1 Kings 11:3
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
And he had seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} wives {H802}, princesses {H8282}, and three {H7969} hundred {H3967} concubines {H6370}: and his wives {H802} turned away {H5186} his heart {H3820}.
He had 700 wives, all princesses, and 300 concubines; and his wives turned his heart away.
He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.
Cross-References
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Ecclesiastes 7:28 (3 votes)
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. -
2 Samuel 5:13 (3 votes)
And David took [him] more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David. -
2 Samuel 5:16 (3 votes)
And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet. -
2 Samuel 3:2 (2 votes)
And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; -
2 Samuel 3:5 (2 votes)
And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. -
Judges 8:30 (2 votes)
And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. -
Judges 8:31 (2 votes)
And his concubine that [was] in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.
Commentary
1 Kings 11:3 (KJV)
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
Commentary
This verse describes the immense size of King Solomon's harem and its detrimental effect on his spiritual life. Coming after chapters detailing his unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, it marks a turning point, introducing the reasons for his eventual decline and the division of his kingdom.
Historical and Cultural Context: Kings in the ancient Near East often had multiple wives and concubines, partly as a display of wealth and power, and frequently to seal political alliances with foreign nations. The mention of "princesses" indicates many of these were indeed marriages of state. However, the scale of Solomon's harem (1000 women) was extraordinary, and directly violated the command God gave to future kings of Israel in Deuteronomy 17:17: "Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away."
Key Themes and Messages: The primary theme is the danger of compromise and the seductive power of foreign influences leading to spiritual apostasy. Despite his great wisdom, Solomon allowed his relationships to lead him into disobedience. The verse highlights how worldly connections, especially those that bring in foreign gods and practices (as described in the following verses), can pull even the most devout heart away from exclusive loyalty to God. It underscores the principle that close relationships shape our spiritual path.
Linguistic Insights: The phrase "turned away his heart" is crucial. The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵבָב - *levav*) refers not just to emotions but to the inner person – the mind, will, and core character. Thus, his wives didn't just distract him emotionally; they fundamentally shifted his devotion, loyalty, and focus away from the Lord.
Cross-references: See Deuteronomy 17:17 for the command violated by Solomon. Nehemiah 13:26 later references Solomon's sin regarding foreign women.
Practical Application: This verse serves as a powerful warning. Even those blessed with great wisdom and success are vulnerable to having their hearts turned away from God by worldly desires, relationships, or pursuits that are not aligned with His will. It emphasizes the need to guard our hearts and choose relationships and influences that draw us closer to God, not away from Him.
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