1 kings 3:26 - Then the woman whose the living child was spoke to the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no way kill him!” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours. Divide him.”

Generated Verse: 1 kings 3:26

What does "1 kings 3:26" mean?


This verse from 1 Kings 3:26 is the climax of the story of King Solomon's famous judgment. It reveals the true mother of the child. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"Then the woman whose the living child was spoke to the king, for her heart yearned over her son...": This sets the stage. The real mother, driven by deep maternal love, is about to speak. The phrase "her heart yearned" is key – it emphasizes the powerful, instinctive love she feels for her child.

"...and she said, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no way kill him!”: This is the crucial moment. The real mother is willing to relinquish her claim to the child in order to save his life. Her love for the child is greater than her desire to possess him. She prioritizes his survival above all else. She demonstrates selflessness and compassion.

"But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours. Divide him.”: The false mother's response is the stark contrast. She's motivated by spite and jealousy, not love. She'd rather see the child dead than allow the other woman to have him. This reveals her lack of true maternal feeling. Her willingness to divide the child shows her coldness and lack of empathy.

In summary, the verse highlights:

The power of maternal love: The true mother's willingness to give up her child to save his life demonstrates the depth of her love.
The difference between genuine love and selfish desire: The contrasting responses of the two women clearly distinguish between true maternal affection and a jealous, possessive impulse.
Solomon's wisdom: Solomon knew that the real mother would prioritize the child's well-being above all else. This verse is what allows Solomon to make his famous and just judgement.

The verse is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother's love and a key element in understanding the wisdom of Solomon's judgment. It demonstrates how a deep, selfless love can lead to sacrifice and how the absence of that love can reveal a cruel and uncaring heart.