What does 1 Kings 3:18 mean?

"And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house." - 1 Kings 3:18

"And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house." - 1 Kings 3:18

The verse 1 Kings 3:18 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house."

This verse is from the story of King Solomon's famous judgment involving two women who claimed to be the mother of the same baby. The story is found in 1 Kings 3:16-28, and it is a demonstration of Solomon's wisdom and discernment as a leader.

In this verse, one of the women involved in the dispute is recounting the events to the king. She explains that she and the other woman were alone in the house when both of their babies were born, and there was no one else present at the time. This testimony is crucial in the case as it establishes a clear timeline and removes any doubt about the circumstances of the births.

The context of this verse is essential to understanding its significance. Solomon had just become king after the death of his father, David. In the early days of his reign, he was visited by the Lord in a dream, during which he was offered wisdom, riches, and long life. Solomon chose wisdom, and his judgment in the case of the two women is a prime example of the divine wisdom that he received.

The themes in this verse revolve around justice, wisdom, and discernment. The account of Solomon's judgment highlights the importance of having a wise and discerning leader who can make fair and just decisions. It also underscores the value of truthful testimony in the pursuit of justice.

Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The fact that the two women were alone in the house when their babies were born represents the isolated and intimate nature of the situation. The absence of any witnesses emphasizes the significance of their testimonies and makes the case solely reliant on the truthfulness of their accounts.

Furthermore, the unity of the two women in their shared experience of giving birth is symbolic of the bond that all mothers share in the joys and challenges of motherhood. The situation also brings to light the vulnerability of motherhood and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect and care for her child.

Overall, 1 Kings 3:18 is a crucial verse in the story of Solomon's judgment, showcasing the wisdom and discernment that he received from God. It underscores the importance of truth and justice while also highlighting the universal experiences and emotions of motherhood. The verse serves as a powerful example of the profound wisdom and insight that Solomon possessed, setting the stage for his legendary reign as king.

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1 Kings 3:18 Artwork

1 Kings 3:18 - "And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house."

1 Kings 3:18 - "And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house."

"And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house." - 1 Kings 3:18

"And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house." - 1 Kings 3:18

1 Kings 18:3 - "And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:"

1 Kings 18:3 - "And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:"

1 kings 3:15

1 kings 3:15

1 kings 3:12

1 kings 3:12

1 kings 3:15

1 kings 3:15

1 Kings 3:9

1 Kings 3:9

1 Kings 19:1-18

1 Kings 19:1-18

2 Kings 3:18 - "And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand."

2 Kings 3:18 - "And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand."

1 Kings 4:18 - "Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:"

1 Kings 4:18 - "Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:"

1 Kings 9:18 - "And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,"

1 Kings 9:18 - "And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,"

"And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:" - 1 Kings 18:3

"And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:" - 1 Kings 18:3

2 Kings 1:18 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"

2 Kings 1:18 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"

2 Kings 18:3 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did."

2 Kings 18:3 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did."

1 Kings 1:18 - "And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:"

1 Kings 1:18 - "And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:"

Lamentations 3:1-18

Lamentations 3:1-18

1 Kings 10:18 - "¶ Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold."

1 Kings 10:18 - "¶ Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold."

1 Kings 2:18 - "And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king."

1 Kings 2:18 - "And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king."

1 Kings 18:2 - "And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria."

1 Kings 18:2 - "And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria."

Elijah in the scene 1 Kings 18:36–38

Elijah in the scene 1 Kings 18:36–38

1 Kings 18:35 - "And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water."

1 Kings 18:35 - "And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water."

1 Kings 18:11 - "And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here."

1 Kings 18:11 - "And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here."

1 Kings 18:18 - "And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim."

1 Kings 18:18 - "And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim."

1 Kings 3:10 - "And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing."

1 Kings 3:10 - "And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing."

"Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:" - 1 Kings 4:18

"Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:" - 1 Kings 4:18

"And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land," - 1 Kings 9:18

"And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land," - 1 Kings 9:18

1 Kings 3:19 - "And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it."

1 Kings 3:19 - "And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it."

1 Kings 3:24 - "And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king."

1 Kings 3:24 - "And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king."

1 Kings 3:16 - "¶ Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him."

1 Kings 3:16 - "¶ Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him."

1 Kings 18:16 - "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah."

1 Kings 18:16 - "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah."