And God gave Solomon wisdomThis phrase highlights the divine source of Solomon's wisdom, emphasizing that it was a gift from God. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the ability to govern justly and to discern right from wrong. Solomon's request for wisdom is recorded in
1 Kings 3:9, where he asks for an understanding heart to judge the people. This divine endowment sets Solomon apart as a ruler and is a fulfillment of God's promise to him. The wisdom given to Solomon is a type of Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the embodiment of divine wisdom (
1 Corinthians 1:24,
Colossians 2:3).
exceedingly deep insight
This phrase suggests a profound level of understanding that goes beyond mere knowledge. Insight involves the ability to see the underlying truth of a matter, which is crucial for effective leadership and decision-making. In the historical context, Solomon's insight allowed him to make wise judgments, such as the famous case of the two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). This deep insight is also reflective of the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, which offer practical and philosophical insights into life.
and understanding beyond measure
The phrase "beyond measure" indicates the vastness and incomparability of Solomon's understanding. This hyperbolic expression underscores the extraordinary nature of his God-given abilities. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly valued, and Solomon's unparalleled understanding would have been recognized and respected by surrounding nations. This immeasurable understanding is a foreshadowing of the infinite wisdom of Christ, who possesses all knowledge and understanding (Isaiah 11:2,John 1:14).
like the sand on the seashore
This simile is a common biblical expression used to denote vastness and abundance. It is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants (Genesis 22:17), suggesting that Solomon's wisdom was as abundant as the sand. This imagery conveys the idea that Solomon's wisdom was not only vast but also enduring and foundational, much like the sand that forms the seashore. The use of such imagery connects Solomon's wisdom to the broader narrative of God's promises and blessings to His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he reigned during a time of peace and prosperity.
2.
GodThe sovereign Lord who granted Solomon his wisdom. This divine gift was a fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon when he asked for wisdom to govern the people.
3.
IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon's rule, experiencing a golden age of peace and prosperity due to Solomon's wise leadership.
4.
The Sand on the SeashoreA metaphor used to describe the vastness and immeasurability of Solomon's wisdom and understanding.
Teaching Points
Divine Source of WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God. Just as Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, we too should seek wisdom from Him in our daily lives.
The Value of WisdomWisdom is more valuable than riches or power. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity because of his wise decisions.
God's GenerosityGod is generous and willing to give wisdom to those who ask. We should approach Him with humility and faith, trusting in His provision.
Wisdom and LeadershipEffective leadership is rooted in wisdom and understanding. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we should strive to lead with godly wisdom.
The Immeasurable Nature of God's GiftsGod's gifts, like Solomon's wisdom, are often beyond human comprehension. We should be grateful and use them for His glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 4:29?
2.How can we seek wisdom like Solomon in 1 Kings 4:29?
3.What does "God gave Solomon wisdom" teach us about the source of true wisdom?
4.How does Solomon's wisdom in 1 Kings 4:29 connect to James 1:5?
5.In what ways can we apply Solomon's wisdom to our daily decisions?
6.How does Solomon's "breadth of understanding" inspire our pursuit of knowledge today?
7.How does 1 Kings 4:29 define the nature of divine wisdom granted to Solomon?
8.Why did God choose to give Solomon such extraordinary wisdom according to 1 Kings 4:29?
9.What is the significance of Solomon's wisdom in the context of 1 Kings 4:29?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4?
11.How does Solomon control demons using a magical ring?
12.If the author truly was King Solomon, why is there no explicit historical record or external verification of these events beyond the text (Song of Solomon 3)?
13.Is there a right time for every action?
14.In Ecclesiastes 11, is there any historical or archaeological evidence challenging the traditional belief that Solomon wrote these instructions?What Does 1 Kings 4:29 Mean
And God gave Solomon wisdom• The verse opens by placing God as the sole source of Solomon’s astonishing abilities. He wasn’t simply born brilliant; the Lord of heaven deliberately gifted him.
• Scripture repeatedly shows that “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
• Earlier, God had promised, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12). Chapter 4 now records the fulfillment of that promise—proof that God keeps His word.
• This pattern—God giving men skill for their callings—appears with Bezalel (Exodus 31:3), Daniel (Daniel 1:17), and every believer who asks: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously” (James 1:5).
exceedingly deep insight• The phrase points to more than clever ideas; Solomon could see into the heart of a matter. His proverbs, judgments, and songs flowed from a God-given ability to penetrate layers of complexity (see1 Kings 4:32–34).
•Psalm 92:5 marvels, “How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts!” Solomon’s insight echoed the depth of God’s own mind.
• Paul later describes how the Spirit “searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). Solomon’s insight foreshadows the Spirit-illumined discernment promised to believers today.
and understanding beyond measure• “Beyond measure” signals a capacity no human scale could quantify.Psalm 147:5 says of God, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” The Lord shared a portion of that limitless understanding with Solomon.
• Practically, it meant wise administration (1 Kings 4:1–28), peaceful diplomacy (4:24), and just verdicts (3:16-28). God’s gifts are never abstract; they equip His people to serve others well.
•Jeremiah 33:3 reinforces this pattern: “Call to Me and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
like the sand on the seashore• Scripture uses this picture to describe vastness that defies counting (Genesis 22:17;Hosea 1:10). By borrowing the same image, the writer underscores that Solomon’s wisdom was inexhaustible.
• The phrase also links Solomon to the covenant promises given to Abraham: the nation blessed by innumerable offspring would now be led by a king with an equally immeasurable mind.
•Judges 7:12 andJoshua 11:4 apply the simile to multitudes of people; here it magnifies mental capacity. Either way, only God can create so great a “number.”
summary1 Kings 4:29 teaches that Solomon’s unparalleled wisdom was a direct, gracious gift from God—deep, limitless, and abundant beyond human calculation. The verse invites us to trust the same faithful Lord, ask Him for the wisdom we need, and steward every ability He provides for the good of His people and the glory of His name.
(29)
Wisdom and understanding . . . and largeness of heart.--In this passage, "understanding," which is high intellectual power, and "largeness of heart," which is clearly capacity of knowledge, boundless as "the sand on the sea-shore," are both distinguished from the higher gift of wisdom, to which they are but means--the one being the capacity of wisdom within, the other the education of that capacity from without, (
a) Wisdom, in the true sense in which it is used in Scripture (especially in the Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes), is properly the attribute of God, and then, by His gifts of revelation and inspiration, reflected in man. The "wisdom of God" (see, for example, Proverbs 8) is, in relation to man, His Divine purpose in the creation and government of the world, which all things work out. The "wisdom of man" is the knowledge of the true end and object of his own being--which if he fulfil not, it were better for him not to have been born--whether that object be called happiness or perfection. For such knowledge the Book of Ecclesiastes describes a vain search. Such knowledge, as found already, is embodied in the Proverbs; sometimes in the lowest sense of knowledge of what will conduce to our own happiness; sometimes in the higher knowledge of what will best serve man; most often in the supreme knowledge, how we may best do God's will and show forth His glory. (
b) But, since the purpose of our own being cannot be discovered, if our life be regarded as isolated from the history of the world and from its great design, this wisdom in man is regarded as possible, only when he has some glimpse of the wisdom of God, as manifested to man in His visible Providence, in His declared law, and His special revelation to the soul. Hence, "the fear of the Lord" is its "beginning;" and faith in God is the supplement of its necessary imperfection. (
c)
Itwill be obvious that, even so considered, this desire for wisdom is more self-contained and self-conscious than "the thirst for God, even the living God," in which the soul of the Psalmist expresses absolute dependence on God. If the sense of the need of God's revelation and of the necessity of faith beyond knowledge be lost, then this consciousness of wisdom may well become a self-idolatry, in which the mind prides itself on having pierced to the secret of being, holds that by such knowledge it becomes superior to ordinary law and duty, and delights in philosophical contemplation, rather than in active energy and religious devotion.
Verse 29. -
And God gave Solomon [in fulfilment of the promise of chap. 3:12] wisdom and understanding (
חָכְמָה,
wisdom, knowledge;
תְּבוּנָהdiscernment, penetration. The historian, after describing the prosperity of the realm, proceeds to speak of the personal endowments of its head] and largeness of heart exceeding much [the Easterns speak of the heart where we should talk of head or intellect (
1 Kings 3:9, 12;
1 Kings 10:24. Cf.
Matthew 15:19;
Ephesians 1:18 (Greek);
Hebrews 4:12). The "large heart" is the
ingenium capax, as Thenius. These different words indicate the variety and scope of his talents, in agreement with ver. 33]
as the sand that is on the seashore. [Same expression in
Genesis 22:17;
Genesis 32:12;
Genesis 41:49;
Joshua 11:4;
Judges 7:12, etc.]
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Godאֱלֹהִ֨ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativegaveוַיִּתֵּן֩(way·yit·tên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setSolomonלִשְׁלֹמֹ֛ה(liš·lō·mōh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his thronewisdom,חָכְמָ֧ה(ḥāḵ·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdomexceedinglyמְאֹ֑ד(mə·’ōḏ)Adverb
Strong's 3966:Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedilydeepהַרְבֵּ֣ה(har·bêh)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatinsight,וּתְבוּנָ֖ה(ū·ṯə·ḇū·nāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394:Intelligence, an argument, capriceand understandingלֵ֔ב(lêḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centrebeyond measure,וְרֹ֣חַב(wə·rō·ḥaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7341:Breadth, widthlike the sandכַּח֕וֹל(ka·ḥō·wl)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2344:Sandonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe seashore.שְׂפַ֥ת(śə·p̄aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a margin
Links
1 Kings 4:29 NIV1 Kings 4:29 NLT1 Kings 4:29 ESV1 Kings 4:29 NASB1 Kings 4:29 KJV
1 Kings 4:29 BibleApps.com1 Kings 4:29 Biblia Paralela1 Kings 4:29 Chinese Bible1 Kings 4:29 French Bible1 Kings 4:29 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) 
