1 Kings 10:7
New International Version
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.

New Living Translation
I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it! Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told.

English Standard Version
but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard.

Berean Standard Bible
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.

King James Bible
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

New King James Version
However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard.

New American Standard Bible
But I did not believe the stories until I came and my own eyes saw it all. And behold, the half of it was not reported to me. You have exceeded in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.

NASB 1995
“Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.

NASB 1977
“Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.

Legacy Standard Bible
Nevertheless I did not believe those words, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not declared to me. You exceed, in wisdom and prosperity, the report which I heard.

Amplified Bible
I did not believe the report until I came and saw it with my own eyes. Behold, the half of it was not told to me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.

Christian Standard Bible
But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the report I heard.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the report I heard.

American Standard Version
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me; thy wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.

Contemporary English Version
But I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes! And there's so much I didn't hear about. You are wiser and richer than I was told.

English Revised Version
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But I didn't believe the reports until I came and saw it with my own eyes. I wasn't even told half of it. Your wisdom and wealth surpass the stories I've heard.

Good News Translation
But I couldn't believe it until I had come and seen it all for myself. But I didn't hear even half of it; your wisdom and wealth are much greater than what I was told.

International Standard Version
"but I didn't believe it at first! But then I came here and I've seen it for myself! It's amazing! I wasn't told half of what's really great about your wisdom. You're far better in person than what the reports have said about you!

Majority Standard Bible
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.

NET Bible
I did not believe these things until I came and saw them with my own eyes. Indeed, I didn't hear even half the story! Your wisdom and wealth surpass what was reported to me.

New Heart English Bible
However I did not believe the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it. Look, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.

Webster's Bible Translation
Howbeit, I believed not the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it: and behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.

World English Bible
However, I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I gave no credence to the words until I have come, and my eyes see, and behold, not [even] half was declared to me; you have added wisdom and goodness to the report that I heard.

Young's Literal Translation
and I gave no credence to the words till that I have come, and my eyes see, and lo, it was not declared to me -- the half; thou hast added wisdom and goodness unto the report that I heard.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I believed not the words until I came, and mine eyes will see it: and behold, the half was not announced to me: thou didst add wisdom and good to the report which I heard.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Concerning thy words, and concerning thy wisdom. And I did not believe them that told me, till I came myself, and saw with my own eyes, and have found that the half hath not been told me: thy wisdom and thy works, exceed the fame which I heard.

Catholic Public Domain Version
about your words and your wisdom. But I did not believe those who explained it to me, until I went myself and saw it with my own eyes. And I have discovered that the half of it has not been told to me: your wisdom and works are greater than the report that I have heard.

New American Bible
“I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes that not even the half had been told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard.

New Revised Standard Version
but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. Not even half had been told me; your wisdom and prosperity far surpass the report that I had heard.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Howbeit I did not believe the words until I came, and my own eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me; your wisdom and prosperity exceed the report which I heard.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I did not believe the report until I came and my eyes saw, and behold, half was not shown to me. The wisdom and the prosperity greatly excels the report that I heard.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me; thou hast wisdom and prosperity exceeding the fame which I heard.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But I believed not them that told me, until I came and my eyes saw: and, behold, the words as they reported to me are not the half: thou hast exceeded in goodness all the report which I heard in my land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Queen of Sheba
6She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. 7But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard. 8How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 9:6
But I did not believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not half of the greatness of your wisdom was told to me. You have far exceeded the report I heard.

Matthew 12:42
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.

Luke 11:31
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.

1 Kings 4:34
So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

1 Kings 3:12
behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 4:29-31
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

2 Chronicles 1:12
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.”

Proverbs 8:5-6
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. / Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.

Proverbs 8:18
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.

Proverbs 8:32-34
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. / Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. / Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.

Isaiah 60:5
Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you.

Isaiah 60:6
Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:9
So this city will bring Me renown, joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, who will hear of all the good I do for it. They will tremble in awe because of all the goodness and prosperity that I will provide for it.

Ezekiel 27:3
Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’


Treasury of Scripture

However, I believed not the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: your wisdom and prosperity exceeds the fame which I heard.

I believed

Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Zechariah 9:17
For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

Mark 16:11
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

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Added Believe Believed Credence Credit Declared Exceed Exceedest Exceeding Eyes Faith Fame Far Goodness Greater Half Heard Howbeit However Indeed Nevertheless Prosperity Report Reports Story Surpass Wealth Wisdom Words
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1 Kings 10
1. The queen of Sheba admires the wisdom of Solomon
14. Solomon's gold
16. His targets
18. The throne of ivory
21. His vessels
24. His presents
26. his chariots and horse
28. his tribute














But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes.
This phrase reflects the skepticism that often accompanies reports of extraordinary events or people. In the context of 1 Kings 10, the Queen of Sheba had heard of Solomon's wisdom and wealth, but she needed to witness it personally to believe it. This mirrors the biblical principle of seeking truth and verifying claims, as seen in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. The Queen's journey from Sheba, likely modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, underscores the fame of Solomon's reign and the far-reaching influence of Israel at the time. Her visit also highlights the importance of firsthand experience in understanding and verifying truth, a principle that is echoed in the New Testament when Thomas doubts the resurrection until he sees Jesus himself (John 20:24-29).

Indeed, not even half was told to me.
This statement emphasizes the extent of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, which exceeded even the grand reports that had reached the Queen of Sheba. It suggests that Solomon's reputation was so remarkable that even exaggerated accounts fell short of reality. This can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12-13, where God grants him unparalleled wisdom and wealth. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the limitations of human testimony and the often greater reality of God's blessings and works, which can surpass human understanding and expectation, as echoed in Ephesians 3:20, where God is described as able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.
The Queen of Sheba's acknowledgment of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity highlights the divine favor upon Solomon's reign. His wisdom, a gift from God, was not only intellectual but also practical, affecting governance, justice, and international relations. This wisdom is a type of Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Solomon's prosperity, marked by wealth, peace, and expansive trade, reflects the blessings of obedience to God's covenant, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28. The Queen's recognition of Solomon's greatness serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the potential for God's people to be a light to the nations, a theme that is central to the mission of Israel and later the Church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Queen of Sheba
A monarch from a wealthy kingdom, likely in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, who visits King Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions.

2. King Solomon
The son of King David, known for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon's court and the Temple are located, serving as the center of worship and governance.

4. The Visit
The Queen of Sheba's journey to Jerusalem to witness Solomon's wisdom and wealth firsthand, which leads to her acknowledgment of God's blessing upon Solomon.

5. The Report
The initial accounts of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity that reached the Queen of Sheba, prompting her visit.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of Wisdom
The Queen of Sheba's journey underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and truth, even at great personal expense and effort.

God's Blessing and Testimony
Solomon's wisdom and prosperity serve as a testimony to God's blessing, reminding believers that their lives should reflect God's glory.

Seeing is Believing
The Queen's initial skepticism and subsequent belief upon seeing Solomon's wisdom firsthand illustrate the power of personal experience in faith.

The Half Has Not Been Told
This phrase highlights the abundance of God's blessings, encouraging believers to trust that God's plans and provisions exceed human expectations.

Recognition of Divine Wisdom
The Queen's acknowledgment of Solomon's wisdom points to the ultimate recognition of Christ's superior wisdom and authority.Verse 7. - Howbeit, I believed not the words ["Fame, as it is always a blab, so ofttimes a liar" (Bp. Hall)] until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and behold, the half was not told me; thy wisdom and prosperity exceeded the fame [Heb. thou hast added wisdom and good to the report] which I heard.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But I did not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

believe
הֶאֱמַ֣נְתִּי (he·’ĕ·man·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

these things
לַדְּבָרִ֗ים (lad·də·ḇā·rîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

until
עַ֤ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

I came
בָּ֙אתִי֙ (bā·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and saw
וַתִּרְאֶ֣ינָה (wat·tir·’e·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

with my own eyes.
עֵינַ֔י (‘ê·nay)
Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

Indeed,
וְהִנֵּ֥ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

not even
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

half
הַחֵ֑צִי (ha·ḥê·ṣî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

was told
הֻגַּד־ (hug·gaḏ-)
Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to me.
לִ֖י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

Your wisdom
חָכְמָה֙ (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and prosperity
וָט֔וֹב (wā·ṭō·wḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

have far
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

exceeded
הוֹסַ֤פְתָּ (hō·w·sap̄·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

the report
הַשְּׁמוּעָ֖ה (haš·šə·mū·‘āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8052: Something heard, an announcement

I heard.
שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃ (šā·mā·‘ə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently


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OT History: 1 Kings 10:7 However I didn't believe the words until (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 10:6
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