Old Testament
1 Kings 11:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines, and his wives turned his heart away.
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And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
What 1 Kings 11:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
King Solomon had an extraordinary number of wives and concubines, totaling 1,000. Many of these women were from royal families, which might have seemed advantageous for political alliances. However, this vast number of relationships led to a significant problem. Solomon's wives influenced him to turn away from his commitment to God. Instead of remaining faithful to his beliefs, he began to follow the practices of other nations, which included worshiping different gods. This shift in focus not only affected his personal faith but also had broader implications for his kingdom. Solomon's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing relationships to sway our values and priorities. It reminds us that even the wisest can be led astray when they compromise their principles for the sake of others. Ultimately, the choices we make in our relationships can shape our lives in profound ways, for better or worse. Solomon's experience teaches us to be vigilant about who we allow to influence our hearts and minds.
How to apply 1 Kings 11:3 to your life
Consider the relationships in your life and how they impact your values. Are there influences that lead you away from your core beliefs? Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stay true to your principles. Remember, the company you keep can shape your path significantly. Choose wisely to protect your heart and mind from negative influences.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: His Heart Turns Away (1 Kings 11:1–13)
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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.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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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 11:3 mean?
1 Kings 11:3 describes King Solomon's large number of wives and concubines, totaling 1,000. It highlights how these relationships led him away from his commitment to God, influencing him to adopt the worship practices of other nations.
What is the significance of Solomon's wives in 1 Kings 11:3?
The significance of Solomon's wives in this verse lies in their role as influencers. They were primarily from royal families, which may have been politically advantageous, but ultimately they turned Solomon's heart away from God, leading to his spiritual decline.
What lessons can we learn from 1 Kings 11:3?
1 Kings 11:3 teaches us about the dangers of allowing relationships to influence our values and beliefs. It serves as a reminder to be cautious about who we surround ourselves with, as they can significantly impact our choices and priorities.
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