1 Kings 3:16 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then two women who were prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse introduces the famous story where two women brought their dispute to King Solomon for his judgment.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs early in Solomon's reign when he was establishing his reputation for wisdom. In ancient Israel, the king served as the highest judge and court of appeal for difficult cases that local judges couldn't resolve. These women, despite their low social status as prostitutes, had the right to bring their case directly to the king for justice.

Explore Similar Verses

Ezekiel 23:44

But they kept going to her like men who visit prostitutes — that's exactly how they went to Aholah and Aholibah, these immoral women.

Genesis 38:15

When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face.

2 Kings 23:7

And he tore down the buildings where male shrine prostitutes lived, which were right next to the LORD's temple, where women made fabric coverings for the Asherah pole.

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📚 Historical Context

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