Bible Strands
1 Kings 3:9
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Solomon speaks to the Lord in a dream at Gibeon, having just acknowledged the people are too numerous to count (3:8), and has made this his single request in response to God's open offer.
The words — שֹׁמֵעַ (sho.me.a'), "which listens," modifies the heart — it is not an abstract "wise" heart but one defined by its capacity to hear. The request is for a listening faculty, not a stock of answers.
The thread — The "distinguish good and evil" language echoes Hebrews 5:14's "trained their senses to distinguish good from evil," and the priority of wisdom over material wealth is stated in Proverbs 16:16. James 1:5 picks up the posture of asking God directly for what one lacks.
Why it lands — Solomon asks for a functional capacity to govern, not for knowledge in the abstract; the verse holds up a model of prayer that is specific, limited, and oriented toward service rather than self-aggrandizement.
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
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
Cross-references
- James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
- Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
- Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
- John 5:30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
- Proverbs 2:3 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
- 2 Samuel 14:17 And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”
- Proverbs 3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,
- 1 Chronicles 22:12 Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
- Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
- Exodus 4:10 “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”