2 Chronicles 1 11

2 Chronicles 1:11 kjv

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

2 Chronicles 1:11 nkjv

Then God said to Solomon: "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life?but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king?

2 Chronicles 1:11 niv

God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,

2 Chronicles 1:11 esv

God answered Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,

2 Chronicles 1:11 nlt

God said to Solomon, "Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people ?

2 Chronicles 1 verses

2 Chronicles 1 11 Meaning

This verse records God's immediate and positive response to Solomon's selfless request. It highlights that because Solomon prioritized spiritual understanding and the ability to govern God's people justly, rather than asking for personal riches, long life, honor, or the demise of his adversaries, his petition found favor with God. This divine approval signifies that his request aligned perfectly with God's purpose for a righteous king, destined to lead God's chosen nation with discernment.

2 Chronicles 1 11 Context

The verse immediately follows Solomon's immense burnt offerings of a thousand animals at the high place of Gibeon, demonstrating his piety and devotion at the beginning of his reign. This significant act of worship caught the Lord's attention, prompting God to appear to Solomon in a dream by night. In this divine encounter, God presents an open invitation: "Ask what you wish Me to give you." 2 Chronicles 1:11 is God's direct commendation for Solomon's remarkable and selfless reply to this extraordinary offer, contrasting his request for wisdom to govern with typical desires for worldly advantages. Historically, kings in the ancient Near East often sought power, wealth, and military success, but Solomon's heart-motivated request demonstrated a profound understanding of his divinely appointed role as ruler over God's covenant people.

2 Chronicles 1 11 Word analysis

• And God said: In Hebrew, "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), highlighting the Creator God, sovereign in all His interactions. This direct divine address indicates an intimate and significant moment.
• to Solomon: The newly appointed king, son of David. His selection underscores God's continuing faithfulness to the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7).
• 'Because this was in your heart': Hebrew "וְכִי֩ הָיְתָה־זֹ֨את עִם־לְבָבֶ֜ךָ" (v'khi haytah-zot im-l'vavecha). "Lebabekha" (your heart) refers not just to emotion but to the innermost being, the seat of intellect, will, and intention. Solomon's pure, unselfish motive was perceived by God.
• 'and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor,': The absence of these common human desires is noted. "Riches" and "wealth" (עֹשֶׁר, 'osher; נֶכֶס, nekhes) signify material abundance and possessions. "Honor" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) means glory, weight, or reputation. His deliberate non-request signals a king not pursuing personal gain or status. This stands in polemic contrast to many kings in the ancient world who plundered nations for these very things.
• 'nor the life of your enemies,': "Life of your enemies" (נֶפֶשׁ אֹיְבֶיךָ, nefesh oy'veikha) implies not just defeating them, but their utter destruction or prolonged suffering. His focus was not on vengeance or elimination but on the welfare of his own people.
• 'neither yet have asked long life;': "Long life" (אֹרֶךְ יָמִים, orekh yamim) was often considered a blessing and a reward in the Old Testament. His lack of concern for personal longevity emphasizes his dedication to his God-given responsibilities over individual well-being.
• 'but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself,': Hebrew "חָכְמָה" (chokhmah - practical wisdom, skill, insight, discernment, understanding God's ways) and "דַּעַת" (da'at - knowledge, understanding gained through experience or divine revelation). These are presented as indispensable for righteous governance, rather than intellectual pursuits for their own sake. They are gifts from God for a divine purpose.
• 'that you may judge My people,': The purpose for seeking wisdom and knowledge. "Judge" (לִשְׁפּוֹט, lishpot) refers to governing, administrating justice, and maintaining order. It's about leading fairly and upholding God's law.
• 'over whom I have made you king—': Reaffirming divine sovereignty in kingship. Solomon's authority is derived from God, implying accountability and a specific commission to rule God's people, not merely a secular nation.

• "Because this was in your heart" vs. "have not asked...but have asked...": This contrast emphasizes the pure inner motive ("in your heart") that predated and dictated his spoken request ("have not asked...but have asked"). It highlights divine insight into intentions beyond mere words.
• "riches, wealth, or honor" / "life of your enemies" / "long life" vs. "wisdom and knowledge": This stark juxtaposition sets apart fleeting, self-serving, earthly desires from enduring, selfless, divine provisions for serving God's ultimate purpose. It presents wisdom as a superior, more valuable pursuit for one called to lead.
• "for yourself, that you may judge My people": This phrase shows the instrumental purpose of Solomon's personal request. He sought wisdom for himself, not for self-aggrandizement, but so that he could fulfill his divinely appointed duty of justly governing God's people. His personal growth was directly tied to his public service for the kingdom.

2 Chronicles 1 11 Bonus section

This narrative of Solomon's choice profoundly illustrates the principle that what one truly values in the heart profoundly influences one's choices, prayers, and ultimately, God's response. The fact that Solomon’s specific request is duplicated in 1 Kings 3:11, though with slight wording differences in the Hebrew (e.g., emphasis on 'discerning to hear justice' in 1 Kings), underscores the theological weight and significance of this divine encounter across the biblical record. The wisdom God imparted was not just academic or philosophical, but a practical, governmental wisdom that enabled Solomon to discern, arbitrate, and administer justice in the everyday affairs of his kingdom. It highlights that gifts from God are often intended for the benefit of His people and the furtherance of His redemptive plan.

2 Chronicles 1 11 Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:11 encapsulates a pivotal moment of Solomon's early reign, revealing the character God truly values in a leader. His prioritization of wisdom and knowledge, directly intended for the just governance of God's people, over self-serving requests for material gain, military dominance, or even personal longevity, greatly pleased the Lord. This divine endorsement underscores that true leadership in God's kingdom is marked by humility, discernment, and a commitment to divine purposes rather than worldly ambitions. It illustrates that when hearts are aligned with God's will, not only are specific requests met, but additional blessings may flow as a testament to His overflowing generosity. This divine approval established a strong foundation for Solomon's early rule, showcasing a king whose priorities initially resonated deeply with God's desires for Israel.