Bible Strands
Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses a crowd demanding a miraculous sign, using a historical comparison to expose their spiritual indifference. He delivers this warning immediately before contrasting his own ministry with Jonah’s in the following verse.
The words — ἐγερθήσεται (egerthēsetai) means “will rise up” and points to the future standing of the Queen of the South at the final judgment. βασίλισσα (basilissa) translates literally as “queen” and identifies the foreign ruler who traveled to witness Solomon’s wisdom.
The thread — The queen’s journey is recorded in 1 Kings 10:1 and 2 Chronicles 9:1, where she tests Solomon with difficult questions. The comparative judgment pattern aligns with Jeremiah 3:11, which notes that faithless Israel acted more righteously than unfaithful Judah.
Why it lands — The text requires a present response to Jesus, since a distant foreign ruler sought Solomon’s wisdom while the current generation rejects a greater figure. It demands readers examine their own willingness to pursue divine revelation rather than demanding proof.
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 Greek words
King James Version
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 9:1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind.
- 1 Kings 10:1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.
- Jeremiah 3:11 And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah.
- Luke 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
- Romans 2:27 The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
- Matthew 12:42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.
- Luke 9:35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
- Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.