2 Chronicles 1:11
New International Version
God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,

New Living Translation
God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—

English Standard Version
God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,

Berean Standard Bible
God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king—

King James Bible
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

New King James Version
Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—

New American Standard Bible
Then God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you did not ask for riches, wealth, or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor did you even ask for long life, but you asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge so that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,

NASB 1995
God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,

NASB 1977
And God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth, or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge, that you may rule My people, over whom I have made you king,

Legacy Standard Bible
And God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in your heart, and did not ask for riches, wealth, or glory, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may do justice for My people over whom I have made you king,

Amplified Bible
God replied to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart and you did not ask for riches, possessions or honor and personal glory, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself so that you may rule and administer justice to My people over whom I have made you king,

Christian Standard Bible
God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge my people over whom I have made you king,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king,

American Standard Version
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of them that hate thee, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

Contemporary English Version
God replied: Solomon, you could have asked me to make you rich or famous or to let you live a long time. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom and knowledge to rule my people.

English Revised Version
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of them that hate thee; neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God replied to Solomon, "I know this request is from your heart. You didn't ask for riches, fortunes, honor, or the death of those who hate you. You didn't even ask for a long life. Instead, you've asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge my people, over whom I made you king.

Good News Translation
God replied to Solomon, "You have made the right choice. Instead of asking for wealth or treasure or fame or the death of your enemies or even for long life for yourself, you have asked for wisdom and knowledge so that you can rule my people, over whom I have made you king.

International Standard Version
God told Solomon, "Since you had this in mind, to ask neither to focus on riches, wealth, honor, or the lives of those who hate you, nor have you requested a long life, but instead you have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, so that you may rule my people over whom I have established you as king,

Majority Standard Bible
God said to Solomon, ?Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies?and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king?

NET Bible
God said to Solomon, "Because you desire this, and did not ask for riches, wealth, and honor, or for vengeance on your enemies, and because you did not ask for long life, but requested wisdom and discernment so you can make judicial decisions for my people over whom I have made you king,

New Heart English Bible
God said to Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king:

Webster's Bible Translation
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thy enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

World English Bible
God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor yet have you asked for long life; but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And God says to Solomon, “Because that this has been with your heart, and you have not asked for riches, wealth, and honor, and the life of those hating you, and also have not asked for many days, and ask for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, so that you judge My people over which I have caused you to reign—

Young's Literal Translation
And God saith to Solomon, 'Because that this hath been with thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, and honour, and the life of those hating thee, and also many days hast not asked, and dost ask for thyself wisdom and knowledge, so that thou dost judge My people over which I have caused thee to reign --

Smith's Literal Translation
And God will say to Solomon, Because this was with thy heart, and thou askedst not riches, treasures and honor, and the soul of those hating thee, and also many days thou askedst not, and thou wilt ask for thee wisdom and knowledge that thou shalt judge my people that I caused thee to reign over them:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And God said to Solomon: Because this choice hath pleased thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, and wealth, and glory, nor the lives of them that hate thee, nor many days of life: but hast asked wisdom and knowledge, to be able to judge my people, over which I have made thee king,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then God said to Solomon: “Since this is the choice that pleased your heart, and you did not request wealth and substance and glory, nor the lives of those who hate you, nor even many days of life, since instead you requested wisdom and knowledge so that you may be able to judge my people, over whom I have appointed you as king:

New American Bible
God then replied to Solomon: Because this has been your wish—you did not ask for riches, treasures, and glory, or the life of those who hate you, or even for a long life for yourself, but you have asked for wisdom and knowledge in order to rule my people over whom I have made you king—

New Revised Standard Version
God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may rule my people over whom I have made you king,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD said to Solomon, Because this was in your mind, and you have not asked riches, honor, nor the life of your enemies, neither have you asked for long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may judge my people over whom I have made you king;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said to Solomon: “Because this was in your mind, and you have not requested for yourself riches and honor, nor the lives of your enemies, neither have you requested for yourself that you shall live many days, and you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you will judge my people, because I have made you king in the kingdom over it
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And God said to Solomon: 'Because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of them that hate thee, neither yet hast asked long life, but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee king;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked great wealth, nor glory, nor the life of thine enemies, and thou hast not asked long life; but hast asked for thyself wisdom and understanding, that thou mightest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom
10Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” 11God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or glory for yourself or death for your enemies— and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— 12therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 3:11-13
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— / 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. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.

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.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:13-14
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.

1 Kings 4:29-30
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. / For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Colossians 2:2-3
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, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Job 28:28
And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of your enemies, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king:

this was

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1 Kings 3:11-13
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; …

1 Kings 8:18
And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.

that thou mayest

1 Kings 3:28
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

James 3:13,17
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom…

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2 Chronicles 1
1. The solemn offering of Solomon at Gibeon
7. Solomon's choice of wisdom is blessed by God
13. Solomon's forces and wealth














God said to Solomon
This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Solomon, emphasizing the personal relationship and divine favor Solomon enjoyed. In the Hebrew context, the name "Solomon" (Shlomo) is derived from "shalom," meaning peace. This reflects the peaceful reign Solomon was to have, contrasting with his father David's era of war. The direct speech from God signifies the importance of Solomon's request and God's approval of his heart's desires.

Since this was in your heart
The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Solomon's heart was aligned with God's will, demonstrating a sincere desire to lead with wisdom. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God values the intentions and motivations of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

you have not requested riches or wealth or glory
These terms represent the typical desires of earthly kings. Riches and wealth (often interchangeable in Hebrew) signify material abundance, while glory refers to honor and fame. Solomon's choice to forgo these reflects a profound understanding of true leadership, prioritizing divine wisdom over temporal gains. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33 about seeking first the kingdom of God.

or the death of your enemies
In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often sought the destruction of their enemies to secure their reign. Solomon's decision not to ask for this demonstrates a commitment to peace and justice, aligning with the messianic vision of a kingdom characterized by righteousness and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).

and since you have not even requested long life
Long life was considered a blessing and a sign of God's favor in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 5:33). Solomon's choice to prioritize wisdom over longevity indicates a selfless concern for the well-being of his people rather than personal gain, reflecting the heart of a true servant leader.

but have asked for wisdom and knowledge
Wisdom (chokmah) and knowledge (da'at) are central themes in biblical literature, especially in the wisdom books like Proverbs, which Solomon is traditionally credited with authoring. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge, and in the biblical sense, it begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Solomon's request highlights his understanding of the need for divine guidance to rule justly.

to govern My people
The phrase "My people" emphasizes God's ownership and covenant relationship with Israel. Solomon's request is not for personal benefit but for the ability to lead God's chosen people effectively. This reflects a theocentric view of kingship, where the king serves as God's representative on earth.

over whom I have made you king
This acknowledges God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. Solomon's kingship is not by his own merit but by divine appointment. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1), and leaders are accountable to Him for their governance. Solomon's request for wisdom is thus an acknowledgment of his dependence on God to fulfill his divinely ordained role.

(11) Because this was in thine heart.--For this phrase see 1Chronicles 22:7.

Wealth, or honour.--Added by chronicler. Wealth (n?k?sim) is a late word, common in the Targums, and in Syriac (neksin). The phrase "riches, wealth, and honour" occurs in Ecclesiastes 6:2.

Long life.--Many days.

But (and) hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge . . . king.--An expansion of what we find in Kings: "And hast asked discernment for thyself, to hear judgment." The verb hast asked is expressed in better idiom than in Kings.

Verse 11. - With this verse the answer to Solomon's prayer begins. It is here concisely given in two verses, but occupies five (vers. 10-14) in the parallel place, including the verse not found here, which says, "The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing." Otherwise there is no essential difference of any importance, though it may be noted that the parallel gives voice to the promise of "length of days," on the condition of Solomon fulfilling his part in showing obedience to the Divine will, and in following the steps of his father. Riches, wealth (עשֶׁרנְכָסִים). The most elementary idea of the former of these two words seems to be "straight growth," "prosperity;" of the latter, "to gather together" or "heap up." The former is found first in Genesis 31:16; and in the verb (hiph. conjugation) in Genesis 14:23. Afterwards it is found in almost all of the historical books, in the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and in the prophets Jeremiah and Daniel. The latter word occurs only five times (Joshua 22:8; in this and the following verses; and in Ecclesiastes 5:19; Ecclesiastes 6:2). Its Chaldee form is also found in Ezra 6:8 and Ezra 7:26. A comparison of these passages scarcely sustains the supposition of some, suggested by the derivation of the word, that it marks specially those stores of useful things which constituted largely the wealth of Old Testament times. Wisdom and knowledge. The distinction between these is evident, as also that they are needful complements of one another for the forming of a catholic, useful, sound character.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

said
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר־ (way·yō·mer-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to Solomon,
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֡ה (liš·lō·mōh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

“Since
יַ֣עַן (ya·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3282: Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause

this
זֹ֜את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

was
הָיְתָ֨ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

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

your heart
לְבָבֶ֗ךָ (lə·ḇā·ḇe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

and you have not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō·šā-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

requested
שָׁ֠אַלְתָּ (’al·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

riches
עֹ֣שֶׁר (‘ō·šer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239: Wealth

or wealth
נְכָסִ֤ים (nə·ḵā·sîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5233: Riches, treasures

or glory
וְכָבוֹד֙ (wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

or the death
נֶ֣פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

of your enemies—
שֹׂנְאֶ֔יךָ (śō·nə·’e·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

and since you have not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

even
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

requested
שָׁאָ֑לְתָּ (šā·’ā·lə·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

long
רַבִּ֖ים (rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

life
יָמִ֥ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

but have asked
וַתִּֽשְׁאַל־ (wat·tiš·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

for wisdom
חָכְמָ֣ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and knowledge
וּמַדָּ֔ע (ū·mad·dā‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4093: Intelligence, consciousness

to govern
תִּשְׁפּוֹט֙ (tiš·pō·wṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

My people
עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

over
עָלָֽיו׃ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

whom
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I have made you king—
הִמְלַכְתִּ֖יךָ (him·laḵ·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 1:11 God said to Solomon Because this was (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 1:10
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