Matthew 12:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The queen {G938} of the south {G3558} shall rise up {G1453} in {G1722} the judgment {G2920} with {G3326} this {G5026} generation {G1074}, and {G2532} shall condemn {G2632} it {G846}: for {G3754} she came {G2064} from {G1537} the uttermost 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 stand up at the Judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Shlomo, but what is here now is greater than Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; 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 this generation, and shall condemn it: 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 Matthew 12:42, Jesus confronts the hardened skepticism of His generation, particularly the religious leaders, by contrasting their unbelief with the eager faith of a Gentile queen from distant lands. He recounts the historical journey of the Queen of Sheba, who traveled from "the uttermost parts of the earth" to hear the renowned wisdom of King Solomon, highlighting her diligent pursuit of truth. Jesus then delivers a powerful indictment, declaring that this queen will "rise up in the judgment" and condemn His contemporaries because, despite having someone "greater than Solomon" in their midst, they refused to acknowledge Him. This verse underscores the severe consequences of rejecting divine revelation and the profound significance of Jesus' identity as the ultimate embodiment of God's wisdom and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger discourse in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Sabbath, Blasphemy, and Signs"), where Jesus is engaged in intense conflict with the Pharisees. Following His healing of a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, the Pharisees accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons ([Matthew 12:22-24](/matthew/12-22-24 "Matthew 12:22-24 - Jesus Heals and the Pharisees Accuse")). Jesus refutes their baseless accusations, warns them against the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")), and then addresses their demand for a "sign from heaven" ([Matthew 12:38](/matthew/12-38 "Matthew 12:38 - The Demand for a Sign")). He refuses to give them any sign other than "the sign of the prophet Jonah" ([Matthew 12:39](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39 - The Sign of Jonah")), referring to His death and resurrection. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus cites the men of Nineveh as another example of Gentiles who will condemn "this generation" due to their repentance at Jonah's preaching, contrasting it with the current generation's rejection of one "greater than Jonah" ([Matthew 12:41](/matthew/12-41 "Matthew 12:41 - The Men of Nineveh Condemn")). The Queen of the South serves as the second, equally compelling, Gentile witness against the spiritual blindness of Jesus' contemporaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Queen of the South is historically identified as the Queen of Sheba, whose visit to King Solomon is meticulously recorded 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 an ancient kingdom located in what is modern-day Yemen and possibly parts of Ethiopia, a considerable distance from Israel. Her journey involved traversing vast deserts and difficult terrain, signifying immense dedication and expense. Solomon's wisdom was legendary throughout the ancient Near East, attracting rulers and scholars from afar. The cultural expectation was that a king's wisdom reflected divine favor, and Solomon's was seen as unparalleled ([1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29-34 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Great Wisdom")). Jesus' audience, being Jewish, would have been intimately familiar with the story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, making His comparison particularly potent. The irony is that while a distant Gentile queen undertook such an arduous journey to seek wisdom, the Jewish leaders, who possessed the Law and Prophets and had God's incarnate wisdom among them, remained stubbornly skeptical.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment** and accountability, emphasizing that those who reject God's revelation, especially when presented clearly, will face condemnation. The Queen of Sheba's example serves as a witness against the unbelieving generation, underscoring the principle that even Gentiles who earnestly seek truth will stand in judgment against those who had greater light but rejected it. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Jesus' unparalleled supremacy and divine authority**. By declaring Himself "greater than Solomon," Jesus asserts His unique identity as the ultimate source of wisdom, truth, and divine revelation, far surpassing any Old Testament figure, no matter how great. This builds upon earlier declarations of His authority over the Sabbath ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Lord of the Sabbath")) and His role as the fulfillment of prophecy. Thirdly, the verse touches on the theme of **spiritual blindness and hardness of heart**, contrasting the open-minded, seeking spirit of the Queen of Sheba with the closed-minded, demanding attitude of the Pharisees, who were more concerned with external signs than internal spiritual truth. This theme is pervasive throughout Jesus' ministry, as He frequently laments the spiritual dullness of those who should have recognized Him ([Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** From G1074, this word refers to a specific age or period, as well as the people living within that time. In this context, Jesus uses it to refer to the contemporary Jewish population, particularly the religious leaders, who were witnessing His ministry firsthand. It implies a collective identity and a shared responsibility for their response to God's revelation in Christ.
* **rise up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, this verb means to waken, rouse, or raise up. Here, it is used in the context of the Queen of the South "rising up" in judgment. It suggests an active participation in the divine courtroom, where her actions will stand as a testimony or witness against the unbelieving generation, effectively "rousing" them to accountability.
* **condemn (Greek, _katakrínō'_):** From G2632, this word means to judge against or sentence. The Queen of the South will not merely testify but will actively "condemn" this generation. Her earnest seeking and recognition of Solomon's wisdom, despite her Gentile status and the great distance, will serve as a definitive verdict against those who, with far greater access to divine wisdom in Jesus, remained in unbelief.
* **greater than (Greek, _pleíōn'_):** From G4119, this is the comparative form of "much" or "many," meaning "more in quantity, number, or quality." When Jesus says "a greater than Solomon," it signifies not just a qualitative superiority but an overwhelming fullness and abundance of wisdom, authority, and divine presence in Himself that far surpasses anything Solomon possessed. It underscores His unique, unparalleled status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it:"** Jesus declares that the Queen of Sheba, a Gentile ruler, will serve as a witness and even a judge against the Jewish generation of His time at the final judgment. Her earnest seeking of wisdom, despite her pagan background and the immense effort required, stands in stark contrast to the spiritual apathy and rejection displayed by those who had the Son of God in their midst. Her actions will demonstrate their inexcusable unbelief.
* **"for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon;"** This clause provides the justification for the Queen's condemning role. It emphasizes the extraordinary lengths she went to—traveling from the most distant known regions—driven by a genuine hunger for truth and wisdom. Her journey underscores her humility and open-mindedness, qualities conspicuously absent in Jesus's critics.
* **"and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here."** This is the climactic declaration, revealing the profound irony and the ultimate reason for the generation's condemnation. Solomon was the epitome of human wisdom, blessed by God. Yet, Jesus asserts His own absolute supremacy, declaring that He embodies a wisdom and authority infinitely superior to Solomon's. The generation's failure to recognize and respond to the presence of God incarnate, the ultimate source of all wisdom, despite His miracles and teachings, seals their fate. The exclamation "behold" (Greek, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the astonishing reality of Jesus's presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting the diligent, seeking faith of the Queen of Sheba against the hardened, demanding unbelief of Jesus's contemporary Jewish generation. This highlights the spiritual blindness of those who should have known better. **Allusion** is used through the direct reference to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, drawing upon a well-known biblical narrative to establish a powerful historical precedent and moral comparison. The phrase "a greater than Solomon" functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **meiosis** (understatement) in reverse, where Jesus asserts His unparalleled divine nature and authority in a way that transcends mere human greatness. It is also a form of **self-proclamation**, subtly but profoundly revealing His identity. Finally, the entire statement carries a strong sense of **irony**, as a Gentile queen, historically revered for seeking wisdom, is presented as the one who will expose the spiritual folly of God's chosen people who reject their Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:42 profoundly underscores the theme of accountability for divine revelation. The Queen of Sheba, a Gentile, traveled great distances to hear the wisdom of Solomon, demonstrating a commendable hunger for truth. Her earnestness stands as a stark indictment against the Jewish generation of Jesus's time, who had the very embodiment of God's wisdom—Jesus Christ—in their midst, yet rejected Him. This highlights the principle that spiritual privilege brings greater responsibility; those who are given much light will be held to a higher standard in judgment. The verse also powerfully asserts Jesus's divine supremacy, positioning Him not merely as a prophet or wise teacher, but as the ultimate manifestation of God's wisdom and authority, far exceeding any human figure, including the revered King Solomon. This claim is foundational to Christology, affirming His unique status as God incarnate.

* [Luke 11:31](/luke/11-31 "Luke 11:31 - The Queen of the South Condemns This Generation")
* [John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh")
* [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - In Christ Are All Treasures of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound mirror for self-reflection, challenging us to honestly assess the earnestness of our own spiritual seeking. Are we like the Queen of Sheba, willing to go to great lengths and overcome obstacles to encounter divine wisdom, or are we akin to the generation that rejected Jesus, demanding more signs while ignoring the profound evidence of God's presence right before them? In an age saturated with information, it's easy to become spiritually complacent, treating God's truth as one option among many, rather than the ultimate, life-giving source of all wisdom. We are called to cultivate a heart that hungers for Christ, recognizing that in Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are All Treasures of Wisdom")). Our response to Jesus determines our eternal standing; His presence is the ultimate sign, and our acceptance or rejection of Him carries eternal consequences. This passage reminds us that genuine faith is demonstrated by a humble, earnest pursuit of God's truth, not by demanding further proof or clinging to skepticism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be like the generation that rejected Jesus, demanding more evidence or clinging to skepticism despite ample revelation?**
* **What "uttermost parts of the earth" (metaphorically speaking) am I willing to traverse to genuinely seek and embrace the wisdom of Christ?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus as "greater than Solomon" impact my daily pursuit of wisdom and understanding?**

### FAQ
**What does "the queen of the south" refer to, and why is she important?**

Answer: "The queen of the south" refers to the Queen of Sheba, whose historical visit to King Solomon is recorded in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon") and [2 Chronicles 9](/2_chronicles/9 "2 Chronicles 9 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit"). She was a distant Gentile ruler who traveled an immense distance to hear Solomon's renowned wisdom, demonstrating an extraordinary hunger for truth and understanding. Jesus highlights her as a crucial figure because her earnest seeking and recognition of Solomon's wisdom will stand in stark contrast to, and ultimately condemn, the unbelief of His own generation, who had the ultimate source of wisdom—Jesus Himself—in their midst but rejected Him. Her example underscores that genuine seeking, even from an outsider, is more commendable than privileged indifference.

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

Answer: Solomon was celebrated for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and understanding, which were gifts from God ([1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29-34 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Great Wisdom")). However, Jesus declares Himself "greater than Solomon" in several profound ways. Solomon's wisdom was a finite, human wisdom, albeit divinely granted; Jesus is the very **incarnation of divine wisdom** ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Solomon's kingdom was earthly and temporary; Jesus's kingdom is eternal and spiritual ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). Solomon's glory was a reflection of God's blessing; Jesus is the **radiance of God's glory** and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Solomon was a fallible man who eventually strayed; Jesus is **perfect and sinless** ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Ultimately, Jesus is greater because He is God Himself, the source of all wisdom and truth, while Solomon was merely a recipient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:42 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's identity as the embodiment of God's wisdom and the final revelation of His truth. The Queen of Sheba's arduous journey to seek Solomon's earthly wisdom foreshadows the spiritual pilgrimage believers undertake to find true wisdom in Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely given, was but a shadow of the perfect, inexhaustible wisdom found in Jesus, who is Himself "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). The condemnation of "this generation" by the Queen of the South highlights the profound tragedy of rejecting the incarnate Word, the very light of the world ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")). In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are All Treasures of Wisdom")), making Him the ultimate object of our spiritual pursuit. His presence among humanity was the greatest sign God could offer, fulfilling the Old Testament longing for divine wisdom and demonstrating that God's ultimate revelation is not in a king or a prophet, but in His Son, through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - The Supremacy of Christ")). Thus, the verse powerfully proclaims Jesus's unique and supreme authority as the one who perfectly reveals God and offers true, eternal wisdom to all who seek Him.

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 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.

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.

2 Chronicles 9:12

And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:4

¶ Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Luke 11:31

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.