1 Kings 3 7

1 Kings 3:7 kjv

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

1 Kings 3:7 nkjv

Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.

1 Kings 3:7 niv

"Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.

1 Kings 3:7 esv

And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in.

1 Kings 3:7 nlt

"Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around.

1 Kings 3 verses

1 Kings 3 7 Meaning

1 Kings 3:7 captures King Solomon's profound humility and dependence on God immediately after assuming the throne. He acknowledges God's sovereign appointment of him as king in succession to David, despite his perception of himself as an inexperienced and immature leader, unfit to handle the immense responsibilities of governance. This declaration precedes his famous request for wisdom.

1 Kings 3 7 Context

1 Kings chapter 3 opens with Solomon establishing his reign, but significantly, it immediately shifts focus to his spiritual state. He loves the Lord and walks in the statutes of David, his father (1 Ki 3:3). The setting for this verse is Gibeon, where Solomon had gone to offer a thousand burnt offerings, indicating a sincere act of worship and dedication. It is here, while at Gibeon, that the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for whatever he desires (1 Ki 3:5). Verse 7 is Solomon's immediate response within this divine encounter, expressing his sense of inadequacy to rule God's people effectively. This humility sets the stage for his subsequent and pivotal request for an "understanding heart" to govern, rather than riches, honor, or long life, which deeply pleases God. His awareness of the weight of leadership over "a great people that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude" (1 Ki 3:8) underscores his need for divine aid. Historically, Solomon had recently secured his throne, removing potential threats (Adonijah, Joab, Shimei, 1 Ki 2), but the vast responsibility of governing God's people still lay before him.

1 Kings 3 7 Word analysis

• And now, O Lord my God: This phrase signifies a pivotal transition from initial reverence to a personal, intimate appeal to the divine. The address "Lord" (Adonai) signifies reverence and mastership, while "my God" (Elohim) denotes a personal, covenantal relationship. This immediately establishes Solomon's recognition of God's sovereignty and his own dependence.
• you have made your servant king: "Made king" (הִמְלַכְתָּ֣) highlights God's sovereign hand in Solomon's ascent to the throne, not his own might or political maneuvering. Solomon sees his kingship as a divine appointment, not a human achievement. The term "your servant" (עַבְדֶּ֔ךָ, `avdekā) emphasizes his subservient role under the ultimate King, Yahweh. It conveys humility and accountability to God.
• in place of David my father: This emphasizes legitimate succession but, more importantly, connects Solomon directly to the Davidic covenant. Solomon is called to continue David's legacy as God's anointed ruler over Israel, acknowledging the heavy expectations and responsibilities inherited from such a great predecessor.
• although I am but a little child: The Hebrew phrase is na'ar qaṭan (נַעַר קָטָן). While na'ar can refer to a literal "youth" or "boy," it can also simply denote someone who is inexperienced or relatively young for a given task, potentially spanning early adulthood. Qaṭan means "small" or "insignificant." Taken together, it means someone of immature judgment or lacking practical experience for ruling a vast nation. Scholars suggest Solomon was likely in his late teens or early twenties, emphasizing a lack of experience rather than literal childhood. It reflects his subjective feeling of inadequacy for such a monumental role.
• I do not know how to go out or come in: This is a Hebrew idiom (lā·tṣêṯ wə·lā·ḇōʾ) for being unable to lead, manage, or perform the full range of one's duties. It encompasses both military command and civil administration. It signifies a complete lack of operational experience and judgment required to lead a people effectively. It expresses profound inadequacy, implying he cannot properly discharge his responsibilities publicly (going out) or privately (coming in) in leadership and judicial matters.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king...": This initial declaration establishes the theological framework: God's sovereign initiative in establishing leadership. It reflects an immediate recognition that his position is not self-made but divinely appointed. This sets the tone for humble dependence.
• "...in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.": This second part highlights the contrast between the grand inheritance of the Davidic throne and Solomon's personal sense of unreadiness. It emphasizes the perceived gap between the demands of kingship and his own limited capacity and experience. This confession of personal limitation forms the basis for his subsequent, Spirit-led prayer for wisdom.

1 Kings 3 7 Bonus section

While 1 Kings 3:7 suggests Solomon's perceived youth, he was likely around 20 years old, or perhaps slightly older, at his accession. This age, though young for an independent king of a powerful nation in ancient Near East standards, fits the traditional meaning of na'ar. His confession, therefore, emphasizes not extreme youthfulness but rather an profound lack of experience in the complex affairs of state, including judicial decision-making, military strategy, and public administration. This self-assessment distinguishes him from typical confident young rulers and is presented as the very quality that opens him up to receiving God's extraordinary blessing of wisdom. His humility contrasts sharply with the common ancient Near Eastern notion of kings as inherently wise or divinely powerful; Solomon makes it clear his power and capacity derive solely from God. The setting at Gibeon, a high place for sacrifice (prior to the temple), further emphasizes his devotion and obedience to God as the source of his legitimacy and the context for divine revelation.

1 Kings 3 7 Commentary

Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3:7 is a remarkable display of genuine humility and profound self-awareness from a newly appointed king. Instead of celebrating his elevation or making demands, he immediately acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty in placing him on the throne. This recognition of being God's "servant" before being "king" sets a crucial precedent for godly leadership—power is entrusted, not seized, and is to be exercised under divine authority. His confession of being "but a little child" and not knowing "how to go out or come in" is not necessarily a statement of his literal age but a deeply felt declaration of inexperience and immaturity when confronted with the overwhelming responsibilities of leading a large and diverse nation. He understands that governing God's chosen people requires more than just military strength or political cunning; it requires divine wisdom and discernment. This humility became the foundation upon which God could build, demonstrating that God equips those He calls, especially when they recognize their dependence on Him. This model applies to all believers in any sphere of influence: true competence for God's purposes flows not from self-sufficiency but from acknowledging our limitations and relying wholly on God for guidance and ability.

• Practical Usage Example: A young leader acknowledging their lack of experience to their mentor and seeking guidance for their responsibilities, rather than projecting false confidence.
• Practical Usage Example: Someone accepting a new role in ministry, realizing the weight of spiritual responsibility, and immediately turning to prayer for divine wisdom and strength.