1 Kings 10:4 kjv
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,
1 Kings 10:4 nkjv
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
1 Kings 10:4 niv
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built,
1 Kings 10:4 esv
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
1 Kings 10:4 nlt
When the queen of Sheba realized how very wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built,
1 Kings 10 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 3:9-12 | Give your servant therefore an understanding mind... Lord said to Solomon... | God grants Solomon wisdom. |
| 1 Kgs 4:29-30 | And God gave Solomon wisdom... so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed... | Divine source of Solomon's unparalleled wisdom. |
| 1 Kgs 6:1 | In the four hundred and eightieth year... he began to build the house... | Commencement of Temple building. |
| 1 Kgs 7:1 | Solomon was building his own house thirteen years; he finished... | Solomon's palace construction time. |
| 2 Chron 1:10-12 | Give me wisdom and knowledge... God answered Solomon, “Because this... | Parallel account of wisdom granted. |
| 2 Chron 9:4 | And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon... | Parallel account, echoing the same observation. |
| Ps 72:10-11 | May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute... | Prophecy of distant kings bringing tribute. |
| Prov 8:15-16 | By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just... | Wisdom as the foundation for just governance. |
| Isa 60:6 | All those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense... | Gentiles bringing gifts to God's people. |
| Matt 12:42 | The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation... | Jesus highlights her seeking of Solomon's wisdom. |
| Lk 11:31 | The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men... | Echoes Matthew, emphasizing her seeking. |
| Jn 2:19-21 | Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will... | Christ as the ultimate 'Temple'. |
| Col 2:3 | In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ as the source of all true wisdom. |
| Eph 2:20-22 | Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself.. | The Church as a spiritual Temple for God. |
| Rev 21:22 | And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty... | God and the Lamb as the Temple in New Jerusalem. |
| Exo 25:8 | And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. | God's desire to dwell among His people. |
| Hag 2:9 | The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former... | Prophecy of a greater Temple glory (spiritual). |
| 1 Kgs 10:9 | Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you... | Her subsequent praise of God due to what she saw. |
| Neh 1:3-4 | ...the wall of Jerusalem was broken down... wept and mourned for many days.. | Contrast to Jerusalem's later ruined state. |
| Isa 2:2-3 | In the latter days the mountain of the house of the Lord... and all nations.. | Nations coming to God's house/truth. |
1 Kings 10 verses
1 Kings 10 4 Meaning
This verse marks a pivotal point in the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. Having already posed her questions and received satisfying answers (1 Kgs 10:3), she now undertakes a comprehensive visual assessment of Solomon's kingdom. Her observation encompasses two primary aspects: "all Solomon's wisdom," implying the manifested effects of his extraordinary understanding, and "the house that he had built," referring to his magnificent building projects, most notably the Temple and his royal palace complex. Her seeing here signifies not just a casual glance, but a thorough, discerning observation leading to a profound realization and eventual awe.
1 Kings 10 4 Context
First Kings Chapter 10 vividly narrates the renowned visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. Having heard of Solomon's fame concerning the name of the Lord (1 Kgs 10:1), she travels to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. The preceding verse (1 Kgs 10:3) describes Solomon's mastery in answering all her inquiries, leaving no hidden thing from her. This verse (1 Kgs 10:4) then shifts the focus from Solomon's spoken wisdom to the tangible, observable manifestations of his wisdom and divinely granted prosperity.
Historically, Solomon's reign marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by immense wealth, political stability, and unparalleled building programs. This period fulfilled God's promises of blessing and rest for Israel under David's lineage. The Queen of Sheba's visit underscores the global recognition of God's blessing on Israel through Solomon, serving as an important symbol of the nations being drawn to the light of God's people.
1 Kings 10 4 Word analysis
- And when: This conjunction "And when" (Hebrew: וַתֵּרֶא, va-ttere') acts as a pivotal transition, highlighting the immediate consequence of the Queen's engagement with Solomon's verbal wisdom. It signals a shift from auditory perception (hearing answers) to visual observation, emphasizing that her discernment was comprehensive.
- the queen of Sheba: (Hebrew: מַלְכַּת שְׁבָא, malkat Sh'va) "Sheba" refers to a powerful and wealthy ancient kingdom, widely believed to be located in modern-day Yemen. Her high status and remote origin amplify the significance of her journey and testimony. She represents the distant ends of the earth recognizing God's work.
- had seen: (Hebrew: וַתֵּרֶא, va-ttere', from the root רָאָה, ra'ah, meaning "to see," "perceive," "discern"). This verb implies a deep, intelligent observation, not a mere glance. It signifies that she absorbed and understood what she witnessed, leading to a profound impression and conviction.
- all Solomon's wisdom: (Hebrew: כָּל־חָכְמַת שְׁלֹמֹה, kol-chokhmat Sh'lomo). The word "all" is crucial, indicating a totality, not just a portion. "Wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah) in this context goes beyond mere intellect; it refers to the divine understanding, administrative skill, practical ingenuity, and comprehensive sagacity that God had endowed upon Solomon (1 Kgs 3:12). It was the foundational principle guiding all his endeavors.
- and the house that he had built: (Hebrew: וְהַבַּיִת אֲשֶׁר בָּנָה, v'ha-bayit asher banah). The term "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) here most prominently refers to the magnificent Temple built for the Lord, but also includes Solomon's extensive palace complex and governmental buildings. These structures were tangible evidence of his God-given wisdom, architectural prowess, and the nation's immense prosperity and organized administration under his reign. The visual grandeur of these constructions manifested the internal wisdom of the king.
1 Kings 10 4 Bonus section
- Visual Witness: The verse highlights the power of visual evidence. The Queen of Sheba was not just convinced by words (Solomon's answers) but by seeing the physical manifestation of his wisdom and blessing. This emphasizes that true wisdom and God's favor can be seen in tangible realities.
- Queen as a Prophetic Figure: The Queen of Sheba's journey and awe is often seen as a prefigurement of the nations coming to acknowledge God's truth, fulfilling prophecies of Gentile inclusion and recognition of Israel's unique status among nations, which ultimately finds its truest fulfillment in the ingathering of believers into Christ's kingdom.
- Beyond Opulence: While the narrative mentions "the house," the deeper implication is the order, efficiency, and beauty within and around these structures. These are all characteristics stemming from divine wisdom, not just material wealth. It wasn't merely the gold and splendor, but the wise management that produced such a marvel.
1 Kings 10 4 Commentary
1 Kings 10:4 marks the beginning of the Queen of Sheba's deep astonishment, detailing the two core elements that captivated her: Solomon's divinely bestowed wisdom in all its practical manifestations, and the grandeur of his built environment. Her "seeing" of his wisdom goes beyond merely observing the logical answers he provided to her questions (1 Kgs 10:3); it implies a holistic perception of how his wisdom permeated every aspect of his kingdom—its governance, order, artistic expression, and daily function. The "house he had built," specifically referencing the Temple and his palaces, stood as the pinnacle of architectural excellence, embodying the immense wealth and peace Israel enjoyed. These tangible structures were not merely symbols of human ingenuity but were direct outgrowths of God's blessing on Solomon's wisdom. This verse sets the stage for her subsequent overwhelmed response and her praise, not just for Solomon, but for the Lord God who delighted in him. Her observation and subsequent adoration serve as a testimony to God's glory manifested through His anointed king, pointing forward to a greater one who would gather all nations.