Luke 11:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The queen {G938} of the south {G3558} shall rise up {G1453} in {G1722} the judgment {G2920} with {G3326} the men {G435} of this {G5026} generation {G1074}, and {G2532} condemn {G2632} them {G846}: for {G3754} she came {G2064} from {G1537} the utmost parts {G4009} of the earth {G1093} to hear {G191} the wisdom {G4678} of Solomon {G4672}; and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, a greater than {G4119} Solomon {G4672} is here {G5602}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Queen of the South will appear at the Judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Shlomo, and what is here now is greater than Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 11:31, Jesus delivers a powerful indictment against His contemporary generation, contrasting their spiritual indifference with the earnest seeking of the Queen of the South. He declares that this Gentile queen, who traveled an immense distance to hear the earthly wisdom of Solomon, will rise in judgment to condemn those who, despite having the ultimate source of divine wisdom—Jesus Himself—present among them, refused to believe or respond. This verse underscores the principle of greater accountability for greater revelation, highlighting Jesus' unparalleled supremacy over even the most celebrated figures of Israel's past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a broader discourse by Jesus concerning spiritual receptivity and accountability, immediately following His stern rebuke of the crowds who demanded a sign (Luke 11:29) and His parables about the "sign of Jonah" and the "light of the body" (Luke 11:29-36). Jesus had just condemned "this generation" for their spiritual blindness and their persistent demand for miraculous signs despite having witnessed His many works. The mention of the Queen of the South, paralleled by the men of Nineveh in the subsequent verse ([Luke 11:32](/luke/11-32 "Luke 11:32 - The Men of Nineveh")), serves as a powerful example of Gentiles who responded to a lesser revelation with greater faith than the Jews of Jesus' day, who were rejecting the Son of God Himself. This section emphasizes the severe consequences of spiritual indifference in the face of divine truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "queen of the south" is widely identified as the Queen of Sheba, whose visit to King Solomon is recounted in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1-13 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon") and [2 Chronicles 9:1-12](/2_chronicles/9-1-12 "2 Chronicles 9:1-12 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit"). Sheba was likely located in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, representing a distant and foreign land from Israel. Her journey was arduous and costly, demonstrating extraordinary initiative and humility to seek out Solomon's renowned wisdom. Solomon himself was a figure of immense prestige in Jewish tradition, celebrated for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and the splendor of his kingdom (e.g., [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29-34 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Fame")). By contrasting the Queen's diligent pursuit of Solomon's wisdom with the apathy of His contemporaries, Jesus highlights the profound spiritual failure of those who had the Messiah in their midst yet refused to acknowledge Him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, asserting that those who had less light but responded faithfully will stand as witnesses against those who had greater revelation but rejected it. This principle is foundational to understanding God's justice. Secondly, it powerfully proclaims the **Superiority and Supremacy of Christ**. By declaring "a greater than Solomon is here," Jesus unequivocally asserts His own qualitative superiority over the greatest king and wisest man in Israel's history, emphasizing His unique divine authority and the ultimate nature of His wisdom. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Responsibility to Respond to Truth**. The Queen's arduous journey serves as a stark contrast to the culpable indifference of Jesus' contemporaries, who had the Son of God in their midst but remained spiritually blind. This theme resonates throughout Jesus' ministry, particularly in His parables concerning hearing and doing the Word (e.g., [Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4-15 "The Parable of the Sower")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Greek, _geneá_):** This term (G1074) refers to the people living at a particular time, often implying their moral character or spiritual disposition. In this context, it denotes the contemporary Jewish populace who witnessed Jesus' ministry firsthand, yet largely rejected His claims and teachings. Jesus frequently used this term to characterize the unbelief and spiritual hardness of His contemporaries.
* **rise up (Greek, _egeírō_):** This verb (G1453) means to waken, rouse, or raise up. Here, it signifies the Queen of the South standing as a witness or accuser in a judicial sense, brought forth to testify against the unbelieving generation. Her presence in the judgment will serve to highlight the greater culpability of those who had more light but refused to walk in it.
* **greater than (Greek, _pleíōn_):** A comparative form (G4119) meaning 'more' in quantity, number, or quality. In the phrase "a greater than Solomon," it emphasizes Jesus' qualitative superiority, indicating that His wisdom, authority, and divine essence far surpass Solomon's earthly wisdom and kingdom. It signifies that Jesus embodies the ultimate wisdom and truth, far exceeding any human manifestation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them:"** This clause sets the scene for a future divine judgment. The "queen of the south" (Queen of Sheba) is presented as an unexpected witness and accuser. Her testimony will not be a verbal condemnation, but her very presence and faithful response to a lesser revelation will serve as a stark contrast, exposing the spiritual negligence and unbelief of "this generation"—the people of Jesus' time who rejected Him despite His miracles and teachings.
* **"for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon;"** This explanatory clause provides the basis for the Queen's role in judgment. It highlights her extraordinary effort and humility. "Utmost parts of the earth" emphasizes the immense distance and the arduous journey she undertook, signifying her profound desire and diligence to seek out and hear Solomon's renowned, yet still earthly, wisdom. Her seeking stands in stark contrast to those who had divine wisdom in their midst but did not seek it.
* **"and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here."** This climactic declaration reveals the core of Jesus' indictment and the profound irony of the situation. "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the present reality. Jesus unequivocally asserts His own qualitative superiority over Solomon, the pinnacle of Israel's human wisdom and glory. The implication is that if the Queen traveled so far for human wisdom, how much more culpable are those who reject the infinitely superior divine wisdom embodied in Christ, who is "here"—present among them, accessible and offering ultimate truth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is a primary device, sharply juxtaposing the diligent seeking of the Gentile Queen of the South with the spiritual apathy and rejection of "this generation" of Israelites. This contrast is further amplified by the comparison between Solomon's earthly wisdom and Jesus' divine, ultimate wisdom. The phrase "utmost parts of the earth" serves as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the immense distance and extraordinary effort undertaken by the Queen, thereby magnifying the culpability of those who had divine wisdom readily available. The entire statement functions as a **Prophetic Indictment**, not merely describing a past event but foreshadowing a future judgment where past responses to truth will serve as a standard for accountability. Finally, Jesus' declaration "a greater than Solomon is here" is a profound **Self-Proclamation**, asserting His unique identity and unparalleled authority, subtly challenging His hearers to recognize His divine status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:31 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of accountability based on the measure of revelation received. The Queen of the South, a Gentile from a distant land, responded with diligence and humility to the limited, albeit great, wisdom of Solomon. In stark contrast, the generation of Jesus' day, having the very Son of God—the embodiment of all divine wisdom and truth—present among them, rejected Him. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that ignorance is only an excuse when light has not been given. When the ultimate light of Christ shines, the rejection of that light incurs the gravest condemnation. It underscores that God's judgment is righteous and proportionate, holding people accountable for their response to the truth they have encountered.

* [Matthew 12:41-42](/matthew/12-41-42 "Matthew 12:41-42 - The Queen of the South and the Men of Nineveh in Judgment")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - The Condemnation of Darkness Over Light")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful declaration by Jesus challenges us to deeply examine our own response to the revelation of God in Christ. If the Queen of Sheba undertook such an arduous journey for human wisdom, how much more should we, who have the full and final revelation of God in Jesus Christ, diligently seek, embrace, and obey His divine wisdom? We live in an age of unprecedented access to God's Word and the person of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Our accountability, therefore, is immense. We are called to recognize Christ's absolute supremacy in all things, acknowledging that He is indeed "greater than Solomon"—the ultimate source of wisdom, truth, and salvation. This recognition should compel us to respond with humble faith, eager to hear and obey His teachings, rather than hardening our hearts against His truth. We must guard against spiritual indifference, complacency, or a casual attitude toward the profound spiritual realities revealed in Christ, understanding that our response carries eternal consequences. Our diligence in pursuing Christ should far exceed the Queen's pursuit of Solomon, for in Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be like "this generation," taking for granted the presence of Christ's wisdom and truth in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater hunger and diligence for Christ's wisdom, mirroring the Queen of the South's earnest seeking?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' supremacy over Solomon change my perspective on the authority and relevance of His teachings in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "queen of the south" and why does Jesus mention her?**

Answer: The "queen of the south" is widely understood to be the Queen of Sheba, whose visit to King Solomon is recorded in the Old Testament ([1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1-13 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")). Jesus mentions her as a powerful example of a Gentile who traveled an immense distance and showed great diligence and humility to hear the wisdom of an earthly king. Her earnest seeking stands in stark contrast to the spiritual apathy and unbelief of "this generation" (the Jewish people of Jesus' day) who had the Son of God, the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom, present among them, yet rejected Him. She serves as a witness to their greater culpability in the coming judgment.

**What does it mean that the Queen of the South will "condemn" the men of this generation?**

Answer: This does not mean that the Queen of the South will literally pronounce a judgment from a judicial bench. Rather, her faithful and diligent response to a lesser revelation (Solomon's wisdom) will serve as a powerful testimony against those who had a far greater revelation (Jesus Christ Himself) but rejected it. Her actions will highlight their inexcusable spiritual blindness and indifference. In the context of divine judgment, her very presence and example will underscore the justice of God's condemnation upon those who had ample opportunity to believe but chose not to. It emphasizes the principle that greater light brings greater accountability.

**How is Jesus "greater than Solomon"?**

Answer: Jesus is "greater than Solomon" in every conceivable way, transcending Solomon's earthly wisdom, wealth, power, and kingdom. Solomon's wisdom was human, given by God, but limited; Jesus *is* divine wisdom incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God")). Solomon's kingdom was temporal and eventually divided; Jesus' kingdom is eternal and universal ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - An Everlasting Dominion")). Solomon built a temple; Jesus is the true temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up")). Solomon's glory was earthly; Jesus' glory is divine and heavenly. Ultimately, Solomon was a servant and a type, but Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:31 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing Jesus not merely as a wise teacher but as the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom and the very presence of God among humanity. The Queen of the South's arduous journey to hear Solomon's earthly wisdom foreshadows the universal drawing of all nations to Christ, who is the true and eternal King, far surpassing any earthly monarch. Jesus' assertion, "a greater than Solomon is here," points directly to His unique identity as the Son of God, the Living Word, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). While Solomon received wisdom from God, Jesus *is* the wisdom of God personified ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God")). His presence among His generation was the ultimate sign, greater than Jonah's, greater than Solomon's, offering not just wise counsel but salvation and eternal life. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' absolute supremacy and His role as the final and complete revelation of God, to whom all people, from every "utmost part of the earth," are called to respond in faith and humility, for He is the one who will ultimately judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus appointed as judge of the living and the dead")).

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

2 Chronicles 9:1

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

1 Kings 10:1

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

1 Kings 10:13

And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.

Romans 2:27

And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

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.

Jeremiah 3:11

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.