1 Kings 3:21
New International Version
The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t the son I had borne.”

New Living Translation
And in the morning when I tried to nurse my son, he was dead! But when I looked more closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t my son at all.”

English Standard Version
When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.”

Berean Standard Bible
The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.”

King James Bible
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

New King James Version
And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, there he was, dead. But when I had examined him in the morning, indeed, he was not my son whom I had borne.”

New American Standard Bible
When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead! But when I examined him closely in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne!”

NASB 1995
“When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead; but when I looked at him carefully in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne.”

NASB 1977
“And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead; but when I looked at him carefully in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne.”

Legacy Standard Bible
When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead; but when I looked at him carefully in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne.”

Amplified Bible
When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead. But when I examined him carefully in the morning, behold, it was not my son, the one whom I had borne.”

Christian Standard Bible
When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. That morning, when I looked closely at him I realized that he was not the son I gave birth to.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. That morning, when I looked closely at him I realized that he was not the son I gave birth to."”

American Standard Version
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead; but when I had looked at it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, whom I did bear.

Contemporary English Version
In the morning when I got up to feed my son, I saw that he was dead. But when I looked at him in the light, I knew he wasn't my son.

English Revised Version
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, he was dead! I took a good look at him and realized that he wasn't my son at all!"

Good News Translation
The next morning, when I woke up and was going to nurse my baby, I saw that it was dead. I looked at it more closely and saw that it was not my child."

International Standard Version
The next morning, I got up to nurse my son, and he was dead. But when I examined him carefully in the light of day, he turned out not to be my son whom I had borne!"

Majority Standard Bible
The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.”

NET Bible
I got up in the morning to nurse my son, and there he was, dead! But when I examined him carefully in the morning, I realized it was not my baby."

New Heart English Bible
When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, look, it was dead; but when I had looked at it in the morning, look, it was not my son, whom I bore."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I bore.

World English Bible
When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead; but when I had looked at him in the morning, behold, it was not my son whom I bore.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I rise in the morning to suckle my son, and behold, [he is] dead; and I consider in the morning concerning it, and behold, it was not my son whom I bore.”

Young's Literal Translation
and I rise in the morning to suckle my son, and lo, dead; and I consider concerning it in the morning, and lo, it was not my son whom I did bear.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall rise in the morning to suckle my son, and behold, he was dead: and I shall attend to him in the morning, and behold, it was not my son that I brought forth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold it was dead: but considering him more diligently when it was clear day, I found that it was not mine which I bore.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when I had arisen in the morning, so that I might give milk to my son, he appeared to be dead. But gazing upon him more diligently in the light of day, I realized that he was not mine, whom I had born.”

New American Bible
I rose in the morning to nurse my son, and he was dead! But when I examined him in the morning light, I saw it was not the son I had borne.”

New Revised Standard Version
When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, I saw that he was dead; but when I looked at him closely in the morning, clearly it was not the son I had borne.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold, it was dead; but when I had examined it in the morning, behold, it was not my son which I had borne.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I arose at dawn to suckle my son, and I saw he was dead, and I examined him at dawn, and he was not my son whom I delivered!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead; but when I had looked well at it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, whom I did bear.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and I arose in the morning to suckle my son, and he was dead: and, behold, I considered him in the morning, and, behold, it was not my son whom I bore.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon Judges Wisely
20So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I was asleep. She laid him in her bosom and put her dead son at my bosom. 21The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.” 22“No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king.…

Cross References
1 Kings 3:22-23
“No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king. / Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’”

1 Kings 3:24-25
The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword, / and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

1 Kings 3:26-27
Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!” / Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.”

1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

Exodus 2:6
When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.”

2 Samuel 12:15-18
After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill. / David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. ...

2 Kings 4:32-35
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. / So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. ...

Job 3:16
Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like an infant who never sees daylight?

Psalm 139:13-16
For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. / I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. / My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ...

Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!

Jeremiah 31:15
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Matthew 2:16-18
When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. / Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: / “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Matthew 18:10
See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Mark 10:13-16
Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

give

Genesis 21:7
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

1 Samuel 1:23
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

Lamentations 4:3,4
Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness…

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Bear Bore Borne Breast Care Carefully Child Closely Consider Considered Dead Light Morning Nurse Rise Rose Suck Suckle
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Bear Bore Borne Breast Care Carefully Child Closely Consider Considered Dead Light Morning Nurse Rise Rose Suck Suckle
1 Kings 3
1. Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter
2. High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon
5. Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him,
10. preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor
16. Solomon's judgment makes him renowned














And when I got up in the morning
This phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment of realization. In the Hebrew context, morning often symbolizes new beginnings or revelations. The act of rising in the morning can be seen as a metaphor for awakening to truth or reality. In the biblical narrative, mornings are frequently times when God reveals His will or when significant events unfold, such as the resurrection of Christ. Here, it marks the beginning of a mother's discovery and the unfolding of divine wisdom through Solomon.

to nurse my son
The act of nursing is deeply intimate and nurturing, symbolizing the bond between mother and child. In ancient Israel, nursing was not only a physical act but also a spiritual and emotional connection. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on the family unit, and a mother's role was central to the upbringing and spiritual education of her children. This phrase underscores the natural expectation of care and life, which is starkly contrasted by the discovery of death.

behold, he was dead!
The word "behold" is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or surprising. It is a call to pause and consider the gravity of the situation. The sudden realization of death where life was expected is a profound moment of grief and shock. In the biblical narrative, death is often a symbol of separation and loss, but it also sets the stage for divine intervention and the revelation of truth.

But when I examined him in the morning light
The act of examining in the "morning light" suggests a search for truth and clarity. Light in the Bible is frequently associated with God's presence, truth, and revelation. The morning light here symbolizes the uncovering of deception and the pursuit of justice. It is in the light that truth is revealed, aligning with the biblical theme that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness (1 John 1:5).

I saw that it was not the son I had borne
This realization is a moment of discernment and truth. The phrase "the son I had borne" emphasizes the personal and intimate knowledge a mother has of her child. It speaks to the deep connection and recognition that goes beyond physical appearance. In the broader biblical context, this moment foreshadows the wisdom of Solomon, who will later discern the true mother through divine insight. It highlights the theme of truth prevailing over deceit and the importance of wisdom in leadership and justice.

Verse 21. - And when I rose in the morning [while it was still dusk] to give my child suck, behold it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning [i.e., in broad daylight; Vulg. clara luce] behold [this second "behold" marks a second discovery] it was not my son which I did bear.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The next morning,
בַּבֹּ֛קֶר (bab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

when I got up
וָאָקֻ֥ם (wā·’ā·qum)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

to nurse
לְהֵינִ֥יק (lə·hê·nîq)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3243: To suck, to give milk

my son,
בְּנִ֖י (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

I discovered
וְהִנֵּה־ (wə·hin·nêh-)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

he was dead.
מֵ֑ת (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

But when I examined him,
וָאֶתְבּוֹנֵ֤ן (wā·’eṯ·bō·w·nên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

I realized
וְהִנֵּ֛ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

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

not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

the son
בְנִ֖י (ḇə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

I had borne.”
יָלָֽדְתִּי׃ (yā·lā·ḏə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage


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OT History: 1 Kings 3:21 When I rose in the morning (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 3:20
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