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1 Kings 12:10

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 12:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father`s loins.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father`s loins.
1 Kings 12:10 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.
8But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him.
9And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter?
10And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father`s loins.
11And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
12So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come to me again the third day.
13And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him,
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the young men that were grown up with him, spake unto him, saying, etc.] Gave him the following advice: thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying; as is said, (<111204>1 Kings 12:4) thus shall thou say unto them, my little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins; or, “is thicker” f307 signifying that he had more strength and power than his father had, and that he would make them know it, and they should feel the weight of it, and instead of lessening he would increase their taxes; for also hereby was intimated, that his glory, grandeur, and magnificence, was greater than his father’s, especially when he first came to the kingdom, and therefore required…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“My little finger ... - i. e., “You shall find my hand heavier on you than my father’s - as much heavier as if my little finger were thicker than his loins.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Shall be thicker - Or rather, is thicker, and therefore stronger, and more able to crush you, if you proceed in these mutinous demands, than his loins, in which is the principal seat of strength. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Thus shalt thou: Sa2 17:7-13 My little finger: A proverbial mode of expression: "My little finger is thicker than my father's thigh." As much as the thigh surpasses the little finger in thickness, so much does my power exceed that of my father; and the use I shall make of it to oppress and tax you shall be in proportion. Ch2 10:10, Ch2 10:11; Pro 10:14, Pro 18:6, Pro 18:7, Pro 28:25, Pro 29:23; Isa 47:6 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:11”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification