Bible Strands
1 Kings 10:23
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The biblical narrator issues a summary declaration about Solomon following the report of his maritime trade fleet. It functions as a narrative bridge between the account of his wealth and the record of foreign delegations seeking him.
The words — The verb וַ/יִּגְדַּל (va/i.yig.Dal) literally means "and he became great," while לְ/עֹשֶׁר (le./'O.sher) translates to "to wealth." These terms establish Solomon's measurable superiority over other rulers in material and intellectual resources.
The thread — The same claim that Solomon surpassed all kings in riches and wisdom appears verbatim in 2 Chronicles 9:22. The text elsewhere attributes this wisdom to God's direct grant in 1 Kings 3:12 and 1 Kings 4:29.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to accept Solomon's documented historical supremacy in wealth and wisdom as a factual record. It directs the reader to trace the source of this wisdom to divine action rather than human achievement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
Cross-references
- 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.
- 1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore.
- 2 Chronicles 9:22 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
- Ephesians 3:8 Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
- Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
- Colossians 2:2 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
- Psalms 89:27 I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.