1 Kings 11:4 For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

◄ 1 Kings 11:4 ►

New International Version
As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

New Living Translation
In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the LORD his God, as his father, David, had been.

English Standard Version
For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Berean Standard Bible
For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

King James Bible
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

New King James Version
For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David.

New American Standard Bible
For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of his father David had been.

NASB 1995
For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

NASB 1977
For it came about when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened at the time that Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to Yahweh his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

Amplified Bible
For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not completely devoted to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David.

Christian Standard Bible
When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Solomon was old, his wives seduced him to follow other gods. He was not completely devoted to Yahweh his God, as his father David had been.

American Standard Version
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as was the heart of David his father.

English Revised Version
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In his old age, his wives tempted him to follow other gods. He was no longer committed to the LORD his God as his father David had been.

Good News Translation
and by the time he was old they had led him into the worship of foreign gods. He was not faithful to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

International Standard Version
because as Solomon grew older, his wives turned his affections away after other gods, and his heart was not fully as devoted to the LORD his God as his father David's heart had been.

Majority Standard Bible
For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

NET Bible
When Solomon became old, his wives shifted his allegiance to other gods; he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

New Heart English Bible
For it happened, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Webster's Bible Translation
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

World English Bible
When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as the heart of David his father was.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, at the time of Solomon’s old age, his wives have turned aside his heart after other gods, and his heart has not been perfect with his God YHWH, like the heart of his father David.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, at the time of the old age of Solomon, his wives have turned aside his heart after other gods, and his heart hath not been perfect with Jehovah his God, like the heart of David his father.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be at the time of the old age of Solomon his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God as the heart of David his father.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was now old, his heart was turned away by women to follow strange gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when now he was old, his heart was perverted by the women, so that he followed strange gods. And his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David.

New American Bible
When Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to follow other gods, and his heart was not entirely with the LORD, his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

New Revised Standard Version
For when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was in the time of the old age of Solomon, his wives seduced his heart after other gods and his heart was not perfect with LORD JEHOVAH his God like the heart of David his father.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not whole with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass in the time of the old age of Solomon, that his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon's Foreign Wives
…3He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. 4For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. 5Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 17:17
He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold.

Nehemiah 13:26
Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin.

1 Kings 3:3
And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

1 Kings 9:4-5
And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, / then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David when I said, ‘You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

1 Kings 8:61
So let your heart be fully devoted to the LORD our God, as it is this day, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments.”

1 Kings 15:3
And Abijam walked in all the sins that his father before him had committed, and his heart was not as fully devoted to the LORD his God as the heart of David his forefather had been.

2 Chronicles 7:17-18
And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, / then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with your father David when I said, ‘You will never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.’

2 Chronicles 11:17
So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon for three years, because they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.

2 Chronicles 12:1
After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the Law of the LORD.

Psalm 119:2
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

Treasury of Scripture

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

when Solomon

1 Kings 11:42
And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.

1 Kings 6:1
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 9:10
And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the LORD, and the king's house,

his wives

1 Kings 11:2
Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

Deuteronomy 7:4
For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Deuteronomy 17:17
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

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1 Kings 11

1. Solomon's wives and concubines
4. In his old age they draw him to idolatry
9. God threatens him,
14. Solomon's adversaries were Hadad, who was entertained in Egypt
23. Rezon, who reigned in Damascus
26. And Jeroboam, to whom Ahijah prophesied
41. Solomon's acts, reign, and death. Rehoboam succeeds him

Berean Study Bible

For when Solomon grew old
The phrase "For when Solomon grew old" indicates a period in Solomon's life when he was advanced in years. The Hebrew word for "old" is "zāqēn," which often implies not just age but also the accumulation of experiences and wisdom. However, in Solomon's case, it also suggests a time of vulnerability. Despite his wisdom, age brought challenges that tested his spiritual fidelity. This serves as a reminder that spiritual vigilance is necessary throughout one's life, regardless of past achievements or wisdom.

his wives turned his heart
The phrase "his wives turned his heart" highlights the influence of Solomon's foreign wives. The Hebrew verb "nāṭâ" means "to turn" or "to incline," suggesting a gradual process of deviation from his original devotion. This turning of the heart signifies a shift in loyalty and affection, illustrating the profound impact that close relationships can have on one's spiritual direction. It underscores the biblical principle of being unequally yoked with those who do not share the same faith, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14.

after other gods
"After other gods" refers to the idolatry that Solomon's wives led him into. The Hebrew word "ʾăḥărê" means "after" or "behind," indicating a pursuit or following. This pursuit of other deities was a direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and a betrayal of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Historically, the worship of other gods was prevalent among the surrounding nations, and Solomon's alliances through marriage introduced these practices into Israel, leading to spiritual compromise.

and he was not wholeheartedly devoted
The phrase "and he was not wholeheartedly devoted" reveals a divided allegiance. The Hebrew word "šālēm" means "complete" or "whole," and its negation here indicates a lack of full commitment. Solomon's heart was no longer fully aligned with God's will, reflecting a spiritual decline. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a divided heart and the importance of maintaining a singular focus on God, as emphasized in Matthew 6:24.

to the LORD his God
"To the LORD his God" emphasizes the personal relationship Solomon had with Yahweh. The use of "his God" indicates a covenantal bond, which Solomon failed to honor fully. The name "LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, reminding readers of the special relationship and responsibilities that come with being God's chosen people. This phrase calls believers to reflect on their own relationship with God and the importance of faithfulness.

as his father David had been
The comparison "as his father David had been" sets a standard of devotion. David, despite his own failings, is remembered for his wholehearted devotion to God. The Hebrew word "ʾāḇ" for "father" not only denotes a biological relationship but also a spiritual legacy. David's life serves as a benchmark for faithfulness, illustrating that while perfection is unattainable, a heart fully committed to God is the ideal. This comparison challenges believers to strive for a legacy of faithfulness in their own lives.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) When Solomon was old.--It is clearly implied that the evil influence belonged to the time of senile feebleness, possibly the premature result of a life of indulgence; for he could not have been very old, if he was "but a child" at the time of his accession. But, as it is not at all likely that Solomon forsook the worship of God (see 1Kings 11:5-6; 1Kings 9:25), it would seem that his idolatry was rather the inclination to an eclectic adoption of various forms of faith and worship, as simply various phases of reverence to the One Supreme Power, each having its own peculiar significance and beauty. Such a spirit, holding itself superior to the old laws and principles of the faith of Israel, was the natural fruit of an overweening confidence in his own wisdom--the philosophic spirit, "holding no creed, but contemplating" and condescending to "all." Whatever it may have owed to the baser female influence, so well known in the countries where woman is held a mere toy, it seems likely to have been, still more naturally, the demoralising effect of an absolutely despotic power, of a world-wide fame for wisdom, and of an over-luxurious magnificence. It may have even had a kind of harmony with the weary and hopeless conviction that "all things were vanity:" for there is something of kinship between the belief that all worships are true, and that all worships are false. It may also have been thought good policy to conciliate the subject races, by doing honour to their religions, much as the Roman Empire delighted to do, when faith in its own religion had died out. How absolutely incompatible such a spirit is with the faith in the One only God of Israel, and in itself even more monstrous than avowed devotion to false gods, is indignantly declared by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 14:3-4; Ezekiel 20:39). How utter the practical incongruity, is obvious on the slightest consideration of the contrast between the impure and bloody worship of the false gods, and the lofty spiritual worship of the God of Israel.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - For it came to pass, when Solomon was old [As he was but sixty at the time of his death, "old" is here a relative term, and must mean "toward the close of his life," i.e., when he was about 50 or 55], that his wives turned away his heart after other gods [The text does not limit Solomon's polygamy to the time of old age, but his idolatrous leanings. I say leanings, for it is doubtful to what extent Solomon himself took part in actual idolatry. Both Bahr and Keil - the latter in opposition to the views he held in 1846 - not to speak of others, deny that he shared the idolatries of his wives, and the former labours hard, and on the whole, it seems to me, successfully, to prove that he was only guilty of sanctioning idolatrous worship in the vicinity of Jerusalem. His arguments, briefly stated, are these:

(1) It is nowhere said that he "served" (עָבַד) other gods - the expression constantly used of the idolatrous kings; cf. 16:31; 22:53; 2 Kings 16:3, etc.

(2) Neither the son of Sirach nor the Talmud nor the Rabbins know anything of his personal idolatry.

(3) Had he formally worshipped idols, his sin would have been greater than that of Jeroboam as to which, however, see on 1 Kings 12:29 sqq. (The "sin of Jeroboam" lay in "making Israel to sin," i.e., in forcing his people into schismatic and unauthorized worship, rather than in any practices of his own.) . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For when
לְעֵת֙ (lə·‘êṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

grew
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

old,
זִקְנַ֣ת (ziq·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2209: Old age

his wives
נָשָׁיו֙ (nā·šāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

turned
הִטּ֣וּ (hiṭ·ṭū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

his heart
לְבָב֔וֹ (lə·ḇā·ḇōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

after
אַחֲרֵ֖י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

other
אֲחֵרִ֑ים (’ă·ḥê·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

gods,
אֱלֹהִ֣ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and he was
הָיָ֨ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

not
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

wholeheartedly
לְבָב֤וֹ (lə·ḇā·ḇōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

devoted
שָׁלֵם֙ (šā·lêm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8003: Complete, safe, at peace

to
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

his God,
אֱלֹהָ֔יו (’ĕ·lō·hāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

as his father
אָבִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

David had been.
דָּוִ֥יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

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OT History: 1 Kings 11:4 For it happened when Solomon was old (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)