Old Testament
1 Kings 4:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He was wiser than anyone — wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. His fame spread to every surrounding nation.
Compare translations
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
What 1 Kings 4:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a remarkable figure known for his extraordinary wisdom. He was considered wiser than anyone else, surpassing even renowned wise men like Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, who were celebrated for their intelligence. This wisdom was not just a personal trait; it became a defining characteristic of his reign. As a result, his reputation spread far and wide, reaching every nation around him. People from different lands recognized his insight and understanding, which contributed to his influence and leadership. His wisdom was not only about knowledge but also about making sound decisions that benefited his people. This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in leadership and how it can elevate one's status and impact in the world. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom is recognized and valued by others, leading to a legacy that endures through time. The mention of other wise men emphasizes the exceptional nature of his wisdom, setting a high standard for future leaders.
How to apply 1 Kings 4:31 to your life
Consider how you can seek wisdom in your daily life. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people and learn from their experiences. Make decisions that reflect understanding and insight, as this can enhance your influence and reputation in your community. Remember, wisdom is a valuable asset that can lead to lasting impact and respect from others.
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: Wisdom and Peace (1 Kings 4:20–34)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 4:31
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 4:31
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 4:31 mean?
1 Kings 4:31 highlights the exceptional wisdom of a leader who surpassed even renowned wise men of his time. His wisdom was recognized across nations, emphasizing the value of insight and sound decision-making in leadership.
Who are the wise men mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31?
The wise men mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 are Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. They were known for their intelligence and wisdom, but the verse states that the leader was wiser than all of them.
How does 1 Kings 4:31 relate to leadership?
1 Kings 4:31 illustrates that wisdom is a crucial trait for effective leadership. The leader's exceptional wisdom not only defined his reign but also earned him respect and recognition from other nations.
What can we learn from 1 Kings 4:31?
From 1 Kings 4:31, we learn the importance of seeking wisdom and making informed decisions in our lives. It encourages us to value knowledge and insight, as these qualities can enhance our influence and reputation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.