1 Kings 4:32

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 4:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.
1 Kings 4:32 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32And he spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.

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 he spake three thousand proverbs, etc.] Wise sayings, short and pithy sentences, instructive in morality and civil life; these were not written as the book of Proverbs, but spoken only, and were taken from his lips, and spread by those that heard them for the use of others, but in process of time were lost; whereas the above book, being written under divine inspiration, is preserved: and his songs were a thousand and five; some things that were useful to improve the minds and morals of men he delivered in verse, to make them more pleasant and agreeable, that they might be the more easily received and retained in memory; but of all his songs, the most: excellent is the book of Canticles,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he spake three thousand proverbs--embodying his moral sentiments and sage observations on human life and character. songs . . . a thousand and five-- Psalm 72, 127, 132, and the Song of Songs are his.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Proverbs - In the collection which forms the “Book of Proverbs,” only a small portion has been preserved, less certainly than one thousand out of the three. Ecclesiastes, if it is Solomon’s, would add between one hundred and two hundred more proverbs. But the great bulk of Solomon’s proverbs has perished. Songs - Of these, Canticles is probably one (marginal reference): Psalms 72:0; Psalms 127:1-5 may also be of the number. Probably the bulk of Solomon’s songs were of a secular character, and consequently were not introduced into the canon of Scripture. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Proverbs - That is, short, and deep, and useful sentences, whereof a great part are contained in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Songs - Whereof the chief and most divine are in the Canticles. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:33”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:32-34 proverbs . . . songs: Solomon wrote much of the book of Proverbs and composed Pss 72 and 127. His knowledge of plants and animals reflected his careful observation of nature (see Prov 6:6-8). Solomon’s wisdom and literary prowess (see Matt 12:42) are reflected in the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. No wonder many, including kings (1 Kgs 10:1-9), sought the wisdom of Solomon.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he spake: Prov. 1:1-31:30; Ecc 12:9; Mat 13:35 songs: Song 1:1-17 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:33”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification