1 kings 3:27 - Then the king answered, “Give her the living child, and definitely do not kill him. She is his mother.”

Generated Verse: 1 kings 3:27

What does "1 kings 3:27" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 3:27, is the climax of a famous story about King Solomon's wisdom. Here's the breakdown of what it means:

Context: Two prostitutes come to King Solomon, both claiming to be the mother of the same baby. One baby died, and each woman claims the surviving child is hers.

Solomon's Test: Solomon, unable to determine the true mother through questioning, proposes a drastic solution: to cut the living child in two and give half to each woman.

The Real Mother's Reaction: The true mother, overcome with compassion and love for her child, cries out, "Give her the living child, and definitely do not kill him." She is willing to give up her claim to the child rather than see it harmed.

The False Mother's Reaction: The false mother callously agrees to Solomon's proposal, showing a lack of maternal love.

Meaning of 1 Kings 3:27:

"Then the king answered, “Give her the living child..." This indicates that Solomon recognized the true mother based on her selfless reaction. He instructs his attendants to give the baby to the woman who was willing to relinquish her claim.
"...and definitely do not kill him." This reinforces the fact that Solomon never intended to harm the child. His proposal was a test to reveal the true mother's feelings.
"She is his mother." This is the key point. Solomon declares that the woman who showed such profound compassion and concern for the child's well-being is undoubtedly the real mother. Her willingness to sacrifice her own desires for the child's life proves her maternal bond.

In Essence:

The verse signifies the victory of true maternal love and Solomon's wisdom in discerning the truth. It highlights the selflessness of a mother who prioritizes her child's life above all else. This passage is often cited as an example of profound insight and the power of love to reveal the truth.