1 Kings 4 29

1 Kings 4:29 kjv

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

1 Kings 4:29 nkjv

And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.

1 Kings 4:29 niv

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.

1 Kings 4:29 esv

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore,

1 Kings 4:29 nlt

God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 29 Meaning

First Kings 4:29 describes the profound spiritual and intellectual gift bestowed upon King Solomon by God. It highlights that Yahweh, the one true God, supernaturally endowed Solomon with extraordinary wisdom, deep understanding, and an immense intellectual capacity, often metaphorically referred to as "breadth of mind" or "largeness of heart." This divine endowment was not merely academic intelligence but encompassed practical discernment, judicial insight, comprehensive knowledge, and the ability to grasp and process a vast array of information. This gift was foundational to his ability to govern a vast kingdom and to the renown for wisdom that would spread throughout the known world, as elaborated in subsequent verses.

1 Kings 4 29 Context

First Kings chapter 4 continues the narrative of Solomon's early reign, following his ascent to the throne, his vision at Gibeon where he asked for wisdom, and God's promise to grant it to him along with riches and honor (1 Ki 3). The verses immediately preceding 1 Ki 4:29 (vv. 1-28) describe the vast extent of Solomon's kingdom, its administrative structure, prosperity, and the peaceful conditions that characterized his rule. Verse 29, therefore, serves as the divine explanation for this success. It attributes Solomon's administrative prowess, judicial discernment, and ability to manage such a diverse and prosperous empire directly to the supernatural wisdom bestowed upon him by God. The verses following (1 Ki 4:30-34) then detail the impressive manifestations of this wisdom: his unmatched intellect, his thousands of proverbs and songs, and his profound knowledge of the natural world (trees, animals, birds, reptiles, fish), which drew scholars and kings from all nations to hear him. This verse anchors the entirety of Solomon's extraordinary reign in a direct act of divine favor.

1 Kings 4 29 Word analysis

• And God gave: This opening phrase is crucial. It underscores divine sovereignty and initiative. This wisdom was not earned, inherited, or acquired through human effort alone but was a direct, benevolent gift from the Creator. It emphasizes the monotheistic truth that Yahweh is the source of all good and ultimate knowledge.
• Solomon: The specific recipient of this unique divine favor. His name, "peace" or "complete," prefigured the era of peace during his reign, facilitated by this God-given wisdom.
• wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmah): This is not merely intellectual intelligence (IQ). In Hebrew thought, ḥokhmah is comprehensive; it refers to practical skill, insight into how life works, discerning judgment, shrewdness, and the ability to apply knowledge to achieve beneficial outcomes. It involves both moral discernment (knowing right from wrong) and practical sagacity (knowing what to do and how to do it). It signifies a deep understanding of God's order in creation and in human society, enabling a ruler to administer justly.
• and understanding (תְּבוּנָה, těvūnāh): Often paired with ḥokhmah, těvūnāh refers to discernment, perception, and the ability to distinguish between things. It implies the capacity to grasp complex relationships, patterns, and principles, providing insight into the true nature of situations and problems. It complements ḥokhmah by adding depth to practical wisdom.
• very great: An intensive modifier emphasizing the immense degree of this divine gift. It indicates that Solomon's wisdom, understanding, and breadth of mind were not just remarkable but exceptional, far exceeding human standards.
• and breadth of mind (רֹחַב לֵב, rōḥav lēv): Literally translates to "width of heart." In ancient Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" (lev) was considered the seat not just of emotion but also of intellect, will, and conscience. "Breadth" (rōḥav) suggests an expansive, unconstrained, and inclusive capacity. This idiomatic phrase describes a vast mental scope, a comprehensive intellect that could encompass diverse subjects and perspectives without being narrow or limited. It implies an unusual mental capacity for knowledge, reasoning, and synthesis, enabling him to explore topics from the natural world to human affairs and divine truths, as the subsequent verses highlight. It speaks of a mind that is open, discerning, and capacious, able to receive and process a huge volume of information from varied fields.

1 Kings 4 29 Bonus section

The mention of "breadth of mind" (רֹחַב לֵב) carries a subtle polemical undertone against the claims of other ancient Near Eastern monarchs. While other kings might attribute their achievements to human skill or the favor of their pagan gods, Solomon's unprecedented knowledge and governing ability are explicitly rooted in the unique, unmerited gift from Yahweh, the God of Israel. This asserts the superiority of Yahweh's power and generosity over any other deity or human accomplishment. The wisdom bestowed upon Solomon was a manifestation of God's character and power.

The phrase rōḥav lēv is relatively unique and underscores the holistic nature of wisdom as perceived by the biblical authors. It's not just intellectual capacity, but a comprehensive understanding that involves the "heart"—the core of a person's being. This breadth would also include a capacity for great compassion and generosity, though its primary focus here is intellectual scope.

Furthermore, Solomon's divinely granted wisdom foreshadows the ultimate Wisdom in Jesus Christ (Col 2:3). While Solomon received wisdom as a gift for ruling, Jesus is Wisdom incarnate, perfect in every way and embodying the very counsel and knowledge of God without measure or limitation. Solomon's wisdom, great as it was, remained human and imperfect; Christ's wisdom is divine and flawless.

1 Kings 4 29 Commentary

1 Kings 4:29 succinctly captures the essence of God's supernatural empowerment of Solomon, providing the foundational reason for his unprecedented prosperity and renown. It moves beyond merely listing the dimensions of his empire or the scale of his wealth to identify the ultimate source of his capabilities: a direct, generous, and boundless gift from Yahweh. The pairing of ḥokhmah (practical wisdom) and těvūnāh (discernment) signifies a complete and balanced mental aptitude for leadership and knowledge. However, the most distinctive aspect is "breadth of mind," rōḥav lēv. This unusual descriptor emphasizes an intellectual capaciousness and expansive thinking that transcended typical human limitations. It accounts for his ability to delve into a multitude of fields—from governing vast lands to composing proverbs, songs, and even studying botany and zoology, as detailed in the verses immediately following. This gift positioned him uniquely in the ancient world, attracting the learned from all nations. Yet, it serves as a subtle reminder that even such divine gifts, if not guarded with humble obedience, can lead to later failures, as seen in Solomon's ultimate departure from God's ways despite his unparalleled wisdom. The verse establishes God as the sovereign giver of true wisdom, validating Solomon's rule as divinely ordained and empowered, yet underscoring human responsibility even in the face of immense blessing.