His will.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's experience in 2 Chronicles 1:12 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to critically examine our own desires and priorities. When we approach God in prayer or consider our life's ambitions, do we primarily seek after worldly success, material wealth, personal comfort, or recognition? Or do we, like Solomon, humbly ask for the wisdom, discernment, and spiritual capacity to fulfill the responsibilities God has entrusted to us, to serve His purposes, and to lead others effectively in our spheres of influence? This verse powerfully assures us that when we prioritize God's will and His kingdom, focusing on becoming more effective servants for His glory, we position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings. God is not stingy; He is a generous Giver who delights in equipping His children for their callings, often in ways that far surpass our own imaginations or requests. It encourages a posture of humility, dependency on God, and a willingness to trust His provision as we faithfully pursue His kingdom and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary desires of my heart when I pray or consider my future, and how do they align with God's kingdom priorities?**
* **How does Solomon's selfless request for wisdom, rather than riches or power, challenge my own priorities and ambitions?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—family, work, ministry, relationships—do I most need God's wisdom and knowledge to govern or lead effectively?**
* **How does God's super-abundant generosity towards Solomon encourage me in my own walk of faith and trust in His provision?**

### FAQ

**Why did God give Solomon more than he asked for?**

Answer: God's decision to give Solomon unasked-for riches, wealth, and honor was a profound demonstration of His divine generosity and a validation of Solomon's selfless request. By prioritizing wisdom for righteous governance over personal gain, Solomon showed a heart aligned with God's purposes for His people. God's abundant provision served multiple functions: it publicly affirmed Solomon's kingship, established his reign as a type of ideal kingdom of peace and prosperity, and showcased God's nature to bless those who seek His kingdom first, often "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")). It also served to fully equip Solomon for the immense task of leading Israel, building the Temple, and demonstrating God's glory to the surrounding nations.

**Was Solomon's wisdom truly unique, and what was its purpose?**

Answer: Yes, the text explicitly states that Solomon's wisdom, and the accompanying riches and honor, were "such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." This emphasizes the unparalleled nature of God's endowment upon him. Solomon's wisdom was not merely intellectual brilliance but a practical, discerning capacity for righteous judgment and effective administration, specifically granted for the purpose of governing God's people ([2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "2 Chronicles 1:10 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")). It enabled him to resolve complex disputes ([1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment")), manage a vast kingdom, engage in international diplomacy, and compose thousands of proverbs and songs, bringing an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity to Israel during his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's wisdom, riches, and honor were unparalleled in his day, they ultimately serve as a magnificent foreshadowing of the far greater wisdom, glory, and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon, though divinely gifted, eventually faltered and fell short of God's perfect standard, demonstrating the inherent limitations of even the greatest human king. Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). He is not merely granted wisdom but *is* wisdom itself, the [Wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom") personified, perfectly executing the Father's will. Solomon's earthly kingdom, with all its splendor, was temporal and ultimately faded; Christ's kingdom is eternal and spiritual, bringing true and lasting peace, righteousness, and justice to all who believe ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). The riches, wealth, and honor promised to Solomon, though vast, pale in comparison to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")) available to all who are in Him. In Christ, we receive not just a portion of wisdom but the indwelling Spirit of wisdom ([Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")), and an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1_peter/1-4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Imperishable Inheritance")), far surpassing any earthly glory or wealth. Solomon's reign was a glimpse of a perfect kingdom, but Christ is the perfect King and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of unparalleled blessing.

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

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

2 Chronicles 9:22

And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

1 Chronicles 29:25

And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

Ecclesiastes 2:9

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.