2 Chronicles 9 3

2 Chronicles 9:3 kjv

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,

2 Chronicles 9:3 nkjv

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,

2 Chronicles 9:3 niv

When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built,

2 Chronicles 9:3 esv

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,

2 Chronicles 9:3 nlt

When the queen of Sheba realized how wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built,

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 3 Meaning

This verse describes the Queen of Sheba's immediate and profound impression upon observing Solomon. Her astonishment stems not only from his remarkable intellectual capacity—his renowned wisdom—but also from the tangible, visible proof of that wisdom manifest in the extraordinary architectural complex he had meticulously designed and overseen. This "house" primarily refers to the glorious Temple dedicated to the Lord, but also encompassed Solomon's palace and other grand structures in Jerusalem, all testaments to his God-given understanding, wealth, and administrative prowess. The verse emphasizes that what she "had seen" (visual confirmation) solidified the reports she "had heard" (v. 1).

2 Chronicles 9 3 Context

2 Chronicles 9:3 is part of the extensive narrative detailing the reign of King Solomon, particularly highlighting his peak glory, divinely granted wisdom, and unparalleled wealth. The preceding verses (2 Chr 9:1-2) set the scene for the Queen of Sheba's arrival; having heard astonishing reports of Solomon's fame connected to the Name of the Lord and his profound wisdom, she embarks on a long journey to verify these accounts for herself and test him with difficult questions. Verse 3 marks the turning point where her initial awe, cultivated by his intellectual answers to her queries (implied in v. 2), is intensified and validated by the breathtaking visible evidence of his administration and creative genius – the grand structures and organized life within his kingdom. The chapter continues to describe the extent of his riches, his reputation spreading globally, and eventually foreshadows the challenges that would arise from his accumulating immense wealth and a vast number of foreign wives, leading to a departure from true devotion to God later in his reign (though not directly addressed in Chronicles). Within the broader sweep of 2 Chronicles, this account underscores God's blessing on a righteous king and the manifestation of His glory through His chosen ruler and the Temple he built.

2 Chronicles 9 3 Word analysis

• And when: The Hebrew vaw consecutive attached to the verb implies sequence and direct observation following prior events (the queen's questions).
• the queen of Sheba: Hebrew malkat Sheva (מַלְכַּת שְׁבָא). Sheba (or Saba) was an influential and wealthy kingdom, likely located in modern-day Yemen. Her high status emphasizes the global recognition of Solomon's kingdom and God's blessings upon it. Her journey across vast distances highlights the profound nature of Solomon's reputation.
• had seen: Hebrew va-te-re (וַתֵּרֶא). This verb emphasizes personal, visual perception, going beyond what she had merely heard (v. 1). Her testimony becomes grounded in firsthand experience, giving it greater weight. It conveys astonishment from direct witness.
• the wisdom: Hebrew khokhmat (חָכְמַת). More than just intellectual acumen, biblical wisdom denotes practical skill, discernment, prudent judgment, and the ability to organize life and society in alignment with God's will. Solomon's wisdom was a direct, supernatural gift from God (2 Chr 1:10-12).
• of Solomon: Hebrew Shelomo (שְׁלֹמֹה). The divinely chosen king, renowned for ruling with God-given insight, evidenced by the efficient and glorious operations of his kingdom.
• and the house: Hebrew ve-ha-bayit (וְהַבַּיִת). This primarily refers to the glorious Temple of the Lord (1 Kings 6-7, 2 Chronicles 3-5), the ultimate testament to God's presence among His people and the pinnacle of Solomon's architectural feats. It would also encompass Solomon's grand royal palace complex and associated administrative buildings, which were equally impressive marvels of design and construction, demonstrating his administrative skill, artistic taste, and access to immense resources.
• that he had built: Hebrew asher banah (אֲשֶׁר בָּנָה). This highlights the active construction by Solomon, attributing the tangible architectural wonders directly to his oversight, though accomplished through vast labor and skilled craftsmanship. It is the visible, concrete manifestation of the abstract "wisdom" she just saw.

• Words-group analysis:
• "had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built": The conjunction of "wisdom" (an abstract quality) and "house" (a concrete structure) is pivotal. It illustrates that Solomon's wisdom was not just theoretical; it was profoundly practical and observable. The physical grandeur and meticulous organization of his kingdom, culminating in the magnificent Temple, served as irrefutable evidence of his exceptional discernment and ability to execute large-scale, complex projects—all undergirded by divine favor. Her seeing verified her hearing, making the abstract real through the visible.

2 Chronicles 9 3 Bonus section

The awe expressed by the Queen of Sheba at Solomon's wisdom and his accomplishments points to the inherent human draw toward extraordinary wisdom and tangible beauty, especially when these are divinely inspired. Her reaction also prefigures a time when all nations will be drawn to the true and greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ, the one "greater than Solomon" (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31), who is Himself the ultimate temple of God (Jn 2:19-21) and the source of all divine wisdom (Col 2:3). This account reminds us that God's wisdom, though spiritual, has practical, observable, and even magnificent impacts in the world when applied through obedient hearts.

2 Chronicles 9 3 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:3 captures a pivotal moment in the Queen of Sheba's visit, articulating her astonishment and profound impression of Solomon. Her amazement derived from observing two distinct yet interconnected realities: Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, which shone through his ability to answer her complex questions, and the visible manifestation of that wisdom in the breathtaking scale and magnificence of his kingdom's infrastructure, especially the glorious Temple complex. This "house" was a grand testimony to divine blessing and human skill. The verse signifies an external, powerful validation of Solomon's God-given attributes and Israel's flourishing under divine favor, solidifying the global renown that drew the Queen from far lands. It serves as an early testimony from the nations to the singular greatness of God working through His king in Israel.