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1 Kings 3:6

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 3:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
1 Kings 3:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3And Solomon loved Jehovah, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
4And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt-offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
5In Gibeon Jehovah appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7And now, O Jehovah my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in.
8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people?
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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 Solomon said, etc.] In his dream; not that he dreamt he said, when he did not; but he really said, as follows: thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy; bestowed many favours and blessings upon him, both temporal and spiritual: according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; in the truth of doctrine and worship, according to the revealed will and word of God, and which he observed with great strictness, living soberly, righteously, and godly, though not without failings and imperfections, yet with great integrity and sincerity; and this holy walk of his was not the cause of God’s showing mercy to him, nor was…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“HE CHOOSES WISDOM. (Kg1 3:6-15) Solomon said--that is, had dreamed that he said.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This great kindness - David himself had regarded this as God’s crowning mercy to him 1 Kings 1:48. 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
“Truth - In the true worship of God, in the profession, belief, practice and defence of the true religion. So truth here contains all duties to God, as righteousness doth his duties to men, and uprightness the right manner of performing both sorts of duties. With thee - That is, in thy judgment, to whom he often appealed as the witness of his integrity. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 3:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:6 The Hebrew word translated faithful love (khesed) expresses God’s gracious treatment and loving kindness toward humanity (Ps 118:1-2), especially to his covenant nation Israel (Deut 7:9, 12).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thy servant: Num 12:7; Sa2 7:5 great: Sa2 7:8-12, Sa2 12:7, Sa2 12:8, Sa2 22:47-51; Ch1 29:12-14; Psa 78:70-72 mercy: or, bounty, Psa 13:6, Psa 116:7, Psa 119:17; Co2 9:5, Co2 9:11 according: Kg1 2:4, Kg1 9:4, Kg1 15:5; Kg2 20:3; Psa 15:2, Psa 18:20-24 that: Kg1 1:48 3 Kings (1 Kings) 3:7”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification