1 Kings 10 23

1 Kings 10:23 kjv

So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.

1 Kings 10:23 nkjv

So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

1 Kings 10:23 niv

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.

1 Kings 10:23 esv

Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.

1 Kings 10:23 nlt

So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king on earth.

1 Kings 10 verses

1 Kings 10 23 Meaning

King Solomon attained a level of riches and wisdom that surpassed all other monarchs known to the world in his time. This verse functions as a summary statement, affirming that the blessings promised by God—both exceptional sagacity and vast material prosperity—were fulfilled in Solomon's reign, setting him apart as the most renowned and powerful king.

1 Kings 10 23 Context

First Kings chapter 10 recounts the zenith of King Solomon's reign, particularly detailing the awe-inspiring visit of the Queen of Sheba who traveled from a distant land specifically to test Solomon's acclaimed wisdom and confirm reports of his immense wealth. Having witnessed his opulent court, the abundance of his provisions, the intricate order of his administration, and most significantly, the profound answers to her complex questions, the queen conceded that the reality far exceeded the renown. The verses preceding 1 Kings 10:23 elaborate on Solomon's annual income of gold, the gold shields he forged, his grand ivory and gold throne, and the precious materials used in his temple and palace, all testifying to unprecedented national prosperity. Verse 23 thus serves as a culminating summary statement, affirming that this observed reality placed Solomon in a league of his own, unmatched by any other king on earth in both sagacity and material glory, fulfilling the conditional covenant God had established with him earlier in his reign (1 Ki 3:13).

1 Kings 10 23 Word analysis

• So (וְ - veh): This simple Hebrew conjunction acts as a summary and consequential marker, indicating that what follows is the conclusion drawn from the detailed descriptions of Solomon's wisdom and wealth in the preceding verses. It links the extraordinary observations directly to the declaration of his preeminence.
• King Solomon (הַמֶּלֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹה - ha-melech Shlomo): Explicitly identifies the specific individual. "Ha-melech" (the king) signifies his royal office, while "Shlomo" is the given name meaning "peaceful," which reflects the peaceful era of his reign during which these immense blessings accrued.
• exceeded (גָּדַל - gadal): The root verb means "to be great," "grow," or "become great." Here, it conveys an unparalleled sense of qualitative and quantitative greatness or supremacy. It implies not merely having more, but being superior and truly exceptional compared to others. This speaks to a divine elevation, not just human accumulation.
• all the kings of the earth (מִכֹּל מַלְכֵי הָאָרֶץ - mi-kol malchei ha'aretz): "Mi-kol" means "from all" or "more than all." "Malchei" (kings) refers to rulers. "Ha'aretz" (the earth/land) in this global context, particularly after the Queen of Sheba's international visit, refers to the entire known world. This phrase emphasizes the absolute and universal nature of Solomon's supremacy, not merely over regional rulers, but over every contemporary monarch known or imagined. It presents his fame and fortune as genuinely global.
• in riches (בָּעֹשֶׁר - ba'osher): "Ba-" means "in" or "by means of," and "osher" means "wealth" or "riches." This refers to his immense material prosperity, including vast quantities of gold, silver, precious stones, trade income, and abundant resources detailed throughout chapter 10. This was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to give him "riches and honor" (1 Ki 3:13).
• and wisdom (וּבְחָכְמָה - u-vechachma): "U-" is "and," and "chachma" means "wisdom," referring to the divine intellectual gift Solomon specifically sought from God. This is not mere human cunning but a supernatural capacity for understanding, discernment, righteous judgment, and comprehensive knowledge (1 Ki 4:29-30). This divine wisdom allowed him to govern justly, build efficiently, and comprehend profound truths.

• "So King Solomon": Highlights that the extraordinary outcome (Solomon's greatness) is directly connected to the divine enablement and specific details mentioned previously, such as God's gift of wisdom and subsequent wealth.
• "exceeded all the kings of the earth": This phrase asserts Solomon's absolute and unparalleled preeminence among all contemporary rulers, establishing him as truly unique. It signifies a status divinely bestowed, going beyond typical human political or military ascendancy.
• "in riches and wisdom": The juxtaposition of these two elements is crucial. His riches were not accidental but largely a consequence of his divinely given wisdom. His wisdom guided his administration, trade, and even his construction projects, leading to prosperity. Conversely, his vast riches were evidence of the practical success that flowed from his superior wisdom, yet also served as a potential spiritual stumbling block as seen later in his reign. This duo embodies the fullness of God's blessings and honor upon him.

1 Kings 10 23 Bonus section

The statement in 1 Kings 10:23 carries a subtle but powerful polemic against the boasts of other ancient Near Eastern kings. Monarchs like those of Egypt, Assyria, or Babylon often claimed divine favor, unparalleled wealth, and superior wisdom (often tied to magical or priestly knowledge). By stating unequivocally that "King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth," the Bible asserts the supremacy of Israel's God, Yahweh, over all pagan deities and their human representatives. Solomon's wisdom, unlike the arcane arts of other cultures, was portrayed as a practical, divinely gifted discernment leading to justice, prosperity, and peace, directly demonstrating God's sovereign hand. This verse also establishes a typological benchmark. For the ancient audience, Solomon represented the ideal, blessed king, the one through whom God’s blessings flowed most abundantly. This established a foundation for understanding the ultimate King, Jesus, who is greater in wisdom (true, heavenly wisdom), in riches (spiritual, eternal riches), and whose kingdom far surpasses the temporary glory of Solomon’s.

1 Kings 10 23 Commentary

This verse encapsulates the apex of Solomon's earthly reign, portraying him as divinely exalted above all other monarchs in terms of both material wealth and intellectual/spiritual sagacity. It directly confirms God's faithful fulfillment of His covenantal promise to Solomon (1 Ki 3:13), making clear that his unparalleled status was a supernatural endowment. The verse is a strong affirmation of God's power to elevate His chosen, showcasing an era of profound blessings. However, it implicitly hints at the potential pitfalls of such greatness, particularly in the Old Testament context where earthly prosperity often tests spiritual devotion, leading to later declension as kings accumulated the very things warned against (Deut 17:16-17). The absolute language ("all the kings of the earth") underscores the unique position Solomon held as a result of YHWH's favor, setting the stage for future comparisons and typological connections, most notably with Christ, who later declares Himself "something greater than Solomon."