In Luke 11:31, is there credible historical evidence affirming that the Queen of the South recognized a divine wisdom comparable to, or foreshadowing, that of Jesus?

Historical and Scriptural Context of Luke 11:31

Luke 11:31 states, “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.” This verse places Jesus’ ministry in direct comparison to the wisdom granted to Solomon in the Old Testament. The “Queen of the South” refers to the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1–9; 2 Chronicles 9:1–8), a royal figure who traveled great distances to test Solomon’s famed insight and to behold the wealth and grandeur of his court.

Identification of the Queen of the South

The Queen of Sheba is most often identified with the ancient kingdom of Sheba, located in the southern Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Yemen) or possibly including regions across the Red Sea in Ethiopia. Historical trade documents and archaeological findings related to the incense routes of Arabia attest to the extensive wealth and influence of Sheba, supporting the plausibility of such a monarch making a royal journey to Israel.

Ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, in his work “Antiquities of the Jews” (Book VIII), also mentions the Queen of Sheba’s visit, lending extra-biblical corroboration to the account. Although Josephus expands on certain details, his narrative aligns generally with 1 Kings 10, suggesting that the queen was deeply impressed not only by Solomon’s court but especially by the wisdom that had been credited to divine bestowal (1 Kings 10:9).

Recognition of Divine Wisdom

In 1 Kings 10:1–2, the queen’s intent is highlighted: “Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the Name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan…” This indicates her main purpose was to discover the source behind Solomon’s extraordinary insight. The phrase “concerning the Name of the LORD” implies that Solomon’s reputation included divine endorsement.

Upon witnessing Solomon’s answers, she testified in 1 Kings 10:8–9, “How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom. Blessed be the LORD your God…” Her acclaim of Israel’s God suggests she recognized something beyond mere human brilliance at work. This acknowledgment is historically significant because it underscores an external, foreign ruler attributing Solomon’s insights to the intervention and presence of Israel’s God—thereby lending credibility to the notion that the queen perceived a measure of divine wisdom.

Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Greater Wisdom

Jesus’ use of the Queen of the South in Luke 11:31 demonstrates that, although Solomon’s wisdom was unparalleled among mortals of his day, it was ultimately a shadow of the greater wisdom embodied in Christ. By stating “and now One greater than Solomon is here,” Jesus implies His own divine authority and knowledge surpass Solomon’s (cf. Colossians 2:2–3, where Christ is described as the mystery of God “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”).

The Queen of Sheba’s veneration of Solomon’s God-given wisdom thus acts as an illustrative parallel, foreshadowing how people would later recognize—though some would reject—Jesus’ superior wisdom and authority as the Messiah. The queen traveled from afar to test and confirm what she had heard. In the same way, those who encountered Jesus were called to test and confirm that He was indeed the promised Messiah endowed with the wisdom of God (Matthew 11:2–6; John 1:14).

Extra-Biblical Traditions and Cultural Evidence

Beyond the biblical text, some Ethiopian and Arabian traditions carry legends of the Queen of Sheba’s lasting influence, affirming her historical importance. While details vary, these accounts emphasize her royal status, significant wealth, and interest in spiritual matters. Although these traditions are not inspired Scripture, their very existence demonstrates the broad cultural memory of a figure who sought uncommon insight. This converges with the biblical record, consistently portraying her as drawn to the distinct, God-derived wisdom of Solomon.

Archaeological studies in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa have uncovered inscriptions, remains of temples, and routes used for major caravans carrying spices, gold, and precious stones—items mentioned in the biblical narrative (1 Kings 10:2). While direct mention of the queen in these discoveries is rare, the broader cultural context firmly supports the feasibility of her extensive journey and her bringing lavish gifts to honor Solomon.

Validity of Jesus’ Allusion to the Queen of the South

Since Jesus’ ministry was firmly rooted in Old Testament references, His citation of the Queen of the South further indicates His acceptance of the event’s historicity. Biblical scholars note that Jesus anchors His teachings in known accounts (e.g., comparisons to Jonah in Luke 11:32, references to Elijah and Elisha in Luke 4:25–27). Therefore, Christ’s mention of the queen implies a figure recognized historically by His first-century audience.

From a manuscript perspective, the inclusion of this reference in the Gospel of Luke—alongside parallel considerations in Matthew 12:42—remains well-attested in the earliest Greek manuscripts and accepted by textual critics as a genuine saying of Jesus. The internal consistency and external corroborations continue to uphold the Queen of Sheba’s visit as a credible historical event.

Implications of the Queen’s Testimony

Jesus’ invocation of the Queen of the South serves as a rebuke to the unbelief of His contemporaries. She traveled across long distances, based solely on word-of-mouth reports, just to verify the presence of supernatural wisdom. Conversely, certain individuals in Jesus’ day witnessed miracle after miracle, heard His teaching first-hand, and yet still refused to acknowledge the divine source of His authority (Luke 10:13–15).

By highlighting this figure who recognized God’s hand in Solomon’s wisdom, the biblical record sets a precedent: if the wisdom endowed by the LORD was convincing enough to a foreign queen, then the far superior wisdom displayed by Jesus should elicit an even stronger recognition. This contrast underlines the seriousness of failing to honor “One greater than Solomon.”

Conclusion

Credible historical evidences—from Scripture, Jewish historians like Josephus, and broader Middle Eastern and African traditions—support the claim that the Queen of Sheba (Queen of the South) recognized a divinely conferred wisdom in Solomon. Her visit and subsequent commendation point forward to the greater wisdom and kingdom ushered in by Jesus. Moved by Solomon’s gifted insight, the queen foreshadows how open hearts respond to true divine wisdom.

When Jesus proclaims that “One greater than Solomon is here,” He affirms both the veracity of the Queen of Sheba’s account and His own superior claim to the fullness of God’s wisdom. Christ’s inclusion of this historical figure stands not only as a testimony to the reliability of the Old Testament narrative but also as a call for all to recognize and embrace the ultimate source of divine wisdom in Him.