Old Testament
1 Kings 11:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
King Solomon loved many foreign women — not only Pharaoh's daughter, but also women from the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites.
Compare translations
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
What 1 Kings 11:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
King Solomon, known for his wisdom, had a deep affection for many women from different nations. This included not just Pharaoh's daughter, but also women from various groups like the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites. His relationships with these foreign women were significant, as they reflected his openness to different cultures. However, this love for many women also led to challenges. It is important to recognize that these relationships could have influenced his faith and decisions. Solomon's story serves as a reminder of how our choices can impact our lives. Loving and accepting others is valuable, but we must also be mindful of how those relationships shape our beliefs and actions. Ultimately, Solomon's experience teaches us about the balance between love and wisdom in our connections with others. We should strive to build relationships that enrich our lives without compromising our values or beliefs. This balance is crucial for personal growth and integrity.
How to apply 1 Kings 11:1 to your life
Consider the relationships in your life. Are they enriching you or leading you away from your core values? Embrace diversity, but also reflect on how these connections shape your beliefs. Strive for balance in love and wisdom in your interactions with others. Choose relationships that uplift you and align with your values.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: His Heart Turns Away (1 Kings 11:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 11:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 11:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 11:1 say about Solomon's relationships?
1 Kings 11:1 describes King Solomon's love for many foreign women, including Pharaoh's daughter and women from various nations such as the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites. This verse highlights his openness to different cultures but also foreshadows the challenges that arise from these relationships.
How did Solomon's foreign relationships affect his faith?
Solomon's relationships with foreign women are significant because they led him away from his faith in God. The influence of these women, who worshipped different gods, caused Solomon to stray from his devotion to the Lord, ultimately impacting his wisdom and leadership. This serves as a warning about the potential consequences of compromising one's beliefs for the sake of relationships.
What lessons can we learn from Solomon's love for foreign women?
Solomon's story teaches us about the importance of balancing love and wisdom in our relationships. While embracing diversity and forming connections with others is valuable, we must be mindful of how these relationships influence our beliefs and values. It encourages us to choose relationships that enrich our lives without leading us away from our core principles.
Why is cultural diversity important in relationships according to this verse?
Cultural diversity in relationships, as seen in Solomon's connections, can enrich our lives by broadening our perspectives and fostering understanding. However, 1 Kings 11:1 also warns that such diversity can lead to challenges if it compromises our values or faith. The key is to appreciate different cultures while remaining grounded in our beliefs.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.