Translations
Modern
…and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”
Traditional
And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
Literal
And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one and half to one.”
Latin
Dividite, inquit, infantem vivum in duas partes, et date dimidiam partem uni, et dimidiam partem alteri.
Original
Hebrew
English
…and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”
Notes
Solomon's decision about the true mother of the living baby shows his wisdom in legal matters. First Kings 4–10 show his wisdom in all parts of his rule.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Glossary
Courts and Trials King Kings, Books of First and Second Proverbs, Book of Solomon (Person)
Topics
Arbitration: The Two Harlots in the Presence of King Solomon Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Justice: Solomon Magistrates: should Judge Wisely Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by The True Mother of the Infant Brought to Solomon Rulers: Righteous: Solomon, in his Judgment Between the Two Women Who Claimed the Same Child Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Tact: Solomon, in Arbitrating Between the Prostitutes Wisdom of Solomon