1 Kings 3:9
New International Version
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

New Living Translation
Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

English Standard Version
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

King James Bible
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

New King James Version
Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

New American Standard Bible
So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil. For who is capable of judging this great people of Yours?”

NASB 1995
“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

NASB 1977
“So give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Thine?”

Legacy Standard Bible
So give Your slave a listening heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this glorious people of Yours?”

Amplified Bible
So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart [with which] to judge Your people, so that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge and rule this great people of Yours?”

Christian Standard Bible
So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

American Standard Version
Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people?

Contemporary English Version
Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

English Revised Version
Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?"

Good News Translation
So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"

International Standard Version
So give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, so I can discern between good and evil. Otherwise, how will I be able to govern this great people of yours?"

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours??

NET Bible
So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours."

New Heart English Bible
Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

World English Bible
Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and You have given an understanding heart to Your servant, to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

Young's Literal Translation
and Thou hast given to Thy servant an understanding heart, to judge Thy people, to discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this Thy great people?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And give to thy servant a heart to hear to judge thy people to discern between good to evil: for who shall be able to judge this thy weighty people?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people, and discern between good and evil. For who shall be able to judge this people, thy people which is so numerous?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, give to your servant a teachable heart, so that he may be able to judge your people, and to discern between good and evil. For who will be able to judge this people, your people, who are so many?”

New American Bible
Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and evil. For who is able to give judgment for this vast people of yours?”

New Revised Standard Version
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people and to discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Give to your servant a hearing heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil, for who can judge this, your great people?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Give Thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this Thy great people?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thou shalt give therefore to thy servant a heart to hear and to judge thy people justly, and to discern between good and evil: for who will be able to judge this thy great people?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom
8Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. 9Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

2 Chronicles 1:10
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

Psalm 119:66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.


Treasury of Scripture

Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this your so great a people?

Give therefore

1 Chronicles 22:12
Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

1 Chronicles 29:19
And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

2 Chronicles 1:10
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

understanding [heb] hearing

Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

to judge

1 Kings 3:28
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

Psalm 72:1,2
A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son…

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

discern

2 Samuel 14:17
Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.

Isaiah 11:2-4
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; …

1 Corinthians 2:14,15
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned…

who is able

Exodus 3:11,12
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? …

Exodus 4:10-13
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue…

Jeremiah 1:6
Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

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Able Bad Discern Discerning Distinguish Evil Good Govern Great Heart Judge Judging Mind Numerous Right Servant Understanding Wise Wrong
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Able Bad Discern Discerning Distinguish Evil Good Govern Great Heart Judge Judging Mind Numerous Right Servant Understanding Wise Wrong
1 Kings 3
1. Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter
2. High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon
5. Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him,
10. preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor
16. Solomon's judgment makes him renowned














Therefore give
The word "give" in Hebrew is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a bestowal or granting of something that is not inherently possessed. Solomon acknowledges that wisdom is a divine gift, not a human achievement. This reflects a humble recognition of human limitations and a dependence on God’s grace. In the context of ancient Israel, kings were expected to rule with divine wisdom, and Solomon’s request sets a precedent for seeking God’s guidance in leadership.

Your servant
The term "servant" in Hebrew is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes a position of humility and submission. Solomon, despite being a king, identifies himself as a servant of God, highlighting the biblical principle that true leadership is rooted in servanthood. This aligns with the broader scriptural narrative where leaders are called to serve God and His people, not to exalt themselves.

an understanding heart
The phrase "understanding heart" translates from the Hebrew "לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ" (lev shomea), literally meaning "a hearing heart." This implies more than intellectual knowledge; it suggests a heart attuned to God’s voice and the needs of the people. In biblical anthropology, the heart is the center of moral and spiritual life. Solomon’s request for an understanding heart underscores the importance of empathy and discernment in leadership.

to judge Your people
The verb "judge" in Hebrew is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), which encompasses the roles of governing, leading, and making judicial decisions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king was often the supreme judge, responsible for maintaining justice and righteousness. Solomon’s request reflects his desire to fulfill this role with integrity, ensuring that his judgments align with God’s standards.

and to discern between good and evil
The word "discern" in Hebrew is "בִּין" (bin), meaning to understand or perceive. This phrase echoes the moral dichotomy established in the Garden of Eden, where humanity first encountered the knowledge of good and evil. Solomon’s request for discernment highlights the need for moral clarity and wisdom in distinguishing right from wrong, a crucial aspect of godly leadership.

For who is able
This rhetorical question emphasizes human inadequacy in the face of divine tasks. Solomon acknowledges that without God’s wisdom, no one is capable of ruling justly. This humility is a key characteristic of biblical leadership, recognizing that true capability comes from God alone.

to govern this great people of Yours?
The word "govern" in Hebrew is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), reiterating the king’s role as a judge and leader. The phrase "this great people" reflects the magnitude and significance of Israel as God’s chosen nation. Solomon’s recognition of the people as belonging to God underscores the responsibility and privilege of leading them according to divine will. This perspective encourages leaders to view their roles as stewards of God’s people, accountable to Him for their governance.

Verse 9. - Give therefore thy servant an understanding [Heb. hearing. Cf. ver. 11 (Heb. "to hear judgment.") The idea is not docility, as the Vulg. (cor docile), but discrimination, penetration. Cf. 2 Samuel 14:17 (Heb.); Philippians 1:9, 10 (marg.)] heart [i.e., a judicial mind. The "hearing heart" was desired, not that it might "give heed to the law" (Keil), but to qualify him] to Judge thy people [The Hebrew king, like most ancient monarchs, was supreme judge as well as governor ("prince and judge," Exodus 5:14; and cf. Exodus 18:16). The Jews desired a king that he might judge them (1 Samuel 8:5). Their rulers so far had been purely "Judges" (שֹׁפְטִים; compare the Carthaginian name, suffetes.) When they desired one who should, lead their armies, they still put his judicial functions in the first place (loc. cit. ver. 20). And what were the duties of a king in this respect, Absalom's words (2 Samuel 15:4) show. In vers. 16-28 we see Solomon sitting as Chief Justice], that I may discern between good and bad [i.e., right and wrong, true and false; cf. Hebrews 5:14): for who is able to judge this thy so great [Heb. heavy, i.e., numerous; compare graves greges] a people. [The number of the Israelites at this period is referred to in 1 Kings 4:20.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Therefore give
וְנָתַתָּ֨ (wə·nā·ṯa·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

Your servant
לְעַבְדְּךָ֜ (lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

an understanding
שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙ (šō·mê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

heart
לֵ֤ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

to judge
לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט (liš·pōṭ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

Your people
עַמְּךָ֔ (‘am·mə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and to discern
לְהָבִ֖ין (lə·hā·ḇîn)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

between
בֵּֽין־ (bên-)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

good
ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

and evil.
לְרָ֑ע (lə·rā‘)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

who
מִ֤י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is able
יוּכַל֙ (yū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

to govern
לִשְׁפֹּ֔ט (liš·pōṭ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

this
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

great
הַכָּבֵ֖ד (hak·kā·ḇêḏ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3515: Heavy

people of Yours?”
עַמְּךָ֥ (‘am·mə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock


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OT History: 1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 3:8
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