Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Third Book of Kingdoms, Chapter 3ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΩΝ Γ′ Γ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Solomon asks for a hearing heart, receives wisdom, and proves it in the judgment of the two women.

Translation & textual notes

The Greek text of 3 Kingdoms 3 (= 1 Kings 3 in the Hebrew/English numbering) follows the standard critical text of the Septuagint as established in the Rahlfs–Hanhart edition (Septuaginta, rev. ed. 2006), an ancient and public-domain text; the critical apparatus is not reproduced. Note on versification: in the Rahlfs LXX this chapter has no verse 1 — the text begins at verse 2 (πλὴν ὁ λαὸς ἦσαν θυμιῶντες) and runs continuously through verse 28; the verse numbers used here (2–28, twenty-seven verses) reproduce the reference text exactly and are not renumbered. The chapter unfolds in three great movements. First, a cultic preface (vv. 2–4): the people and Solomon are still sacrificing ἐπὶ τοῖς ὑψηλοῖς ('on the high places') because no house has yet been built τῷ ὀνόματι κυρίου, and Solomon goes up to Gibeon to offer a thousand whole-burnt-offerings. Second, the theophany at Gibeon (vv. 5–14): κύριος appears to Solomon ἐν ὕπνῳ τὴν νύκτα and invites him to ask any gift; Solomon, confessing himself παιδάριον μικρόν, asks not for long life, riches, or the lives of his enemies but for a καρδίαν ἀκούειν ('a heart to hear / understand') to judge YHWH's innumerable people, ἀνὰ μέσον ἀγαθοῦ καὶ κακοῦ; God, pleased, grants him a καρδίαν φρονίμην καὶ σοφήν unequalled before or after, plus the unrequested πλοῦτον καὶ δόξαν, conditioning long life on obedience. Third, after Solomon wakes and sacrifices before the ark in Jerusalem (v. 15), comes the celebrated Judgment of the Two Harlots (vv. 16–28): two πόρναι dispute a living child; the king calls for a μάχαιρα and orders the child divided (διέλετε τὸ παιδίον … εἰς δύο); the true mother's compassion (ἐταράχθη ἡ μήτρα αὐτῆς) betrays her, and Solomon awards her the living child, so that all Israel fears the king, seeing that φρόνησις θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ τοῦ ποιεῖν δικαίωμα. Two occurrences of κύριε (vv. 17, 26) are the harlots' deferential address to the king and are rendered as the human 'my lord,' not as the divine name.

2

πλὴν ὁ λαὸς ἦσαν θυμιῶντες ἐπὶ τοῖς ὑψηλοῖς ὅτι οὐκ ᾠκοδομήθη οἶκος τῷ ὀνόματι κυρίου ἕως νῦν

Only the people were sacrificing on the high places, because a house had not yet been built for the name of the LORD until now.

Chapter-opening concessive preface (note: no verse 1 in the Rahlfs LXX; the chapter begins here at v. 2)πλὴν ὁ λαὸς
The chapter opens abruptly at v. 2 (there is no v. 1 in the Rahlfs text). The adversative πλήν introduces a qualifying note on the cultic situation: although the kingdom is established, worship is still decentralized on the high places, the explicit reason being that the temple is not yet built. The periphrastic ἦσαν θυμιῶντες (imperfect of εἰμί + present participle) describes ongoing, habitual cultic activity.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
πλὴνonly / howeveradversative/restrictive conjunction (clause-initial)→ discourse linkage or contrastπλήν: 'except / only / however'; renders Hebrew רַק; here it introduces a qualifying observation about the people's worship that tempers the otherwise positive portrait of Solomon's reign.
theNominativearticle (with λαός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject (of periphrastic ἦσαν θυμιῶντες)→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the standard LXX term for Israel as covenant community (rendering עַם); the singular collective noun takes the plural verb ἦσαν by sense (constructio ad sensum).
ἦσανwereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίauxiliary of periphrastic construction (with θυμιῶντες)→ durative imperfect (ongoing/habitual situation)εἰμί: the imperfect ἦσαν combines with the present participle θυμιῶντες to form a periphrastic imperfect expressing continuous, customary action — the people kept on sacrificing at the high places.
θυμιῶντεςburning incense / sacrificingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · θυμιάωparticiple of periphrastic construction (predicate, agreeing with λαός by sense)→ imperfective (ongoing cultic action)θυμιάω: 'burn incense / make a sacrifice of smoke'; renders Hebrew קִטֵּר; in Kingdoms it commonly denotes offering at the high places (בָּמוֹת), a practice tolerated only because the temple does not yet exist.
ἐπὶonpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with ὑψηλοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑψηλοῖςhigh placesDativesubstantivized adjective (object of ἐπί: 'the high places')→ sphere or referenceὑψηλός: 'high / lofty'; the substantivized neuter plural τὰ ὑψηλά renders Hebrew בָּמוֹת ('high places'), the open-air hilltop shrines; their toleration here is conditioned on the temple's absence (cf. Deut 12).
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (introducing reason clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / that'; here causal, giving the reason for the high-place worship — the absence of a built temple.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ᾠκοδομήθη)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ᾠκοδομήθηwas builtAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · οἰκοδομέωmain verb of causal clause (with οἶκος as subject)→ constative aorist (a state of affairs up to the present)οἰκοδομέω: 'build / construct'; renders בָּנָה; the passive ᾠκοδομήθη with the temporal ἕως νῦν marks the temple-building as still outstanding, anticipating chs. 5–8.
οἶκοςhouseNominativesubject (of ᾠκοδομήθη)→ participant prominenceοἶκος: 'house'; renders בַּיִת; 'house for the name of the LORD' is the standard idiom for the temple (cf. Deut 12:5, 11), conceived as the dwelling for YHWH's Name rather than for YHWH himself.
τῷthe / for theDativearticle (with ὀνόματι)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀνόματιnameDativedative of advantage/purpose ('for the name')→ sphere or referenceὄνομα: 'name'; renders שֵׁם; the Deuteronomic 'name theology' locates YHWH's presence in his Name dwelling in the chosen place, the conceptual basis for the temple.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (with ὀνόματι: 'the name of the LORD')→ relational specificationκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; here in the temple-formula 'the name of the LORD' it designates the covenant God for whom the house is to be built.
ἕωςuntilpreposition/adverb (temporal, with νῦν)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / up to'; with νῦν it forms the temporal phrase 'until now,' marking the temple's absence as the present, not permanent, state.
νῦνnowtemporal adverb (with ἕως: 'until now')→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: 'now'; ἕως νῦν underscores that the situation is provisional and awaits resolution in Solomon's temple project.
3

καὶ ἠγάπησεν Σαλωμων τὸν κύριον πορεύεσθαι ἐν τοῖς προστάγμασιν Δαυιδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ πλὴν ἐν τοῖς ὑψηλοῖς ἔθυεν καὶ ἐθυμία

And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father; only on the high places he sacrificed and burned incense.

Narrative continuation (Solomon's piety, with concessive qualification)καὶ ἠγάπησεν Σαλωμων
The verse balances praise and qualification: Solomon's love for YHWH is expressed by his walking in David's statutes (the complementary infinitive πορεύεσθαι), but a second πλήν repeats the v. 2 reservation — he too still sacrifices on the high places. The pairing ἔθυεν καὶ ἐθυμία (imperfects) describes habitual cultic practice.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠγάπησενlovedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb (with Σαλωμων as subject)→ constative aorist (summary characterization)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; renders אָהַב; covenant love for YHWH expressed in obedience is the Deuteronomic ideal (Deut 6:5); the aorist gives a summary verdict on Solomon's devotion.
ΣαλωμωνSolomonsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliteration of Hebrew שְׁלֹמֹה ('Solomon'); treated as indeclinable in this section of Kingdoms (the same form serves nominative, dative with τῷ, and accusative with πρός), hence parsed as indeclinable.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριονLORDAccusativedirect object (of ἠγάπησεν)→ object specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the object of Solomon's covenant love — divine, not human, reference.
πορεύεσθαιto walkPres Mid Infin · πορεύομαιcomplementary/epexegetic infinitive (defining the love: 'by walking')→ imperfective (ongoing manner of conduct)πορεύομαι: 'go / walk'; renders הָלַךְ; 'to walk in the statutes' is the Hebraic idiom for ordering one's life by the commandments (cf. Lev 26:3); the infinitive explains how Solomon's love is enacted.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/norm)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere/norm).
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with προστάγμασιν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προστάγμασινstatutes / ordinancesDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of conduct)→ sphere or referenceπρόσταγμα: 'ordinance / decree / statute'; renders חֻקָּה / מִצְוָה; 'the statutes of David' denotes the pattern of covenant fidelity that David modeled and bequeathed.
Δαυιδof Davidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'David's statutes')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliteration of Hebrew דָּוִד ('David'); indeclinable in the LXX; here functioning as a genitive ('the statutes of David').
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with πατρὸς, in apposition to Δαυιδ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρὸςfatherGenitivegenitive in apposition to Δαυιδ ('his father')→ relational specificationπατήρ: 'father'; renders אָב; the appositive 'David his father' grounds Solomon's legitimacy and piety in the Davidic covenant.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (with πατρὸς)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with πατρὸς).
πλὴνonly / exceptadversative/restrictive conjunction (introducing the qualification)→ discourse linkage or contrastπλήν: the second πλήν of the unit (cf. v. 2) repeats the reservation, now applied to Solomon himself — even the pious king still worships at the high places.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with ὑψηλοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑψηλοῖςhigh placesDativesubstantivized adjective (object of ἐν: 'on the high places')→ sphere or referenceὑψηλός: substantivized τὰ ὑψηλά = the high places (בָּמוֹת); the repetition from v. 2 binds the cultic qualification tightly to both people and king.
ἔθυενhe sacrificedImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · θύωmain verb (habitual action)→ customary imperfect (repeated cultic practice)θύω: 'sacrifice / slaughter (for offering)'; renders זָבַח; the imperfect marks Solomon's repeated offering at the high places.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐθυμίαburned incenseImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · θυμιάωmain verb (coordinate with ἔθυεν, habitual)→ customary imperfect (repeated cultic practice)θυμιάω: 'burn incense / offer smoke'; the same verb used of the people in v. 2, here in the imperfect of Solomon, completing the parallel between king and people in high-place worship.
4

καὶ ἀνέστη καὶ ἐπορεύθη εἰς Γαβαων θῦσαι ἐκεῖ ὅτι αὐτὴ ὑψηλοτάτη καὶ μεγάλη χιλίαν ὁλοκαύτωσιν ἀνήνεγκεν Σαλωμων ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον ἐν Γαβαων

And he arose and went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the highest and greatest high place; a thousand whole-burnt-offerings Solomon offered up on the altar in Gibeon.

Narrative advance (Solomon's pilgrimage to Gibeon)καὶ ἀνέστη
The verb-chain ἀνέστη … ἐπορεύθη … θῦσαι moves Solomon to the principal high place at Gibeon, justified by a causal ὅτι-clause (it was the highest and greatest). The hyperbolic χιλίαν ὁλοκαύτωσιν ('a thousand whole-burnt-offerings') signals royal piety on a grand scale and sets the stage for the theophany of v. 5.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέστηaroseAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (inceptive movement)→ constative aorist (single completed act)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / arise'; renders קוּם; in narrative the aorist 'arose and went' is a standard idiom for setting out on a purposeful journey.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύθηwentAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (coordinate with ἀνέστη)→ constative aorist (completed journey)πορεύομαι: 'go / journey'; the deponent aorist ἐπορεύθη continues the movement-formula; renders הָלַךְ.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal of motion)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal of motion).
ΓαβαωνGibeonobject of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΓαβαων: transliteration of Hebrew גִּבְעוֹן ('Gibeon'); indeclinable in the LXX; the great high place where the tabernacle/bronze altar stood (cf. 2 Chr 1:3–6), and the site of the coming theophany.
θῦσαιto sacrificeAor Act Infin · θύωinfinitive of purpose (with verbs of motion)→ verbal action or stateθύω: 'sacrifice'; the aorist infinitive expresses the purpose of the journey ('went … to sacrifice').
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (with θῦσαι)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; locates the sacrifice at Gibeon.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (introducing reason)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: causal, explaining why Solomon chose Gibeon — it was the foremost high place.
αὐτὴit / that oneNominativesubject of the implied copula (referring to the high place at Gibeon)→ participant referenceαὐτός: here the feminine demonstrative/intensive pronoun 'that (one)' referring to the high place (ὑψηλή understood as feminine); subject of an implied 'was.'
ὑψηλοτάτηhighestNominativepredicate adjective (superlative, with implied copula)→ participant prominenceὑψηλός (superl. ὑψηλοτάτη): 'highest / loftiest'; the superlative marks Gibeon as the preeminent high place, justifying the royal pilgrimage.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μεγάληgreatNominativepredicate adjective (coordinate with ὑψηλοτάτη)→ participant prominenceμέγας: 'great / large'; renders גָּדוֹל; pairs with the superlative to stress Gibeon's preeminence among the shrines.
χιλίανa thousandAccusativeattributive numeral (modifying ὁλοκαύτωσιν)→ object specificationχίλιοι, -αι, -α: 'thousand'; the feminine accusative χιλίαν agrees with ὁλοκαύτωσιν; the round, hyperbolic number conveys lavish royal devotion.
ὁλοκαύτωσινwhole-burnt-offeringAccusativedirect object (of ἀνήνεγκεν)→ object specificationὁλοκαύτωσις: 'whole-burnt-offering'; renders עֹלָה; the offering entirely consumed by fire, the costliest expression of homage; the singular is used collectively with χιλίαν.
ἀνήνεγκενoffered upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναφέρωmain verb (with Σαλωμων as subject)→ constative aorist (completed cultic act)ἀναφέρω: 'bring up / offer up'; renders הֶעֱלָה (Hiphil of עָלָה); the technical term for presenting an offering 'up' on the altar.
ΣαλωμωνSolomonsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (place: 'onto the altar')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place: 'onto the altar').
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with θυσιαστήριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυσιαστήριονaltarAccusativeobject of ἐπί (place of offering)→ object specificationθυσιαστήριον: 'altar'; renders מִזְבֵּחַ; the LXX-coined cultic term (from θυσία) reserved for legitimate altars of YHWH, here the great bronze altar at Gibeon.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
ΓαβαωνGibeonobject of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΓαβαων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of ἐν (indeclinable place-name).
5

καὶ ὤφθη κύριος τῷ Σαλωμων ἐν ὕπνῳ τὴν νύκτα καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Σαλωμων αἴτησαί τι αἴτημα σαυτῷ

And the LORD appeared to Solomon in sleep by night, and the LORD said to Solomon, 'Ask some request for yourself.'

Theophany: the LORD appears and speaks (new divine speech-act)καὶ ὤφθη κύριος
The theophany-formula ὤφθη κύριος ('the LORD appeared') marks a decisive turn from cultic narrative to direct divine encounter. The dream-medium (ἐν ὕπνῳ τὴν νύκτα) is a recognized vehicle of revelation. God's open-ended invitation αἴτησαι … σαυτῷ ('ask for yourself') sets up the test of Solomon's heart that the rest of the unit unfolds.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὤφθηappearedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (theophany-formula)→ constative aorist (single revelatory event)ὁράω (aor. pass. ὤφθη): 'be seen / appear'; renders נִרְאָה (Niphal of רָאָה); ὤφθη κύριος is the fixed LXX theophany-formula (cf. Gen 12:7; 17:1; Exod 3:2), marking an authoritative divine self-disclosure.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (of ὤφθη)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the subject of the theophany — YHWH himself appears, not an intermediary.
τῷto theDativearticle (with the indeclinable Σαλωμων, marking the dative)→ noun-phrase markingThe article τῷ supplies the dative case for the indeclinable name Σαλωμων ('to Solomon').
ΣαλωμωνSolomonindirect object (indeclinable, case marked by τῷ: 'to Solomon')→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indirect object (indeclinable, case marked by τῷ: 'to Solomon').
ἐνinpreposition + dative (means/circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (means/circumstance).
ὕπνῳsleepDativeobject of ἐν (circumstance: 'in sleep')→ sphere or referenceὕπνος: 'sleep'; renders חֲלוֹם / שֵׁנָה context; the dream-state is a sanctioned channel of revelation, distinguished from waking vision.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with νύκτα)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νύκταnightAccusativeaccusative of time (duration/point: 'by night')→ object specificationνύξ: 'night'; the accusative of time situates the dream within the night; renders לַיְלָה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the divine speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces direct divine speech; the formula εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς frames the invitation as unmediated YHWH-speech.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the speaker of the invitation.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΣαλωμωνSolomonobject of πρός (indeclinable: recipient of the speech)→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of πρός (indeclinable: recipient of the speech).
αἴτησαίaskAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · αἰτέωmain verb (divine imperative/invitation)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the open invitation)αἰτέω: 'ask / request'; the middle αἴτησαι ('ask for yourself') stresses self-interested request; renders שָׁאַל; God's open-ended offer makes Solomon's choice the diagnostic of his heart.
τιsome / anyAccusativeindefinite pronoun/adjective (with αἴτημα: 'some request')→ participant referenceτις, τι: indefinite 'some / any'; here modifying αἴτημα, leaving the content wholly open ('any request whatever').
αἴτημαrequestAccusativedirect object (cognate accusative with αἴτησαι)→ object specificationαἴτημα: 'request / petition'; cognate with αἰτέω; the cognate-accusative construction αἴτησαι … αἴτημα ('ask a request') intensifies and broadens the invitation.
σαυτῷfor yourselfDativedative of advantage (reflexive: 'for yourself')→ sphere or referenceσεαυτοῦ (dat. σαυτῷ): reflexive pronoun 'yourself'; the dative of advantage underscores that the gift is offered for Solomon's own benefit, sharpening the moral test of what he will choose.
6

καὶ εἶπεν Σαλωμων σὺ ἐποίησας μετὰ τοῦ δούλου σου Δαυιδ τοῦ πατρός μου ἔλεος μέγα καθὼς διῆλθεν ἐνώπιόν σου ἐν ἀληθείᾳ καὶ ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἐν εὐθύτητι καρδίας μετὰ σοῦ καὶ ἐφύλαξας αὐτῷ τὸ ἔλεος τὸ μέγα τοῦτο δοῦναι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ ὡς ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη

And Solomon said, 'You have shown great mercy toward your servant David my father, as he walked before you in truth and in righteousness and in uprightness of heart with you; and you kept for him this great mercy, to give him a son sitting on his throne, as at this day.'

Solomon's response: covenant-recital grounding the petitionκαὶ εἶπεν Σαλωμων
Solomon's answer opens not with a request but with a recital of God's covenant faithfulness (ἔλεος μέγα) to David, his obedient walk (διῆλθεν … ἐν ἀληθείᾳ … δικαιοσύνῃ … εὐθύτητι), and the gift of a dynastic successor 'as at this day.' This grateful retrospect grounds the petition to come (vv. 7–9) in the prior grace of YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 50 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces Solomon's reply to the divine invitation.
ΣαλωμωνSolomonsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic personal pronoun)→ participant referenceσύ: the emphatic nominative pronoun foregrounds God as the agent of the mercy — 'you (and no other) have shown.'
ἐποίησαςyou have shown / didAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (with σὺ as subject)→ constative aorist (God's accomplished covenant act)ποιέω: 'do / make'; ποιέω ἔλεος μετά τινος ('show mercy with/toward someone') is a Hebraism rendering עָשָׂה חֶסֶד עִם ('do covenant-kindness with').
μετὰwith / towardpreposition + genitive (with ἔλεος-idiom: 'toward')→ spatial or relational framingμετά + gen.: 'with'; in the idiom ἐποίησας ἔλεος μετά it renders עִם, expressing the covenant relation in which mercy is shown.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with δούλου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δούλουservantGenitiveobject of μετά ('your servant')→ relational specificationδοῦλος: 'slave / servant'; renders עֶבֶד; 'your servant David' is the honorific covenant designation of David as YHWH's loyal vassal.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with δούλου)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with δούλου).
ΔαυιδDavidapposition to δούλου (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable; in apposition to 'your servant,' identifying the recipient of the covenant mercy.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with πατρός)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρόςfatherGenitiveapposition to Δαυιδ ('my father')→ relational specificationπατήρ: 'father'; the appositive 'David my father' binds Solomon's prayer to the Davidic covenant.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with πατρός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with πατρός).
ἔλεοςmercyAccusativedirect object (of ἐποίησας)→ object specificationἔλεος: 'mercy / lovingkindness'; the standard LXX rendering of חֶסֶד (covenant faithfulness); here the loyal love God showed David in establishing his house.
μέγαgreatAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἔλεος)→ object specificationμέγας: 'great'; intensifies the covenant mercy; cf. the resumptive τὸ ἔλεος τὸ μέγα τοῦτο later in the verse.
καθὼςas / according ascomparative conjunction (introducing manner clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθώς: 'just as / according as'; introduces the ground of the mercy — David's faithful conduct.
διῆλθενhe walked / passedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · διέρχομαιverb of the καθώς-clause (with Δαυιδ as subject)→ constative aorist (David's whole course of life)διέρχομαι: 'go through / pass / walk'; here 'walked (his life) before you,' a metaphor for the conduct of one's whole life, rendering הִתְהַלֵּךְ ('walk about / conduct oneself').
ἐνώπιόνbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the sight of'; Hebraism rendering לִפְנֵי; 'walking before you' denotes a life lived consciously in God's presence.
σουyouGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐνώπιον.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).
ἀληθείᾳtruthDativeobject of ἐν (manner: 'in truth')→ sphere or referenceἀλήθεια: 'truth / faithfulness'; renders אֱמֶת; the first of three virtues describing David's walk.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).
δικαιοσύνῃrighteousnessDativeobject of ἐν (manner)→ sphere or referenceδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness / justice'; renders צְדָקָה; the second virtue of David's covenant walk.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).
εὐθύτητιuprightnessDativeobject of ἐν (manner)→ sphere or referenceεὐθύτης: 'uprightness / straightness'; renders יֹשֶׁר; the third virtue, qualified by 'of heart' — integrity of inner disposition.
καρδίαςof heartGenitivegenitive (with εὐθύτητι: 'uprightness of heart')→ relational specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב; the seat of will and disposition; 'uprightness of heart' anticipates Solomon's own request for a discerning heart (v. 9).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment: 'with you')→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment: 'with you').
σοῦyouGenitiveobject of μετά→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (continuing the recital)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐφύλαξαςyou keptAor Act Indic 2 Sg · φυλάσσωmain verb (with σὺ as continuing subject)→ constative aorist (God's preservation of the covenant mercy)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep'; renders שָׁמַר; 'you kept this mercy for him' expresses God's faithful preservation of the covenant promise to David's house.
αὐτῷfor himDativedative of advantage (David as beneficiary)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'for him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (David as beneficiary).
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἔλεος)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔλεοςmercyAccusativedirect object (of ἐφύλαξας)→ object specificationἔλεος: the resumptive 'this great mercy' picks up ἔλεος μέγα from the verse's opening, framing the whole recital around the divine חֶסֶד.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with μέγα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μέγαgreatAccusativeattributive adjective (second-article construction with ἔλεος)→ object specificationμέγας: in the τὸ ἔλεος τὸ μέγα construction the repeated article gives the adjective attributive emphasis ('the mercy, the great one').
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (modifying ἔλεος)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; deictically points to the specific, presently-manifest mercy — the gift of a successor.
δοῦναιto giveAor Act Infin · δίδωμιepexegetic infinitive (defining the mercy: 'namely, to give')→ aorist infinitive (the sworn gift)δίδωμι: 'give'; the epexegetic aorist infinitive spells out the content of the kept mercy — the gift of a dynastic heir.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with υἱὸν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸνsonAccusativedirect object (of δοῦναι)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; here Solomon himself, the son set on David's throne; renders בֵּן.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱὸν: David's son)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱὸν: David's son).
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (position: 'on the throne')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (position: 'on the throne').
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with θρόνου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θρόνουthroneGenitiveobject of ἐπί (position)→ relational specificationθρόνος: 'throne'; renders כִּסֵּא; the Davidic throne, the dynastic seat promised in 2 Sam 7.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (David's throne)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (David's throne).
ὡςascomparative particle (with the temporal phrase)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as'; in ὡς ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη renders כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה ('as at this day'), a formula marking present fulfillment of a past promise.
theNominativearticle (with ἡμέρα)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραdayNominativepredicate noun in the comparative phrase ('as this day')→ participant prominenceἡμέρα: 'day'; the formula ὡς ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη marks the promise as realized in the present moment of Solomon's reign.
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative (with ἡμέρα: 'this day')→ participant referenceοὗτος (fem. αὕτη): 'this'; deictic, fixing the fulfillment at the present day.
7

καὶ νῦν κύριε ὁ θεός μου σὺ ἔδωκας τὸν δοῦλόν σου ἀντὶ Δαυιδ τοῦ πατρός μου καὶ ἐγώ εἰμι παιδάριον μικρὸν καὶ οὐκ οἶδα τὴν ἔξοδόν μου καὶ τὴν εἴσοδόν μου

And now, O LORD my God, you have set your servant in place of David my father; and I am a little child, and I do not know my going out and my coming in.

Transition from recital to petition (vocative address + self-abasement)καὶ νῦν κύριε ὁ θεός μου
The καὶ νῦν ('and now') pivots from retrospect (v. 6) to the present situation and the coming request. The vocative κύριε ὁ θεός μου addresses YHWH directly. Solomon's self-description as παιδάριον μικρόν ('a little child') who does not know 'his going out and coming in' is a posture of humble inadequacy that motivates the request for a discerning heart.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
καὶandconjunction (with νῦν: transitional 'and now')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νῦνnowtemporal adverb (transitional 'and now')→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: 'now'; καὶ νῦν is a discourse-marker pivoting from the recital of past mercy to the present petition; renders וְעַתָּה.
κύριεO LORDVocativevocative (direct address to God)→ direct addressκύριος (voc. κύριε): rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the vocative addresses YHWH directly — clearly divine, not human, reference.
theNominativearticle (with θεός in vocative apposition)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριε (nominative for vocative)→ participant prominenceθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; the nominative-for-vocative ὁ θεός μου ('my God') is a Septuagintism; in apposition to κύριε it intensifies the personal address.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with θεός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with θεός).
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you' stressing God's sole agency in enthroning Solomon.
ἔδωκαςyou set / gaveAor Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (with σὺ as subject)→ constative aorist (God's accomplished enthronement)δίδωμι: 'give / appoint / set'; here 'you have made/set your servant king'; renders נָתַן; ascribes the kingship wholly to divine appointment.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with δοῦλόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δοῦλόνservantAccusativedirect object (of ἔδωκας; Solomon's self-designation)→ object specificationδοῦλος: 'servant'; Solomon calls himself 'your servant,' adopting the same humble covenant title used of David in v. 6.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with δοῦλόν)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with δοῦλόν).
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution: 'in place of')→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of / in place of'; renders תַּחַת; marks dynastic succession — Solomon takes David's place on the throne.
ΔαυιδDavidobject of ἀντί (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of ἀντί (indeclinable).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with πατρός)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρόςfatherGenitiveapposition to Δαυιδ ('my father')→ relational specificationπατήρ: 'father'; the recurring 'David my father' keeps the Davidic covenant in view as the ground of Solomon's prayer.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with πατρός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with πατρός).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing self-abasement)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγώINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I'; the contrast between God's mighty act (σὺ ἔδωκας) and Solomon's own smallness (ἐγὼ … παιδάριον μικρόν) underscores his dependence.
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula (linking ἐγώ to predicate παιδάριον)→ stative present (Solomon's present condition)εἰμί: 'be'; the copula joins the self-abasing predicate 'a little child.'
παιδάριονlittle child / ladNominativepredicate noun (with εἰμι)→ participant prominenceπαιδάριον: diminutive of παῖς, 'little boy / lad / young servant'; renders נַעַר; not a literal age-statement but an expression of inexperience and humility before the burden of kingship.
μικρὸνsmallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying παιδάριον)→ participant prominenceμικρός: 'small / little'; renders קָטֹן; intensifies the diminutive παιδάριον, heightening the note of self-deprecation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with οἶδα)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἶδαI knowPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (Solomon's confessed ignorance)→ stative perfect (present-tense sense: 'I do not know')οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning); renders יָדַע; the confession of not knowing 'going out and coming in' admits inexperience in leadership.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with ἔξοδόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔξοδόνgoing outAccusativedirect object (of οἶδα)→ object specificationἔξοδος: 'going out / exit'; renders צֵאת; the merism 'going out and coming in' (ἔξοδος καὶ εἴσοδος) is a Hebraism for the conduct of public/military leadership and daily affairs (cf. Num 27:17; Deut 28:6).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἔξοδόν)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἔξοδόν).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with εἴσοδόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἴσοδόνcoming inAccusativedirect object (of οἶδα, completing the merism)→ object specificationεἴσοδος: 'coming in / entrance'; renders בּוֹא; completes the leadership-merism 'going out and coming in.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with εἴσοδόν)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with εἴσοδόν).
8

ὁ δὲ δοῦλός σου ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ λαοῦ σου ὃν ἐξελέξω λαὸν πολύν ὃς οὐκ ἀριθμηθήσεται

And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you chose, a numerous people that cannot be counted.

Amplification of the burden: the innumerable elect peopleὁ δὲ δοῦλός σου
The δέ continues Solomon's self-presentation, now stressing the scale of his charge: he stands in the midst of YHWH's elect people, so numerous that they cannot be counted. The relative clauses (ὃν ἐξελέξω … ὃς οὐκ ἀριθμηθήσεται) magnify both the people's election and their multitude, making the need for a discerning heart (v. 9) acute.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
theNominativearticle (with δοῦλός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲand / nowcontinuative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive continuative, advancing Solomon's self-description from his inexperience (v. 7) to the magnitude of his charge.
δοῦλόςservantNominativesubject (of implied copula 'is')→ participant prominenceδοῦλος: Solomon again names himself 'your servant,' the humble covenant self-designation.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with δοῦλός)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with δοῦλός).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative, with implied copula)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative, with implied copula).
μέσῳmidstDativeobject of ἐν (idiom: 'in the midst of')→ sphere or referenceμέσος: 'middle / midst'; ἐν μέσῳ renders בְּתוֹךְ ('in the midst of'); Solomon situates himself within the people he must govern.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with λαοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαοῦpeopleGenitivegenitive (with μέσῳ: 'the midst of the people')→ relational specificationλαός: 'people'; Israel as YHWH's covenant people (עַם); the genitive completes the 'in the midst of your people' idiom.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with λαοῦ)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with λαοῦ).
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐξελέξω, antecedent λαοῦ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; introduces the clause magnifying the people as divinely chosen.
ἐξελέξωyou choseAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιverb of relative clause (election of the people)→ constative aorist (the act of election)ἐκλέγομαι: 'choose / select'; renders בָּחַר; the middle voice fits the LXX language of divine election — YHWH chose Israel for himself (cf. Deut 7:6–7).
λαὸνpeopleAccusativeaccusative in apposition (resuming the antecedent: 'a numerous people')→ object specificationλαός: the resumptive accusative λαὸν πολύν restates the antecedent within the relative construction, a Hebraizing redundancy stressing the people's multitude.
πολύνnumerous / greatAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying λαὸν)→ object specificationπολύς: 'much / many / numerous'; renders רַב; stresses the sheer size of the people Solomon must judge.
ὃςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἀριθμηθήσεται)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun introducing the second magnifying clause — the people cannot be numbered.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἀριθμηθήσεται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀριθμηθήσεταιwill be countedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀριθμέωverb of relative clause (innumerability of the people)→ gnomic/potential future ('cannot be counted')ἀριθμέω: 'count / number'; renders סָפַר / מָנָה; the negated future expresses impossibility ('cannot be numbered'), echoing the patriarchal promise of innumerable descendants (Gen 13:16; 15:5).
9

καὶ δώσεις τῷ δούλῳ σου καρδίαν ἀκούειν καὶ διακρίνειν τὸν λαόν σου ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ συνίειν ἀνὰ μέσον ἀγαθοῦ καὶ κακοῦ ὅτι τίς δυνήσεται κρίνειν τὸν λαόν σου τὸν βαρὺν τοῦτον

So you will give your servant a heart to hear and to judge your people in righteousness, to discern between good and evil; for who will be able to judge this weighty people of yours?

The petition proper: the request for a discerning heartκαὶ δώσεις
The climactic request: a καρδίαν ἀκούειν ('a hearing/understanding heart') to judge the people in righteousness and to discern between good and evil. The future δώσεις functions as a deferential request ('you will give' = 'grant'). The closing rhetorical question (τίς δυνήσεται κρίνειν …;) justifies the petition by the impossibility of judging so weighty a people without divine endowment.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
καὶso / andconjunction (introducing the petition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δώσειςyou will giveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (deferential request-future)→ volitive/request future ('grant')δίδωμι: 'give / grant'; the future indicative here serves as a courteous request ('you will give' = 'please grant'); renders נָתַן; the verb of the central petition.
τῷthe / toDativearticle (with δούλῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δούλῳservantDativeindirect object (of δώσεις: 'to your servant')→ sphere or referenceδοῦλος: Solomon's recurring humble self-designation, now as the recipient of the requested gift.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with δούλῳ)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with δούλῳ).
καρδίανheartAccusativedirect object (of δώσεις)→ object specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב; in Hebrew anthropology the seat of thought, will, and discernment — hence 'a heart to hear' means an understanding, judicious mind (cf. לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ).
ἀκούεινto hearPres Act Infin · ἀκούωepexegetic infinitive (defining καρδίαν: 'a heart to hear')→ epexegetic infinitive (defining the ears' intended function)ἀκούω: 'hear / listen / understand'; renders שָׁמַע; 'a heart to hear' is the famous request — not mere audition but discerning comprehension in judgment (cf. the lexicalized לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ of the Hebrew).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining infinitives)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διακρίνεινto judge / discernPres Act Infin · διακρίνωepexegetic infinitive (coordinate with ἀκούειν)→ verbal action or stateδιακρίνω: 'distinguish / discern / judge between'; the compound δια- stresses discrimination; renders שָׁפַט / בִּין; the heart's hearing is for the purpose of just adjudication.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαόνpeopleAccusativedirect object (of διακρίνειν)→ object specificationλαός: the covenant people Solomon must judge; the object of the discerning heart's work.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with λαόν)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with λαόν).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner: 'in righteousness')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner: 'in righteousness').
δικαιοσύνῃrighteousnessDativeobject of ἐν (manner of judging)→ sphere or referenceδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness / justice'; renders צֶדֶק; the standard by which the requested judgment is to be exercised.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (genitive with articular infinitive συνίειν: purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συνίεινto understand / discernPres Act Infin · συνίημιarticular infinitive of purpose (τοῦ + infinitive)→ verbal action or stateσυνίημι: 'understand / perceive / discern'; renders בִּין / הִשְׂכִּיל; the articular τοῦ συνίειν expresses purpose ('so as to discern'); the object is the moral discrimination 'between good and evil.'
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (with μέσον: 'between')→ spatial or relational framingἀνά: in the fixed phrase ἀνὰ μέσον ('between') it renders בֵּין; the construction ἀνὰ μέσον … καί … denotes discrimination between two things.
μέσονmidst / betweenAccusativeobject of ἀνά (in the idiom 'between')→ object specificationμέσος: 'middle'; ἀνὰ μέσον ἀγαθοῦ καὶ κακοῦ ('between good and evil') is the object of moral discernment, recalling Gen 2–3 and the knowledge of good and evil.
ἀγαθοῦgoodGenitivegenitive (with ἀνὰ μέσον: 'between good')→ relational specificationἀγαθός: 'good'; substantivized neuter 'good'; renders טוֹב; the first pole of the moral discrimination.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (in the ἀνὰ μέσον … καί idiom)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κακοῦevilGenitivegenitive (completing 'between good and evil')→ relational specificationκακός: 'bad / evil'; substantivized neuter 'evil'; renders רַע; the second pole of the discrimination the discerning heart must make.
ὅτιforcausal conjunction (introducing the justifying question)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / for'; introduces the rhetorical justification for the petition.
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject of δυνήσεται)→ participant referenceτίς: interrogative 'who?'; the rhetorical question expects the answer 'no one (unaided)' — judging so great a people requires divine endowment.
δυνήσεταιwill be ableFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb of rhetorical question (with infinitive κρίνειν)→ potential future (rhetorical: implies incapacity)δύναμαι: 'be able / can'; renders יָכֹל; the future in a rhetorical question stresses the impossibility of the task without God's gift.
κρίνεινto judgePres Act Infin · κρίνωcomplementary infinitive (with δυνήσεται)→ verbal action or stateκρίνω: 'judge / decide'; renders שָׁפַט; the governing task of kingship that Solomon feels inadequate to perform unaided.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαόνpeopleAccusativedirect object (of κρίνειν)→ object specificationλαός: the covenant people, again the object — now characterized as 'weighty/heavy.'
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with λαόν)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with λαόν).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with βαρὺν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βαρὺνweighty / heavyAccusativeattributive adjective (second-article construction with λαόν)→ object specificationβαρύς: 'heavy / weighty / burdensome'; renders כָּבֵד; describes the people as a great and demanding charge — both numerous and difficult to govern.
τοῦτονthisAccusativedemonstrative (modifying λαόν: 'this people')→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; deictic, pointing to the very people over whom Solomon has just been set.
10

καὶ ἤρεσεν ἐνώπιον κυρίου ὅτι ᾐτήσατο Σαλωμων τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο

And it was pleasing before the LORD that Solomon asked this thing.

Narrator's evaluation: the LORD's approval of the requestκαὶ ἤρεσεν ἐνώπιον κυρίου
A brief narratorial verdict: Solomon's choice pleased YHWH. The impersonal ἤρεσεν ('it pleased') with the ὅτι-clause specifies the ground of the divine approval — that Solomon asked for wisdom rather than self-serving gifts, preparing the divine speech of vv. 11–14.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἤρεσενit was pleasing / pleasedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀρέσκωmain verb (impersonal: 'it pleased')→ constative aorist (the act of approval)ἀρέσκω: 'please / be pleasing'; renders יָטַב / טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי; the impersonal ἤρεσεν ἐνώπιον κυρίου ('it was pleasing before the LORD') is a Hebraism for divine approval.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the sight of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the sight of'; Hebraism for לִפְנֵי / בְּעֵינֵי; locates the approval in YHWH's evaluative regard.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the one whose approval is recorded — divine reference.
ὅτιthatconjunction (introducing content/cause of the pleasure)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that / because'; introduces the ground of God's pleasure — Solomon's particular request.
ᾐτήσατοaskedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · αἰτέωverb of the ὅτι-clause (with Σαλωμων as subject)→ constative aorist (the completed request)αἰτέω: 'ask / request'; the middle ᾐτήσατο ('asked for himself') echoes the αἴτησαι of v. 5; what pleased God was the content of this self-directed request.
ΣαλωμωνSolomonsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥῆμαthing / wordAccusativedirect object (of ᾐτήσατο)→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word / matter / thing'; renders דָּבָר, which means both 'word' and 'matter'; here 'this thing' = the content of Solomon's request.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; deictic, pointing back to the petition of v. 9.
11

καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς αὐτόν ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ᾐτήσω παρ᾿ ἐμοῦ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο καὶ οὐκ ᾐτήσω σαυτῷ ἡμέρας πολλὰς καὶ οὐκ ᾐτήσω πλοῦτον οὐδὲ ᾐτήσω ψυχὰς ἐχθρῶν σου ἀλλ᾿ ᾐτήσω σαυτῷ σύνεσιν τοῦ εἰσακούειν κρίμα

And the LORD said to him, 'Because you asked this thing of me and did not ask for yourself many days, and did not ask for riches, nor did you ask for the lives of your enemies, but asked for yourself understanding to hear judgment—'

Divine response: the grounds clause (ἀνθ᾿ ὧν) before the grantκαὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς αὐτόν
God's reply opens with an extended causal clause (ἀνθ᾿ ὧν, 'because') that recapitulates Solomon's request by contrast: he did not ask for long life, riches, or his enemies' lives, but for σύνεσιν τοῦ εἰσακούειν κρίμα ('understanding to hear judgment'). The fourfold repetition of ᾐτήσω rhetorically isolates the one worthy request from the three rejected self-interested ones, grounding the grant of vv. 12–14.
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces God's responsive speech to Solomon.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the divine speaker.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
αὐτόνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (Solomon as addressee)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (Solomon as addressee).
ἀνθ᾿becausepreposition (with relative ὧν: causal idiom 'because')→ spatial or relational framingἀντί (elided ἀνθ᾿): in the idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ('because / in return for which') it functions as a causal conjunction, here grounding the grant in Solomon's request.
ὧνwhich thingsGenitiverelative pronoun (in the ἀνθ᾿ ὧν causal idiom)→ relational specificationὅς: relative pronoun; ἀνθ᾿ ὧν is a fixed causal construction ('because of which things').
ᾐτήσωyou askedAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · αἰτέωverb of causal clause (first of four occurrences)→ constative aorist (the completed request)αἰτέω: 'ask'; the first of four ᾐτήσω in the verse; the anaphora structures the contrast between the one good request and the three rejected ones.
παρ᾿frompreposition + genitive (source: 'from me')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά (elided παρ᾿) + gen.: 'from'; marks God as the source from whom Solomon requested.
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of παρ᾿ (God as source)→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it serves as object of παρ᾿ (God as source).
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥῆμαthing / wordAccusativedirect object (of the first ᾐτήσω)→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'matter / thing'; renders דָּבָר; 'this thing' = the worthy request just made.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; points back to Solomon's petition.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing first negated contrast)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ᾐτήσω)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ᾐτήσωyou askedAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · αἰτέωverb (second occurrence: first rejected request)→ constative aoristαἰτέω: the second ᾐτήσω, negated — Solomon did not ask for long life.
σαυτῷfor yourselfDativedative of advantage (reflexive)→ sphere or referenceσεαυτοῦ (dat. σαυτῷ): reflexive 'yourself'; stresses that the rejected requests would have been self-serving.
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativedirect object (of the second ᾐτήσω)→ object specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; ἡμέρας πολλάς ('many days') is an idiom for long life — the first thing Solomon did not request.
πολλὰςmanyAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἡμέρας)→ object specificationπολύς: 'many'; with ἡμέρας it forms the idiom 'many days' = a long life (cf. v. 14, where God grants it conditionally).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second negated contrast)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ᾐτήσω)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ᾐτήσωyou askedAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · αἰτέωverb (third occurrence: second rejected request)→ constative aoristαἰτέω: the third ᾐτήσω, negated — Solomon did not ask for riches.
πλοῦτονrichesAccusativedirect object (of the third ᾐτήσω)→ object specificationπλοῦτος: 'wealth / riches'; renders עֹשֶׁר; the second rejected request — yet granted unrequested in v. 13.
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction (third negated contrast)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδέ: 'nor / and not'; continues the series of rejected self-interested requests.
ᾐτήσωyou askedAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · αἰτέωverb (fourth occurrence: third rejected request)→ constative aoristαἰτέω: the fourth ᾐτήσω, negated — Solomon did not ask for the death of his enemies.
ψυχὰςlives / soulsAccusativedirect object (of the fourth ᾐτήσω)→ object specificationψυχή: 'life / soul'; renders נֶפֶשׁ; 'the lives of your enemies' = their death; the third rejected, vindictive request.
ἐχθρῶνof enemiesGenitivegenitive (with ψυχὰς: 'the lives of enemies')→ relational specificationἐχθρός: 'enemy / hostile one'; renders אוֹיֵב / שֹׂנֵא; Solomon refrained from asking for vengeance on his foes.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἐχθρῶν)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἐχθρῶν).
ἀλλ᾿butadversative conjunction (introducing the positive contrast)→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλά (elided ἀλλ᾿): 'but'; the strong adversative pivots from the three rejected requests to the one worthy petition.
ᾐτήσωyou askedAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · αἰτέωverb (fifth occurrence: the worthy request)→ constative aoristαἰτέω: the climactic, positive ᾐτήσω — what Solomon did request: understanding to judge.
σαυτῷfor yourselfDativedative of advantage (reflexive)→ sphere or referenceσεαυτοῦ (dat. σαυτῷ): reflexive 'yourself'; even the worthy request is 'for yourself,' but its object is wisdom for others' benefit.
σύνεσινunderstandingAccusativedirect object (of the climactic ᾐτήσω)→ object specificationσύνεσις: 'understanding / insight / discernment'; renders בִּינָה / לֵב; the object of Solomon's worthy request, paraphrasing the 'hearing heart' of v. 9.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (genitive with articular infinitive εἰσακούειν: purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἰσακούεινto hear / heedPres Act Infin · εἰσακούωarticular infinitive of purpose (τοῦ + infinitive)→ present infinitive (ongoing obedience)εἰσακούω: 'hear / hearken / give heed'; the compound εἰσ- intensifies; renders שָׁמַע; 'to hear judgment' = to discern legal cases rightly, echoing the καρδίαν ἀκούειν of v. 9.
κρίμαjudgmentAccusativedirect object (of εἰσακούειν)→ object specificationκρίμα: 'judgment / legal case / verdict'; renders מִשְׁפָּט; the object of the discernment Solomon sought — the right adjudication of cases such as the one in vv. 16–28.
12

ἰδοὺ πεποίηκα κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου ἰδοὺ δέδωκά σοι καρδίαν φρονίμην καὶ σοφήν ὡς σὺ οὐ γέγονεν ἔμπροσθέν σου καὶ μετὰ σὲ οὐκ ἀναστήσεται ὅμοιός σοι

Behold, I have done according to your word; behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, such that there has been none like you before you, and after you none like you shall arise.

The grant proper: the gift of an unparalleled heartἰδοὺ πεποίηκα
The double ἰδού ('behold') marks the solemn pronouncement of the grant. The perfects πεποίηκα and δέδωκα present the gift as accomplished and abiding. The incomparability formula (none before or after you) elevates Solomon's wisdom to a unique, epoch-defining endowment.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (drawing attention)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold / look'; renders הִנֵּה; a presentative interjection focusing attention on the divine grant about to be declared.
πεποίηκαI have donePerf Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (announcing the accomplished act)→ perfect (completed act with abiding result)ποιέω: 'do / make'; the perfect πεποίηκα presents the granting as already accomplished and standing — God has acted in accordance with Solomon's request.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard: 'according to')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + acc.: 'according to'; renders כְּ; 'according to your word' grants precisely what Solomon requested.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμά)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥῆμάwordAccusativeobject of κατά ('according to your word')→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word / request'; renders דָּבָר; here Solomon's spoken petition, granted in full.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with ῥῆμά)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ῥῆμά).
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (second occurrence)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: the second 'behold' introduces the specific content of the gift — the wise heart.
δέδωκάI have givenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (announcing the gift)→ perfect (completed gift with abiding result)δίδωμι: 'give'; the perfect δέδωκα stresses that the gift is now an enduring possession; renders נָתַן.
σοιto youDativeindirect object (of δέδωκά)→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object (of δέδωκά).
καρδίανheartAccusativedirect object (of δέδωκά)→ object specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב; the granted faculty of discernment, answering Solomon's request in v. 9.
φρονίμηνwise / prudentAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying καρδίαν)→ object specificationφρόνιμος: 'prudent / sensible / wise'; renders חָכָם; practical, discerning intelligence — the kind needed for just judgment.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining adjectives)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σοφήνwiseAccusativeattributive adjective (coordinate with φρονίμην)→ object specificationσοφός: 'wise / skilled'; renders נָבוֹן / חָכָם; the pairing φρόνιμος καὶ σοφός conveys the fullness of the wisdom granted.
ὡςsuch that / ascomparative/consecutive particle (introducing incomparability)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / such that'; here introduces the incomparability formula ('such as you, none has been').
σὺyouNominativesubject/standard of comparison ('like you')→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you'; the standard against which all others fall short — Solomon's wisdom is unique.
οὐnotnegative particle (with γέγονεν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γέγονενhas been / arisenPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of incomparability clause (past dimension)→ perfect (resultant state: 'there has been none')γίνομαι: 'become / come to be'; the perfect γέγονεν asserts that no one comparable has ever existed before Solomon.
ἔμπροσθένbeforepreposition + genitive (temporal: 'before you')→ spatial or relational framingἔμπροσθεν: 'before / in front of'; here temporal, 'before you'; renders לְפָנֶיךָ; the past pole of the incomparability.
σουyouGenitiveobject of ἔμπροσθέν→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἔμπροσθέν.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing future pole)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (temporal: 'after you')→ spatial or relational framingμετά + acc.: 'after'; the future pole of the incomparability formula.
σὲyouAccusativeobject of μετὰ ('after you')→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετὰ ('after you').
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἀναστήσεται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναστήσεταιshall ariseFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιverb of incomparability clause (future dimension)→ predictive future (no future equal)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / arise / appear'; the future ἀναστήσεται asserts that no equal will appear after Solomon; renders קוּם.
ὅμοιόςlike / equalNominativepredicate adjective (subject of ἀναστήσεται: 'one like you')→ participant prominenceὅμοιος: 'like / similar / equal'; renders כָּמוֹךָ; 'one like you' as the subject — no comparable figure will arise.
σοιto youDativedative of comparison (with ὅμοιός: 'like you')→ participant reference or interestὅμοιος takes the dative of the thing compared; σοι ('to/like you') completes the incomparability.
13

καὶ ἃ οὐκ ᾐτήσω δέδωκά σοι καὶ πλοῦτον καὶ δόξαν ὡς οὐ γέγονεν ἀνὴρ ὅμοιός σοι ἐν βασιλεῦσιν

And what you did not ask I have also given you, both riches and glory, so that there has been no man like you among kings.

The bonus grant: the unrequested gifts of riches and honorκαὶ ἃ οὐκ ᾐτήσω
Beyond the requested wisdom, God adds the very things Solomon declined to ask (riches and glory), a reward for the unselfishness of his petition. The fronted relative clause ἃ οὐκ ᾐτήσω ('the things you did not ask') heads the sentence emphatically, and a second incomparability formula extends Solomon's uniqueness now specifically among kings.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adding the bonus grant)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
what / the things whichAccusativerelative pronoun (fronted object of δέδωκά)→ participant referenceὅς (neut. pl. ἅ): relative pronoun; the fronted 'the things which you did not ask' gives emphatic prominence to the unrequested gifts.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ᾐτήσω)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ᾐτήσωyou askedAor Mid Indic 2 Sg · αἰτέωverb of relative clause (the unrequested things)→ constative aoristαἰτέω: 'ask'; recalls the rejected requests of v. 11 — precisely these God now grants unasked.
δέδωκάI have givenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (announcing the added gift)→ perfect (completed gift with abiding result)δίδωμι: 'give'; the perfect δέδωκα again presents the gift as accomplished and enduring; echoes the δέδωκα of v. 12.
σοιto youDativeindirect object (of δέδωκά)→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object (of δέδωκά).
καὶbothcorrelative conjunction (καί … καί: 'both … and')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: in the καὶ … καί correlative it means 'both … and,' coordinating the two added gifts.
πλοῦτονrichesAccusativedirect object (in apposition to ἃ: the first added gift)→ object specificationπλοῦτος: 'wealth / riches'; renders עֹשֶׁר; the very thing not requested in v. 11, now granted.
καὶandcorrelative conjunction (second member of 'both … and')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δόξανglory / honorAccusativedirect object (second added gift)→ object specificationδόξα: 'glory / honor / renown'; renders כָּבוֹד; royal honor and reputation, paired with riches as the bonus of Solomon's selfless request.
ὡςso that / ascomparative/consecutive particle (introducing incomparability)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / so that'; introduces the second incomparability formula, now restricted to kings.
οὐnotnegative particle (with γέγονεν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γέγονενhas beenPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of incomparability clause→ perfect (resultant state: 'there has been none')γίνομαι: 'become / be'; the perfect γέγονεν asserts Solomon's unrivaled standing among kings.
ἀνὴρmanNominativesubject (of γέγονεν)→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: 'man'; renders אִישׁ; here 'no man like you among kings,' specifying the royal sphere of Solomon's incomparable honor.
ὅμοιόςlikeNominativepredicate adjective (with ἀνὴρ: 'a man like you')→ participant prominenceὅμοιος: 'like / equal'; renders כָּמוֹךָ; no comparable king has existed.
σοιto youDativedative of comparison (with ὅμοιός)→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of comparison (with ὅμοιός).
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere: 'among kings')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere: 'among kings').
βασιλεῦσινkingsDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of comparison)→ sphere or referenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; renders מֶלֶךְ; the sphere within which Solomon's wealth and honor are unequaled.
14

καὶ ἐὰν πορευθῇς ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ μου φυλάσσειν τὰς ἐντολάς μου καὶ τὰ προστάγματά μου ὡς ἐπορεύθη Δαυιδ ὁ πατήρ σου καὶ πληθυνῶ τὰς ἡμέρας σου

And if you walk in my way, keeping my commandments and my statutes as David your father walked, then I will multiply your days.

Conditional promise: long life contingent on obedienceκαὶ ἐὰν πορευθῇς
The one gift Solomon did not receive unconditionally — long life (ἡμέρας πολλάς, v. 11) — is now offered conditionally (ἐάν + subjunctive). Length of days depends on covenant fidelity, walking in YHWH's way as David did. The apodosis καὶ πληθυνῶ ('then I will multiply') with conditional καί is a Hebraizing construction.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandconjunction (introducing conditional clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (with subjunctive πορευθῇς)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces a future-more-vivid condition with the subjunctive; renders אִם; the long-life promise is made contingent on obedience.
πορευθῇςyou walkAor Pass Subj 2 Sg · πορεύομαιverb of protasis (condition of obedience)→ aorist subjunctive (the condition viewed as a whole)πορεύομαι: 'go / walk'; renders הָלַךְ; 'walk in my way' is the covenant idiom for obedient living, echoing v. 3.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
τῇtheDativearticle (with ὁδῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδῷwayDativeobject of ἐν ('in my way')→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'way / road / path'; renders דֶּרֶךְ; 'my way' is the metaphor for the manner of life prescribed by YHWH's commands.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with ὁδῷ)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ὁδῷ).
φυλάσσεινto keepPres Act Infin · φυλάσσωepexegetic infinitive (defining the walking: 'by keeping')→ imperfective (ongoing observance)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep / observe'; renders שָׁמַר; the infinitive explains what 'walking in my way' entails — keeping the commandments.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with ἐντολάς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐντολάςcommandmentsAccusativedirect object (of φυλάσσειν)→ object specificationἐντολή: 'commandment / precept'; renders מִצְוָה; the divine commands to be observed.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἐντολάς)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἐντολάς).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with προστάγματά)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προστάγματάstatutes / ordinancesAccusativedirect object (coordinate with ἐντολάς)→ object specificationπρόσταγμα: 'ordinance / statute'; renders חֹק / חֻקָּה; paired with ἐντολή as the body of covenant law (cf. v. 3).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with προστάγματά)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with προστάγματά).
ὡςascomparative particle (introducing the David-comparison)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / just as'; the standard of obedience is David's exemplary walk.
ἐπορεύθηwalkedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιverb of comparative clause (with Δαυιδ as subject)→ constative aorist (David's whole obedient course)πορεύομαι: 'walk'; the aorist sums up David's lifelong obedience as the paradigm for Solomon.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject of ἐπορεύθη (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject of ἐπορεύθη (indeclinable).
theNominativearticle (with πατήρ, in apposition to Δαυιδ)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατήρfatherNominativeapposition to Δαυιδ ('your father')→ participant prominenceπατήρ: 'father'; the recurring 'David your father' holds up the paternal model of fidelity.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (with πατήρ)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with πατήρ).
καὶthen / andapodotic conjunction (introducing the apodosis: 'then')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here the apodotic καί (Hebraizing waw-apodosis) introduces the consequence of the condition — 'then I will multiply.'
πληθυνῶI will multiplyFut Act Indic 1 Sg · πληθύνωmain verb of apodosis (the conditional promise)→ predictive future (the conditioned reward)πληθύνω: 'multiply / increase / make many'; renders הִרְבָּה / הֶאֱרִיךְ context; 'multiply your days' = grant long life, the gift Solomon did not request (v. 11), now offered conditionally.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with ἡμέρας)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativedirect object (of πληθυνῶ)→ object specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; 'your days' = the span of Solomon's life; the conditional grant of longevity completes the catalog of vv. 11–14.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἡμέρας)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἡμέρας).
15

καὶ ἐξυπνίσθη Σαλωμων καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐνύπνιον καὶ ἀνέστη καὶ παραγίνεται εἰς Ιερουσαλημ καὶ ἔστη κατὰ πρόσωπον τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ κατὰ πρόσωπον κιβωτοῦ διαθήκης κυρίου ἐν Σιων καὶ ἀνήγαγεν ὁλοκαυτώσεις καὶ ἐποίησεν εἰρηνικὰς καὶ ἐποίησεν πότον μέγαν ἑαυτῷ καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς παισὶν αὐτοῦ

And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream; and he arose and came to Jerusalem and stood before the altar that was before the ark of the covenant of the LORD in Zion, and offered up whole-burnt-offerings and made peace-offerings, and made a great feast for himself and for all his servants.

Narrative resolution of the theophany: waking, return, worshipκαὶ ἐξυπνίσθη Σαλωμων
Solomon's waking (ἐξυπνίσθη) and the recognition ἰδοὺ ἐνύπνιον ('behold, a dream') close the Gibeon episode. A chain of verbs (ἀνέστη … παραγίνεται … ἔστη … ἀνήγαγεν … ἐποίησεν … ἐποίησεν) moves him to Jerusalem to worship before the ark, translating the divine gift into covenant liturgy and royal celebration. The historic present παραγίνεται enlivens the return.
Word-by-word analysis· 42 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξυπνίσθηawokeAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐξυπνίζωmain verb (Solomon's waking)→ constative aorist (the act of waking)ἐξυπνίζω: 'wake up / rouse'; the passive ἐξυπνίσθη ('was awakened / awoke'); renders הֵקִיץ; marks the end of the dream-revelation.
ΣαλωμωνSolomonsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαλωμων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with presentative ἰδοὺ)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (introducing the realization)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold'; renders הִנֵּה; here conveys Solomon's realization upon waking — 'and behold, it was a dream.'
ἐνύπνιονa dreamNominativepredicate nominative (in verbless 'behold, a dream')→ participant prominenceἐνύπνιον: 'dream'; renders חֲלוֹם; the recognition that the theophany came through a dream confirms its revelatory, not illusory, character.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέστηaroseAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (inceptive movement)→ constative aorist (single act)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / arise'; the 'arose and came' idiom for setting out, here toward Jerusalem.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παραγίνεταιcomes / arrivesPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · παραγίνομαιmain verb (historic present)→ historic present (vivid narration)παραγίνομαι: 'come / arrive / be present'; the historic present enlivens Solomon's arrival in Jerusalem; renders בּוֹא.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal of motion)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal of motion).
ΙερουσαλημJerusalemobject of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΙερουσαλημ: transliteration of Hebrew יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם ('Jerusalem'); indeclinable in the LXX; the city of the ark and David's capital, contrasted with the high place at Gibeon.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστηstoodAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb (cultic posture)→ constative aorist (took his stand)ἵστημι: 'stand / take one's stand'; the intransitive aorist ἔστη marks Solomon's cultic stance before the altar; renders עָמַד.
κατὰbefore / facingpreposition + accusative (with πρόσωπον: 'before')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + acc.: in the idiom κατὰ πρόσωπον ('facing / before') it renders לִפְנֵי; marks position directly in front of the altar.
πρόσωπονface / frontAccusativeobject of κατά (in the idiom 'before')→ object specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / front'; in κατὰ πρόσωπον the noun forms the prepositional idiom 'before / in front of.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with θυσιαστηρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυσιαστηρίουaltarGenitivegenitive (with κατὰ πρόσωπον: 'before the altar')→ relational specificationθυσιαστήριον: 'altar'; the altar in Jerusalem before the ark, the legitimate locus of worship over against the high places.
τοῦthe / which isGenitivearticle (substantival, with the κατὰ πρόσωπον phrase: 'the one that is before')→ noun-phrase markingThe genitive article τοῦ here is attributive/relative ('the [altar] that is before the ark'), linking the altar to the ark.
κατὰbefore / facingpreposition + accusative (with πρόσωπον: 'before the ark')→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (with πρόσωπον: 'before the ark').
πρόσωπονface / frontAccusativeobject of κατά (idiom 'before')→ object specificationπρόσωπον: again in the κατὰ πρόσωπον idiom, now locating the altar before the ark.
κιβωτοῦarkGenitivegenitive (object of κατὰ πρόσωπον: 'before the ark')→ relational specificationκιβωτός: 'box / chest / ark'; renders אֲרוֹן; the ark of the covenant, the throne of YHWH's presence (cf. the same word for Noah's ark).
διαθήκηςof the covenantGenitivegenitive (with κιβωτοῦ: 'ark of the covenant')→ relational specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant / testament'; renders בְּרִית; 'the ark of the covenant' contains the tablets of the covenant, the sign of YHWH's bond with Israel.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (with διαθήκης: 'the covenant of the LORD')→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; 'the ark of the covenant of the LORD' — divine reference.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
ΣιωνZionobject of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΣιων: transliteration of Hebrew צִיּוֹן ('Zion'); indeclinable in the LXX; the City of David where the ark was housed (2 Sam 6).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνήγαγενoffered upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνάγωmain verb (cultic act)→ constative aorist (completed offering)ἀνάγω: 'bring up / offer up'; the technical sacrificial sense 'offered up' (cf. ἀναφέρω, v. 4); renders הֶעֱלָה.
ὁλοκαυτώσειςwhole-burnt-offeringsAccusativedirect object (of ἀνήγαγεν)→ object specificationὁλοκαύτωσις: 'whole-burnt-offering'; renders עֹלָה; the accusative plural denotes multiple holocausts offered in Jerusalem.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐποίησενmade / offeredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (cultic act: 'made [offerings]')→ constative aorist (completed act)ποιέω: 'do / make'; ποιέω with sacrifices = 'offer / perform'; here he made peace-offerings.
εἰρηνικὰςpeace-offeringsAccusativedirect object (substantivized adjective: 'peace-offerings')→ object specificationεἰρηνικός: 'peaceful'; substantivized fem. pl. εἰρηνικαί (θυσίαι understood) = 'peace-offerings'; renders שְׁלָמִים; the fellowship sacrifices shared in a communal meal.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐποίησενmadeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (made a feast)→ constative aorist (completed act)ποιέω: 'make / hold'; here ποιέω πότον = 'hold a banquet'; renders עָשָׂה מִשְׁתֶּה.
πότονfeast / banquetAccusativedirect object (of ἐποίησεν)→ object specificationπότος: 'drinking-feast / banquet'; renders מִשְׁתֶּה; the celebratory meal accompanying the peace-offerings, shared with the court.
μέγανgreatAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πότον)→ object specificationμέγας: 'great / large'; renders גָּדוֹל; the scale of the feast befits the royal occasion and the divine gift just received.
ἑαυτῷfor himselfDativedative of advantage (reflexive)→ sphere or referenceἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'himself'; the feast is held for Solomon and shared with his servants.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶσινallDativeattributive adjective (modifying παισὶν: 'all his servants')→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all / every'; embraces the whole court in the celebration.
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with παισὶν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παισὶνservantsDativedative of advantage (beneficiaries of the feast)→ sphere or referenceπαῖς: 'servant / attendant / child'; here 'his servants' = the royal court; renders עֶבֶד; the shared feast displays royal largesse.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (with παισὶν)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with παισὶν).
16

τότε ὤφθησαν δύο γυναῖκες πόρναι τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ ἔστησαν ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ

Then two women who were harlots appeared to the king and stood before him.

New episode: the case of the two harlots (test of the granted wisdom)τότε ὤφθησαν
The temporal τότε ('then') opens the famous judgment-narrative that demonstrates the wisdom just granted. The two πόρναι ('harlots') standing before the king (ἔστησαν ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ) set the legal scene; their low status heightens the marvel that the king personally adjudicates their dispute.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
τότεthentemporal adverb (episode-opening)→ adverbial qualificationτότε: 'then / at that time'; renders אָז; marks the transition to a new narrative episode that illustrates Solomon's wisdom in action.
ὤφθησανappeared / were presentedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (with γυναῖκες as subject)→ constative aorist (their coming before the king)ὁράω (aor. pass. ὤφθησαν): 'be seen / appear / present oneself'; here 'appeared/came before the king' for judgment; the same verb (ὤφθη) opened the theophany (v. 5), now used of human petitioners.
δύοtwoNominativenumeral (modifying γυναῖκες)→ measure or countδύο: 'two'; renders שְׁתַּיִם; the two disputants whose competing claims form the legal puzzle.
γυναῖκεςwomenNominativesubject (of ὤφθησαν)→ participant prominenceγυνή: 'woman'; renders אִשָּׁה; the two women whose dispute the king must resolve.
πόρναιharlotsNominativeapposition to γυναῖκες ('women who were harlots')→ participant prominenceπόρνη: 'prostitute / harlot'; renders זוֹנָה; their disreputable status (no husbands to testify) makes the case turn purely on the king's discernment.
τῷthe / toDativearticle (with βασιλεῖ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεῖkingDativeindirect object (of ὤφθησαν: 'to the king')→ sphere or referenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; renders מֶלֶךְ; Solomon now designated by office rather than name throughout the judgment-scene, foregrounding his royal-judicial role.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστησανstoodAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἵστημιmain verb (legal posture before the judge)→ constative aorist (took their stand)ἵστημι: 'stand'; the intransitive aorist ἔστησαν marks the women taking their stand before the king as litigants.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism for לִפְנֵי; marks the formal legal standing before the royal judge.
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (the king)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐνώπιον (the king).
17

καὶ εἶπεν ἡ γυνὴ ἡ μία ἐν ἐμοί κύριε ἐγὼ καὶ ἡ γυνὴ αὕτη οἰκοῦμεν ἐν οἴκῳ ἑνὶ καὶ ἐτέκομεν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ

And the one woman said, 'I beg you, my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house, and we gave birth in the house.'

First plaintiff's testimony (opening of the dispute)καὶ εἶπεν ἡ γυνὴ ἡ μία
The first woman begins her plea with the deferential ἐν ἐμοί κύριε ('by me, my lord' = 'please, my lord'), addressing Solomon as a human sovereign. Her testimony establishes the shared circumstances: two women dwelling together, both having given birth in the same house with no other witnesses (developed in v. 18).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces the first woman's testimony.
theNominativearticle (with γυνὴ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceγυνή: 'woman'; the first of the two disputants, identified as 'the one woman.'
theNominativearticle (attributive, with μία)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μίαoneNominativenumeral/adjective (with article: 'the one [woman]')→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; ἡ γυνὴ ἡ μία = 'the one woman' (the first of the pair); renders הָאַחַת.
ἐνin / bypreposition + dative (in the deferential idiom ἐν ἐμοί)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: in the phrase ἐν ἐμοί ('by me / I pray') it renders the Hebrew בִּי, a particle of entreaty ('please / I beg you').
ἐμοίme / I prayDativeobject of ἐν (deferential entreaty: 'I beg')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): in ἐν ἐμοί κύριε the construction calques Hebrew בִּי אֲדֹנִי ('oh, my lord / I beg you, my lord'), a formula of polite petition to a superior.
κύριεmy lordVocativevocative (deferential address to the king)→ direct addressκύριος (voc. κύριε): here HUMAN reference — the harlot's deferential 'my lord' addressed to King Solomon (rendering אֲדֹנִי), not the divine name; the petitioner honors the royal judge.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (with the compound subject 'I and this woman')→ participant referenceἐγώ: 'I'; opens the compound subject of the shared circumstance.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining the compound subject)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
theNominativearticle (with γυνὴ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject (the other woman, part of compound subject)→ participant prominenceγυνή: the other disputant, here 'this woman.'
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative (with γυνὴ: 'this woman')→ participant referenceοὗτος (fem. αὕτη): 'this'; deictically points to the co-litigant standing present.
οἰκοῦμενwe dwellPres Act Indic 1 Pl · οἰκέωmain verb (with compound subject)→ stative present (ongoing cohabitation)οἰκέω: 'dwell / inhabit'; renders יָשַׁב; establishes the shared residence, key to the ambiguity of the case.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
οἴκῳhouseDativeobject of ἐν (locative)→ sphere or referenceοἶκος: 'house'; renders בַּיִת; the single shared dwelling where both events occurred.
ἑνὶoneDativenumeral (modifying οἴκῳ: 'one house')→ sphere or referenceεἷς (dat. ἑνί): 'one'; stresses that there was no third party — only the two women in the one house.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐτέκομενwe gave birthAor Act Indic 1 Pl · τίκτωmain verb (with compound subject)→ constative aorist (the births)τίκτω: 'bear / give birth'; renders יָלַד; both women bore children in the house, the fact underlying the dispute over the surviving child.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῷtheDativearticle (with οἴκῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἴκῳhouseDativeobject of ἐν (locative: 'in the house')→ sphere or referenceοἶκος: the same shared house, now with the article ('the house'), reiterating the closed setting of the events.
18

καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ τεκούσης μου καὶ ἔτεκεν καὶ ἡ γυνὴ αὕτη καὶ ἡμεῖς κατὰ τὸ αὐτό καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν οὐθεὶς μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν πάρεξ ἀμφοτέρων ἡμῶν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ

And it happened on the third day after I had given birth, this woman also bore a child; and we were together, and there was no one with us except the two of us in the house.

Continuation of testimony: the sequence of births and the absence of witnessesκαὶ ἐγενήθη
The narrative formula καὶ ἐγενήθη ('and it came to pass') frames the temporal detail: three days after the speaker gave birth, the other woman also bore a child. The genitive absolute τεκούσης μου ('after I had given birth') marks the interval. The crucial forensic point closes the verse: there was no third party (οὐθεὶς … πάρεξ ἀμφοτέρων), so no external witness can settle the case.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγενήθηit happenedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (narrative formula 'it came to pass')→ constative aorist (narrative onset)γίνομαι (aor. pass. ἐγενήθη): 'become / happen'; καὶ ἐγενήθη renders the Hebrew narrative formula וַיְהִי ('and it came to pass'), introducing a temporal-circumstantial setting.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal).
τῇtheDativearticle (with ἡμέρᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativeobject of ἐν (temporal: 'on the day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; renders יוֹם; specifies the timing of the second birth relative to the first.
τῇtheDativearticle (attributive, with τρίτῃ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τρίτῃthirdDativeordinal adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ: 'the third day')→ sphere or referenceτρίτος: 'third'; renders שְׁלִישִׁי; the three-day interval between the births is the temporal hinge of the testimony.
τεκούσηςhaving given birthAor Act Ptcp Gen Fem Sg · τίκτωgenitive absolute participle (temporal: 'after I gave birth')→ antecedent aorist (action prior to the main verb)τίκτω (aor. ptcp. τεκούσης): 'bear / give birth'; the genitive absolute τεκούσης μου ('I having given birth') marks the prior event from which the three days are counted.
μουI / myGenitivegenitive subject of the absolute participle (with τεκούσης)→ relational specificationἐγώ (gen. μου): the genitive subject of the absolute construction ('I having given birth').
καὶandnarrative conjunction (apodosis of the ἐγενήθη clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔτεκενgave birthAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τίκτωmain verb (the second birth)→ constative aorist (the second birth)τίκτω: 'bear'; here the other woman also gave birth, completing the parallel that makes the children confusable.
καὶalsoadverbial/coordinating (with ἡ γυνὴ αὕτη: 'this woman also')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here ascensive/adjunctive ('also'), marking the second woman as likewise giving birth.
theNominativearticle (with γυνὴ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject (of ἔτεκεν: 'this woman')→ participant prominenceγυνή: the co-litigant, the second to give birth.
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative (with γυνὴ: 'this woman')→ participant referenceοὗτος (fem. αὕτη): 'this'; points to the present co-litigant.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (with implied copula: 'we were together')→ participant referenceἐγώ (pl. ἡμεῖς): 'we'; the two women together, alone in the house — the basis of the no-witness situation.
κατὰtogether / in the same waypreposition + accusative (idiom κατὰ τὸ αὐτό: 'together')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + acc.: in the idiom κατὰ τὸ αὐτό ('together / at the same place/time') it renders יַחְדָּו ('together'); stresses that the two were alone together.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with αὐτό in the idiom)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐτόsameAccusativeintensive/identity pronoun (in κατὰ τὸ αὐτό: 'together')→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'self / same'; in κατὰ τὸ αὐτό the neuter forms the adverbial idiom 'together / in the same place.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the no-witness clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἔστιν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινthere isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίexistential verb (with οὐθεὶς: 'there is no one')→ stative present (state of affairs)εἰμί: 'be / exist'; the existential οὐκ ἔστιν οὐθεὶς ('there is no one') states the absence of any third party.
οὐθεὶςno oneNominativesubject (of ἔστιν: 'no one')→ participant prominenceοὐθείς (= οὐδείς): 'no one / nobody'; the later orthographic variant with -θ-; underscores the lack of any witness besides the two women.
μεθ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετά (elided μεθ᾿) + gen.: 'with'; 'no one with us' — no third party present.
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of μεθ᾿ (the two women)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μεθ᾿ (the two women).
πάρεξexceptpreposition + genitive (exception: 'except')→ spatial or relational framingπάρεξ: 'except / besides'; renders זוּלָה / בִּלְתִּי context; introduces the sole exception — the two women themselves.
ἀμφοτέρωνboth / the twoGenitiveobject of πάρεξ ('except both of us')→ relational specificationἀμφότεροι: 'both'; renders שְׁתֵּיהֶן; emphasizes that only the two of them were present, leaving the case to rest on the king's discernment alone.
ἡμῶνof usGenitivepartitive genitive (with ἀμφοτέρων: 'both of us')→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'of us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as partitive genitive (with ἀμφοτέρων: 'both of us').
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῷtheDativearticle (with οἴκῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἴκῳhouseDativeobject of ἐν (locative: 'in the house')→ sphere or referenceοἶκος: the closed setting of the events, reiterated to stress the absence of witnesses.
19

καὶ ἀπέθανεν ὁ υἱὸς τῆς γυναικὸς ταύτης τὴν νύκτα ὡς ἐπεκοιμήθη ἐπ᾿ αὐτόν

And the son of this woman died in the night, because she lay upon him.

The precipitating event: the death of the other woman's childκαὶ ἀπέθανεν
The death of the rival's son in the night, with its cause (ὡς ἐπεκοιμήθη ἐπ᾿ αὐτόν, 'because she lay on him'), is the precipitating event of the dispute. The accidental overlaying motivates the alleged night-time exchange recounted in v. 20.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέθανενdiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb (the child's death)→ constative aorist (single completed event)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; renders מוּת; the blunt term for death, here of the infant whose loss sets the dispute in motion.
theNominativearticle (with υἱὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸςsonNominativesubject (of ἀπέθανεν)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן; the infant son of the other woman.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with γυναικὸς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυναικὸςwomanGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱὸς: 'this woman's son')→ relational specificationγυνή: 'woman'; 'the son of this woman' — the speaker refers to her rival; renders אִשָּׁה.
ταύτηςthisGenitivedemonstrative (with γυναικὸς: 'of this woman')→ relational specificationοὗτος (fem. gen. ταύτης): 'this'; deictically identifies the rival present in court.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with νύκτα)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νύκταnightAccusativeaccusative of time (during the night)→ object specificationνύξ: 'night'; the accusative of time ('during the night') situates the death and the alleged exchange in the dark, unwitnessed hours.
ὡςbecause / ascausal/temporal conjunction (giving the cause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / because / when'; here causal-temporal, giving the reason for the child's death — the mother overlay it.
ἐπεκοιμήθηshe lay uponAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπικοιμάομαιverb of causal clause (the overlaying)→ constative aorist (the act of lying on the child)ἐπικοιμάομαι: 'lie upon / sleep upon'; the compound ἐπι- with ἐπ᾿ αὐτόν describes the mother accidentally overlaying and smothering the infant in sleep.
ἐπ᾿uponpreposition + accusative (position: 'upon him')→ spatial or relational framingἐπί (elided ἐπ᾿) + acc.: 'upon'; with ἐπεκοιμήθη describes lying on top of the child.
αὐτόνhimAccusativeobject of ἐπ᾿ (the infant)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπ᾿ (the infant).
20

καὶ ἀνέστη μέσης τῆς νυκτὸς καὶ ἔλαβεν τὸν υἱόν μου ἐκ τῶν ἀγκαλῶν μου καὶ ἐκοίμισεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ αὐτῆς καὶ τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν τεθνηκότα ἐκοίμισεν ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ μου

And she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from my arms and laid him in her bosom, and her dead son she laid in my bosom.

The alleged switch: the heart of the accusationκαὶ ἀνέστη μέσης τῆς νυκτὸς
The dramatic core of the accusation: at midnight the rival rose, took the living child from the speaker's arms, and substituted her own dead son. The chiastic placement (took my living son … laid her dead son in my bosom) sets up the irresolvable he-said-she-said that only the king's stratagem can pierce.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέστηshe aroseAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (the rival's night action)→ constative aorist (single act)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / get up'; the rival rose in the night to make the alleged exchange.
μέσηςmiddleGenitiveattributive adjective (genitive of time: 'in the middle of')→ relational specificationμέσος: 'middle'; the genitive of time μέσης τῆς νυκτὸς ('in the middle of the night') fixes the deed at midnight, the unwitnessed hour.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with νυκτὸς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νυκτὸςnightGenitivegenitive of time (with μέσης: 'of the night')→ relational specificationνύξ: 'night'; the genitive of time within which the action occurred.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (the taking of the living child)→ constative aorist (single act)λαμβάνω: 'take / grasp'; renders לָקַח; the act of seizing the living infant from the sleeping mother.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with υἱόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόνsonAccusativedirect object (of ἔλαβεν: the living son)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; the speaker's living child, allegedly taken.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱόν)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱόν).
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with ἀγκαλῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀγκαλῶνarms / embraceGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source: 'from my arms')→ relational specificationἀγκάλη: 'bent arm / embrace'; renders חֵיק context; the mother's encircling arms from which the child was taken, evoking maternal tenderness.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἀγκαλῶν)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἀγκαλῶν).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκοίμισενlaid / put to sleepAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κοιμίζωmain verb (placing the living child)→ constative aorist (single act)κοιμίζω: 'lay down / put to rest'; the causative of κοιμάομαι; renders שָׁכַב (Hiphil); she laid the living child in her own bosom.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (of ἐκοίμισεν: the living child)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (of ἐκοίμισεν: the living child).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῷtheDativearticle (with κόλπῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόλπῳbosomDativeobject of ἐν (locative: 'in her bosom')→ sphere or referenceκόλπος: 'bosom / lap / fold of the garment'; renders חֵיק; the place against the breast where an infant is cradled, intensifying the pathos of the switch.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession (with κόλπῳ: 'her bosom')→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with κόλπῳ: 'her bosom').
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the reverse switch)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with υἱὸν; fronted object for contrast)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸνsonAccusativedirect object (fronted: 'her dead son')→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; the rival's dead child, fronted for emphasis in the contrast with the living one.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱὸν)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱὸν).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with τεθνηκότα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεθνηκόταdeadPerf Act Ptcp Acc Masc Sg · θνῄσκωattributive participle (modifying υἱὸν: 'the dead son')→ perfect (resultant state: 'being dead')θνῄσκω (perf. ptcp. τεθνηκώς): 'be dead / have died'; the perfect participle τὸν τεθνηκότα ('the one that had died') marks the settled state of death; recurs throughout the dispute (vv. 21–23).
ἐκοίμισενlaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κοιμίζωmain verb (placing the dead child)→ constative aorist (single act)κοιμίζω: 'lay down'; the second placement — the dead child laid in the speaker's bosom, completing the alleged switch.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῷtheDativearticle (with κόλπῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόλπῳbosomDativeobject of ἐν (locative: 'in my bosom')→ sphere or referenceκόλπος: 'bosom'; the parallel placement, now of the dead child against the speaker's breast — the cruelty she alleges against her rival.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with κόλπῳ: 'my bosom')→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with κόλπῳ: 'my bosom').
21

καὶ ἀνέστην τὸ πρωὶ θηλάσαι τὸν υἱόν μου καὶ ἐκεῖνος ἦν τεθνηκώς καὶ ἰδοὺ κατενόησα αὐτὸν πρωί καὶ ἰδοὺ οὐκ ἦν ὁ υἱός μου ὃν ἔτεκον

And I arose in the morning to nurse my son, and he was dead; but behold, I examined him closely in the morning, and behold, it was not my son whom I bore.

Discovery: the morning recognition of the substitutionκαὶ ἀνέστην τὸ πρωὶ
The speaker's morning discovery completes her testimony: rising to nurse her son she finds him dead, but on close inspection (κατενόησα) realizes it is not her child at all. The double ἰδού ('behold … behold') dramatizes the shock of recognition, shifting the accusation from grief to identity-fraud.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέστηνI aroseAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (the speaker's rising)→ constative aorist (single act)ἀνίστημι: 'rise'; the first-person aorist ἀνέστην ('I arose') shifts to the speaker's own morning action.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with πρωὶ, adverbial)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωὶmorning / earlyAccusativeadverbial accusative of time ('in the morning')→ object specificationπρωΐ: 'early / in the morning'; the articular τὸ πρωΐ functions adverbially ('at dawn'); renders בֹּקֶר.
θηλάσαιto nurseAor Act Infin · θηλάζωinfinitive of purpose (with ἀνέστην)→ verbal action or stateθηλάζω: 'suckle / nurse'; renders הֵינִיק; the purpose of rising — to nurse the infant — heightens the maternal pathos of finding him dead.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with υἱόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόνsonAccusativedirect object (of θηλάσαι)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; the child she intended to nurse.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱόν)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱόν).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with adversative sense)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκεῖνοςhe / that oneNominativesubject (demonstrative: 'that one' = the child)→ participant prominenceἐκεῖνος: 'that one / he'; the demonstrative points to the child found in her arms.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (with predicate τεθνηκώς)→ stative imperfect (the discovered condition)εἰμί: 'be'; the imperfect ἦν with the participle forms a periphrastic 'was dead.'
τεθνηκώςdeadPerf Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · θνῄσκωpredicate participle (periphrastic with ἦν: 'was dead')→ perfect (resultant state of death)θνῄσκω (perf. ptcp. τεθνηκώς): 'be dead'; the perfect participle marks the settled state — the child was found lifeless.
καὶbutcoordinate conjunction (with presentative ἰδοὺ)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (heightening the discovery)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold'; the first of two, dramatizing the moment of closer scrutiny.
κατενόησαI examined closelyAor Act Indic 1 Sg · κατανοέωmain verb (close inspection)→ constative aorist (the act of scrutiny)κατανοέω: 'observe closely / consider / perceive'; the compound κατα- intensifies — she looked carefully and recognized the truth.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (of κατενόησα: the dead child)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (of κατενόησα: the dead child).
πρωίin the morningadverb of time (anarthrous: 'at morning')→ clausal contributionπρωΐ: 'early / in the morning'; here without the article, an adverb of time reiterating the dawn setting of the discovery.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with second ἰδοὺ)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (the climactic recognition)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: the second 'behold' delivers the shock — the dead child was not hers.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἦν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (with predicate ὁ υἱός μου)→ stative imperfect (the recognized fact)εἰμί: 'be'; 'it was not my son' — the negated copula delivers the identity-claim at the heart of the accusation.
theNominativearticle (with υἱός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόςsonNominativepredicate nominative (with ἦν: 'was not my son')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the dead child was not her own son — the crux of her claim.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱός).
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔτεκον)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; introduces the clause specifying 'whom I bore,' asserting biological identity.
ἔτεκονI boreAor Act Indic 1 Sg · τίκτωverb of relative clause (the speaker's birthing)→ constative aorist (the birth)τίκτω: 'bear / give birth'; 'whom I bore' grounds her claim in her own act of childbirth — the living child is hers.
22

καὶ εἶπεν ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἑτέρα οὐχί ἀλλὰ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ζῶν ὁ δὲ υἱός σου ὁ τεθνηκώς καὶ ἐλάλησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως

And the other woman said, 'No, but the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.' And they spoke before the king.

The counter-claim: deadlock between the two womenκαὶ εἶπεν ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἑτέρα
The second woman flatly contradicts (οὐχί ἀλλά, 'no, but rather'), reversing the assignment of living and dead sons. The verbless antithesis (the living = my son; the dead = yours) crystallizes the irresolvable deadlock; the closing narratorial ἐλάλησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως ('they kept disputing before the king') sets up the king's decisive intervention.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces the rival's rebuttal.
theNominativearticle (with γυνὴ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceγυνή: the second disputant.
theNominativearticle (attributive, with ἑτέρα)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑτέραotherNominativeadjective (with article: 'the other [woman]')→ participant prominenceἕτερος: 'other / the other (of two)'; ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἑτέρα = 'the other woman'; renders הָאַחֶרֶת.
οὐχίnoemphatic negative (denial)→ clausal contributionοὐχί: emphatic 'no / not at all'; the strengthened form of οὐ, flatly rejecting the first woman's account.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (correcting: 'but rather')→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλά: 'but'; the strong adversative introduces the counter-assertion.
theNominativearticle (with υἱός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόςsonNominativesubject of verbless clause ('my son is the living one')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; in the verbless antithesis, the living child is claimed as her own.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱός).
theNominativearticle (attributive, with ζῶν)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῶνlivingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ζάωsubstantivized participle (predicate: 'the living one')→ imperfective (ongoing state of being alive)ζάω (ptcp. ζῶν): 'live / be alive'; the articular ὁ ζῶν ('the living one') is the contested prize, set against ὁ τεθνηκώς ('the dead one') throughout the dispute.
theNominativearticle (with υἱός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲand / butadversative particle (post-positive, marking the antithesis)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive; here marks the contrasting half of the antithesis ('but the dead one is yours').
υἱόςsonNominativesubject of verbless clause ('your son is the dead one')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the dead child assigned to the rival.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱός)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱός).
theNominativearticle (attributive, with τεθνηκώς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεθνηκώςdeadPerf Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · θνῄσκωsubstantivized participle (predicate: 'the dead one')→ perfect (resultant state of death)θνῄσκω (perf. ptcp. τεθνηκώς): 'be dead'; ὁ τεθνηκώς ('the dead one') is the recurring counterpart to ὁ ζῶν in the dispute's antithesis.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (closing the scene)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλάλησανthey spoke / arguedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λαλέωmain verb (the women's disputing)→ constative aorist (their wrangling before the king)λαλέω: 'speak / talk'; here of the two women's contending speech before the king, summarizing the deadlock that prompts his stratagem.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism for לִפְנֵי; the legal setting before the royal judge.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with βασιλέως)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλέωςkingGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (the king as judge)→ relational specificationβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon as the adjudicating sovereign before whom the dispute unfolds.
23

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς αὐταῖς σὺ λέγεις οὗτος ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ζῶν καὶ ὁ υἱὸς ταύτης ὁ τεθνηκώς καὶ σὺ λέγεις οὐχί ἀλλὰ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ζῶν καὶ ὁ υἱός σου ὁ τεθνηκώς

And the king said to them, 'You say, "This is my son, the living one, and this woman's son is the dead one"; and you say, "No, but the living one is my son, and your son is the dead one."'

The king's restatement of the deadlock (judicial framing)καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς αὐταῖς
Solomon judicially restates each woman's claim verbatim (σὺ λέγεις … καὶ σὺ λέγεις …), demonstrating the perfect symmetry of the two assertions. This restatement makes explicit that no verbal evidence can decide between them, justifying the dramatic test that follows in vv. 24–25.
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces the king's judicial restatement.
theNominativearticle (with βασιλεὺς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon, here acting as judge.
αὐταῖςto themDativeindirect object (the two women)→ sphere or referenceαὐτός (fem. pl. dat. αὐταῖς): 'to them'; the two disputing women.
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic, addressing the first woman)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you'; singles out the first woman's claim.
λέγειςsayPres Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introducing the first quoted claim)→ descriptive present (her standing assertion)λέγω: 'say'; the present λέγεις characterizes the woman's persistent claim.
οὗτοςthisNominativedemonstrative (subject of verbless claim: 'this is my son')→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this (one)'; points to the living child as the object of the first woman's claim.
theNominativearticle (with υἱός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόςsonNominativepredicate noun ('my son')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the living child claimed.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱός).
theNominativearticle (attributive, with ζῶν)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῶνlivingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ζάωsubstantivized participle (apposition: 'the living one')→ imperfective (ongoing life)ζάω (ptcp. ζῶν): 'live'; ὁ ζῶν, the contested living child.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
theNominativearticle (with υἱὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸςsonNominativesubject of verbless clause ('this woman's son is the dead')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the dead child assigned to the rival in the first woman's claim.
ταύτηςof this womanGenitivedemonstrative (genitive: 'of this one')→ relational specificationοὗτος (fem. gen. ταύτης): 'of this (woman)'; the rival to whom the dead child is ascribed.
theNominativearticle (attributive, with τεθνηκώς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεθνηκώςdeadPerf Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · θνῄσκωsubstantivized participle (predicate: 'the dead one')→ perfect (resultant state of death)θνῄσκω (perf. ptcp.): 'be dead'; ὁ τεθνηκώς, the dead child.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the second claim)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic, addressing the second woman)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you'; now singles out the second woman's contrary claim.
λέγειςsayPres Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introducing the second quoted claim)→ descriptive present (her standing assertion)λέγω: 'say'; the present marks the second woman's persistent counter-claim.
οὐχίnoemphatic negative (denial, quoting the second woman)→ clausal contributionοὐχί: emphatic 'no'; reproduces the rival's flat denial from v. 22.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction ('but rather')→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλά: 'but'; introduces the counter-assertion within the quotation.
theNominativearticle (with υἱός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόςsonNominativesubject of verbless clause ('my son is the living one')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the living child claimed by the second woman.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱός).
theNominativearticle (attributive, with ζῶν)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῶνlivingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ζάωsubstantivized participle (predicate: 'the living one')→ imperfective (ongoing life)ζάω (ptcp. ζῶν): 'live'; ὁ ζῶν, again the contested living child.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
theNominativearticle (with υἱός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόςsonNominativesubject of verbless clause ('your son is the dead one')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the dead child assigned to the first woman in the second's claim.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱός)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱός).
theNominativearticle (attributive, with τεθνηκώς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεθνηκώςdeadPerf Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · θνῄσκωsubstantivized participle (predicate: 'the dead one')→ perfect (resultant state of death)θνῄσκω (perf. ptcp.): 'be dead'; the closing ὁ τεθνηκώς completes the symmetrical restatement of the deadlock.
24

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς λάβετέ μοι μάχαιραν καὶ προσήνεγκαν τὴν μάχαιραν ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως

And the king said, 'Bring me a sword.' And they brought the sword before the king.

The stratagem begins: the call for a swordκαὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς
The king's terse command λάβετέ μοι μάχαιραν ('bring me a sword') initiates the test that will expose the true mother. The narrator's immediate compliance (προσήνεγκαν τὴν μάχαιραν) heightens the suspense before the shocking order of v. 25.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist introduces the king's command.
theNominativearticle (with βασιλεύς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεύςkingNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon issuing the judicial command.
λάβετέbring / takeAor Act Impv 2 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb (royal command to attendants)→ ingressive aorist imperative (immediate order)λαμβάνω: 'take / fetch / bring'; the aorist imperative λάβετε ('bring!') is the king's curt command to his servants.
μοιfor meDativedative of advantage (the king as beneficiary: 'bring me')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. μοι): 'to/for me'; the king directs the sword to be brought to him.
μάχαιρανswordAccusativedirect object (of λάβετέ)→ object specificationμάχαιρα: 'sword / large knife'; renders חֶרֶב; the instrument of the king's stratagem, threatening the division of the child.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προσήνεγκανthey broughtAor Act Indic 3 Pl · προσφέρωmain verb (the attendants' compliance)→ constative aorist (the bringing)προσφέρω: 'bring to / present'; renders הִקְרִיב; the servants promptly produce the sword before the king.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with μάχαιραν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μάχαιρανswordAccusativedirect object (of προσήνεγκαν)→ object specificationμάχαιρα: 'sword'; now with the article ('the sword'), the one just commanded.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before'; Hebraism for לִפְנֵי; the sword is brought into the king's presence.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with βασιλέως)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλέωςkingGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (the king)→ relational specificationβασιλεύς: 'king'; the presence into which the sword is brought.
25

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς διέλετε τὸ παιδίον τὸ θηλάζον τὸ ζῶν εἰς δύο καὶ δότε τὸ ἥμισυ αὐτοῦ ταύτῃ καὶ τὸ ἥμισυ αὐτοῦ ταύτῃ

And the king said, 'Divide the living nursing child in two, and give half of it to this one and half of it to that one.'

The shocking verdict: the order to divide the childκαὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς
The climactic stratagem: the king orders the living infant cut in two and shared between the claimants. The order is, of course, not meant to be carried out; it is a diagnostic test designed to provoke the true mother's love. The triple articular description τὸ παιδίον τὸ θηλάζον τὸ ζῶν ('the nursing, living child') maximizes the pathos of the threatened act.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: the aorist introduces the king's startling order.
theNominativearticle (with βασιλεύς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεύςkingNominativesubject (of εἶπεν)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon delivering the test-verdict.
διέλετεdivideAor Act Impv 2 Pl · διαιρέωmain verb (royal command)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the command to divide)διαιρέω: 'divide / cut apart / distribute'; the aorist imperative διέλετε ('divide!') issues the shocking order; renders גָּזַר ('cut'); a deliberate provocation, not a real intent.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with παιδίον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παιδίονchild / infantAccusativedirect object (of διέλετε)→ object specificationπαιδίον: diminutive 'little child / infant'; renders יֶלֶד; the tender term heightens the horror of the threatened division.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with θηλάζον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θηλάζονnursingPres Act Ptcp Acc Neut Sg · θηλάζωattributive participle (modifying παιδίον: 'the nursing child')→ imperfective (ongoing nursing)θηλάζω (ptcp. θηλάζον): 'suckle / be nursing'; the participle stresses the child's helpless infancy, sharpening the pathos.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with ζῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῶνlivingPres Act Ptcp Acc Neut Sg · ζάωattributive participle (modifying παιδίον: 'the living child')→ imperfective (ongoing life)ζάω (ptcp. ζῶν): 'live'; τὸ ζῶν ('the living one') is precisely what makes the order monstrous — the surviving child would be killed.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (result of division: 'into two')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: 'into'; with δύο expresses the result of the division ('in two').
δύοtwoAccusativenumeral (object of εἰς: 'into two')→ measure or countδύο: 'two'; the two parts into which the child is to be divided.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (second command)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the command to distribute)δίδωμι: 'give'; the aorist imperative δότε commands the distribution of the halves to each woman.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἥμισυ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἥμισυhalfAccusativedirect object (of δότε: 'the half')→ object specificationἥμισυς: 'half'; the substantivized neuter τὸ ἥμισυ ('the half'); renders חֲצִי; the grotesque portion each woman would receive.
αὐτοῦof itGenitivepartitive genitive (with ἥμισυ: 'half of it')→ relational specificationαὐτός (gen. αὐτοῦ): 'of it'; refers to the child; the partitive genitive marks the portion.
ταύτῃto this oneDativedemonstrative (dative of recipient: 'to this woman')→ participant reference or interestοὗτος (fem. dat. ταύτῃ): 'to this one'; the first claimant.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἥμισυ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἥμισυhalfAccusativedirect object (of δότε, second portion)→ object specificationἥμισυς: 'half'; the second portion.
αὐτοῦof itGenitivepartitive genitive (with ἥμισυ: 'half of it')→ relational specificationαὐτός (gen. αὐτοῦ): 'of it'; the child.
ταύτῃto that oneDativedemonstrative (dative of recipient: 'to that woman')→ participant reference or interestοὗτος (fem. dat. ταύτῃ): 'to this/that one'; the second claimant; the repeated ταύτῃ … ταύτῃ formally splits the child between the two.
26

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη ἡ γυνή ἧς ἦν ὁ υἱὸς ὁ ζῶν καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα ὅτι ἐταράχθη ἡ μήτρα αὐτῆς ἐπὶ τῷ υἱῷ αὐτῆς καὶ εἶπεν ἐν ἐμοί κύριε δότε αὐτῇ τὸ παιδίον καὶ θανάτῳ μὴ θανατώσητε αὐτόν καὶ αὕτη εἶπεν μήτε ἐμοὶ μήτε αὐτῇ ἔστω διέλετε

Then the woman whose son was the living one answered and said to the king—because her womb was stirred over her son—and she said, 'I beg you, my lord, give her the child, and by no means put it to death.' But the other said, 'Let it be neither mine nor yours; divide it.'

The decisive revelation: the true mother's compassionκαὶ ἀπεκρίθη ἡ γυνή
The test works. The true mother, identified in advance by the narrator (ἧς ἦν ὁ υἱὸς ὁ ζῶν), responds out of stirred maternal compassion (ἐταράχθη ἡ μήτρα αὐτῆς), pleading that the child be spared even at the cost of losing him to her rival (δότε αὐτῇ τὸ παιδίον). The false claimant, by contrast, coldly assents to the killing (διέλετε). Her deferential κύριε again addresses Solomon as human sovereign.
Word-by-word analysis· 47 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπεκρίθηansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (the true mother's response)→ constative aorist (single response)ἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer / respond'; renders עָנָה; the deponent aorist introduces the true mother's reaction to the king's order.
theNominativearticle (with γυνή)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνήwomanNominativesubject (of ἀπεκρίθη)→ participant prominenceγυνή: 'woman'; the true mother, identified by the relative clause that follows.
ἧςwhoseGenitiverelative pronoun (possessive genitive: 'whose son')→ relational specificationὅς (fem. gen. ἧς): relative pronoun; 'whose son was the living one' — the narrator discloses her identity, so the reader knows the test will be just.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (of the relative clause)→ stative imperfect (her true relationship)εἰμί: 'be'; identifies the living child as truly hers.
theNominativearticle (with υἱὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸςsonNominativesubject of relative clause ('whose son was')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the living child, truly hers.
theNominativearticle (attributive, with ζῶν)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῶνlivingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ζάωsubstantivized participle (predicate: 'the living one')→ imperfective (ongoing life)ζάω (ptcp. ζῶν): 'live'; the living child whose life she now seeks to save.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introducing her plea)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: 'say'; introduces her appeal to the king.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with βασιλέα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλέαkingAccusativeobject of πρὸς (the king addressed)→ object specificationβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon, to whom she pleads.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (giving the motive of her plea)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; here causal, introducing the narrator's explanation of her reaction — her maternal compassion.
ἐταράχθηwas stirred / troubledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ταράσσωverb of causal clause (the welling of compassion)→ constative aorist (the surge of emotion)ταράσσω: 'stir up / trouble / agitate'; the passive ἐταράχθη describes her womb/inward parts being stirred with compassion; renders the Hebrew נִכְמְרוּ רַחֲמֶיהָ ('her compassion grew warm/yearned').
theNominativearticle (with μήτρα)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μήτραwombNominativesubject (of ἐταράχθη)→ participant prominenceμήτρα: 'womb'; renders רֶחֶם; the seat of maternal compassion (רַחֲמִים derives from the same root); her very womb yearns over her child — the physiological idiom of mother-love.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession (with μήτρα)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with μήτρα).
ἐπὶover / forpreposition + dative (object of emotion: 'over her son')→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + dat.: 'over / on account of'; marks the object of her compassion.
τῷtheDativearticle (with υἱῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativeobject of ἐπὶ (over whom she is moved)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; the living child over whom her compassion is stirred.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of relationship (with υἱῷ)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with υἱῷ).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (resuming her speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (her actual plea)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: 'say'; resumes the speech-frame after the parenthetical motive, introducing her direct words.
ἐνby / I begpreposition + dative (deferential idiom ἐν ἐμοί)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: in ἐν ἐμοί ('by me / I pray'); the same Hebraizing entreaty-formula as v. 17 (בִּי).
ἐμοίme / I prayDativeobject of ἐν (deferential entreaty: 'I beg')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): ἐν ἐμοί κύριε = 'I beg you, my lord'; the formula of humble petition to the king.
κύριεmy lordVocativevocative (deferential address to the king)→ direct addressκύριος (voc. κύριε): HUMAN reference — the mother's deferential 'my lord' to King Solomon (אֲדֹנִי), not the divine name; the same human address as in v. 17.
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (her plea: 'give the child to her')→ aorist imperative (urgent petition)δίδωμι: 'give'; she begs that the child be given alive to the rival rather than killed — self-sacrificing love that reveals her true motherhood.
αὐτῇto herDativeindirect object (the rival woman)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός (fem. dat. αὐτῇ): 'to her'; the rival claimant, to whom she would yield the child to save its life.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with παιδίον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παιδίονchildAccusativedirect object (of δότε)→ object specificationπαιδίον: 'little child / infant'; the living child whose life she prizes above her own claim.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θανάτῳwith deathDativecognate dative (with θανατώσητε: emphatic Hebraism)→ sphere or referenceθάνατος: 'death'; the cognate dative θανάτῳ … θανατώσητε ('put to death with death') renders the Hebrew infinitive absolute הָמֵת ... (cf. the structure of Exod 11:1), intensifying the negated command — 'by no means kill it.'
μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: 'not'; the prohibitive negative with the aorist subjunctive forms an emphatic prohibition.
θανατώσητεput to deathAor Act Subj 2 Pl · θανατόωprohibitive subjunctive (with μὴ: 'do not kill')→ aorist subjunctive of prohibition (emphatic ban)θανατόω: 'put to death / kill'; with the cognate dative θανάτῳ and prohibitive μή it forms the emphatic 'by no means put it to death,' the heart of the true mother's plea.
αὐτόνit / himAccusativedirect object (of θανατώσητε: the child)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (of θανατώσητε: the child).
καὶbutcoordinate conjunction (contrastive, introducing the rival)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὕτηthis one / the otherNominativesubject (demonstrative: the false claimant)→ participant referenceοὗτος (fem. αὕτη): 'this one'; here the rival/false claimant, whose cold response contrasts with the true mother's compassion.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (the rival's response)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: 'say'; introduces the false claimant's heartless reply.
μήτεneithercorrelative negative (μήτε … μήτε: 'neither … nor')→ clausal contributionμήτε: 'neither / nor'; the first member of the correlative — she would rather neither have the child.
ἐμοὶmine / to meDativedative of possession/advantage ('neither to me')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): 'to/for me'; 'let it be neither mine' — she renounces the living child rather than yield it.
μήτεnorcorrelative negative (second member: 'nor')→ clausal contributionμήτε: the second member of the correlative — 'nor to her.'
αὐτῇhers / to herDativedative of possession/advantage ('nor to her')→ participant reference or interestαὐτός (fem. dat. αὐτῇ): 'to her'; the true mother — the false claimant would deny the child to both.
ἔστωlet it bePres Act Impv 3 Sg · εἰμίthird-person imperative (with the μήτε … μήτε clause)→ imperatival (her cold decree)εἰμί (impv. ἔστω): 'let it be'; the third-person imperative pronounces her verdict — 'let it be neither mine nor hers.'
διέλετεdivideAor Act Impv 2 Pl · διαιρέωmain verb (her cruel assent to the division)→ aorist imperative (assent to the killing)διαιρέω: 'divide'; the false claimant echoes the king's διέλετε (v. 25), assenting to the child's death — the decisive contrast that betrays her as not the true mother.
27

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ εἶπεν δότε τὸ παιδίον τῇ εἰπούσῃ δότε αὐτῇ αὐτὸ καὶ θανάτῳ μὴ θανατώσητε αὐτόν αὐτὴ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ

And the king answered and said, 'Give the child to the one who said, "Give it to her," and by no means put it to death; she is its mother.'

The verdict: the child awarded to the true motherκαὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ βασιλεὺς
Solomon's verdict reads the women's responses as decisive evidence: the one who would spare the child even at the cost of losing it is its true mother. He awards the living child to her (δότε … τῇ εἰπούσῃ δότε αὐτῇ αὐτό) and pronounces the identification αὐτὴ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ ('she is its mother'), vindicating his stratagem and displaying the granted wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπεκρίθηansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (the king's response)→ constative aorist (single response)ἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer'; the king responds to the revealing contrast between the two women.
theNominativearticle (with βασιλεὺς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (of ἀπεκρίθη)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon delivering the final verdict.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (καὶ εἶπεν: Hebraizing speech-frame)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introducing the verdict)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: 'say'; the doubled ἀπεκρίθη … καὶ εἶπεν is a Hebraizing redundancy ('answered and said').
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (the verdict-command)→ aorist imperative (the binding decree)δίδωμι: 'give'; the verdict awards the living child to the woman who sought to spare it.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with παιδίον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παιδίονchildAccusativedirect object (of δότε)→ object specificationπαιδίον: 'little child'; the living infant, now awarded to its true mother.
τῇthe / to theDativearticle (with the participle εἰπούσῃ, substantival)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἰπούσῃto the one who saidAor Act Ptcp Dat Fem Sg · λέγωsubstantivized participle (indirect object: 'to the woman who said')→ antecedent aorist (her prior plea)λέγω (aor. ptcp. εἰπούσῃ): 'having said'; the substantivized dative participle 'to the one who said [give it to her]' identifies the recipient by her self-sacrificing words — the criterion of the verdict.
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (quoting her plea: 'give it to her')→ aorist imperative (the quoted words)δίδωμι: 'give'; the king quotes the true mother's own words (δότε αὐτῇ, v. 26) back as the mark of her motherhood.
αὐτῇto herDativeindirect object (within the quoted plea)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός (fem. dat. αὐτῇ): 'to her'; within the quotation, the rival to whom she would have yielded the child.
αὐτὸitAccusativedirect object (within the quoted plea: the child)→ participant referenceαὐτός (neut. αὐτό): 'it'; the child, object of the quoted 'give.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θανάτῳwith deathDativecognate dative (with θανατώσητε: emphatic Hebraism)→ sphere or referenceθάνατος: 'death'; the king repeats the true mother's own emphatic plea θανάτῳ μὴ θανατώσητε ('by no means kill it'), ratifying her words as the verdict.
μὴnotnegative particle (with prohibitive subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: 'not'; prohibitive.
θανατώσητεput to deathAor Act Subj 2 Pl · θανατόωprohibitive subjunctive (with μὴ: 'do not kill')→ aorist subjunctive of prohibition (emphatic ban)θανατόω: 'put to death'; the king forbids the child's killing, affirming life — the just resolution of the case.
αὐτόνit / himAccusativedirect object (of θανατώσητε: the child)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (of θανατώσητε: the child).
αὐτὴsheNominativesubject (intensive: 'she herself')→ participant referenceαὐτός (fem. nom. αὐτή): 'she (herself)'; the emphatic subject of the verdict-pronouncement identifying the true mother.
theNominativearticle (with μήτηρ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μήτηρmotherNominativepredicate nominative (verbless: 'she is its mother')→ participant prominenceμήτηρ: 'mother'; renders אֵם; the king's climactic identification — the compassionate woman is the child's true mother.
αὐτοῦits / hisGenitivegenitive of relationship (with μήτηρ: 'its mother')→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'its'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (with μήτηρ: 'its mother').
28

καὶ ἤκουσαν πᾶς Ισραηλ τὸ κρίμα τοῦτο ὃ ἔκρινεν ὁ βασιλεύς καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ βασιλέως ὅτι εἶδον ὅτι φρόνησις θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ τοῦ ποιεῖν δικαίωμα

And all Israel heard this judgment that the king had judged, and they feared before the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

Chapter conclusion: the people's awe at the king's God-given wisdomκαὶ ἤκουσαν πᾶς Ισραηλ
The chapter closes with the public effect of the judgment: all Israel hears, and reverent fear of the king follows, grounded in the recognition (εἶδον ὅτι …) that φρόνησις θεοῦ ('the wisdom of God') is in Solomon for the doing of justice (τοῦ ποιεῖν δικαίωμα). The verdict thus publicly vindicates the Gibeon grant, sealing the chapter's theme of divinely-given wisdom realized in righteous rule.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἤκουσανheardAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀκούωmain verb (with πᾶς Ισραηλ by sense)→ constative aorist (the report spreading)ἀκούω: 'hear'; renders שָׁמַע; the plural verb with the collective 'all Israel' (constructio ad sensum) reports the people's hearing of the verdict.
πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (with Ισραηλ: 'all Israel')→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / whole'; renders כָּל; embraces the entire nation as witnesses of the judgment's renown.
ΙσραηλIsraelsubject (indeclinable; collective, takes plural verb)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל ('Israel'); indeclinable in the LXX; here the whole people as the audience of the verdict.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with κρίμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κρίμαjudgmentAccusativedirect object (of ἤκουσαν)→ object specificationκρίμα: 'judgment / verdict'; renders מִשְׁפָּט; the very thing Solomon asked discernment for (cf. εἰσακούειν κρίμα, v. 11) now performed and famous.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (modifying κρίμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; points to the specific harlot-verdict just rendered.
whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔκρινεν)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; introduces the clause specifying the king's judging.
ἔκρινενjudgedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κρίνωverb of relative clause (with ὁ βασιλεύς)→ constative aorist (the rendered judgment)κρίνω: 'judge / decide'; renders שָׁפַט; the cognate of κρίμα — 'the judgment that he judged,' a figura etymologica stressing the act of adjudication.
theNominativearticle (with βασιλεύς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεύςkingNominativesubject (of ἔκρινεν)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; Solomon, whose judging earns the people's awe.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐφοβήθησανthey fearedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · φοβέομαιmain verb (the people's reverent fear)→ ingressive aorist (came to fear/revere)φοβέομαι: 'fear / reverence'; renders יָרֵא; here reverent awe (not terror) before the king, occasioned by the divine wisdom manifest in him.
ἀπὸfrom / beforepreposition + genitive (in the idiom 'fear before')→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; in φοβέομαι ἀπὸ προσώπου ('fear before / from the face of') it renders the Hebrew יָרֵא מִפְּנֵי, an idiom for reverent awe in someone's presence.
προσώπουface / presenceGenitiveobject of ἀπὸ (in the idiom 'before the face of')→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: 'face'; ἀπὸ προσώπου ('from the face of') is a Hebraism for 'before / in the presence of.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with βασιλέως)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive (with προσώπου: 'before the king')→ relational specificationβασιλεύς: 'king'; the object of the people's reverent fear.
ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (giving the reason for their fear)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the ground of their awe — the recognition of God's wisdom in the king.
εἶδονthey sawAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωverb of causal clause (their perception)→ constative aorist (the act of perceiving)ὁράω (aor. εἶδον): 'see / perceive'; renders רָאָה; here cognitive — they perceived/recognized the divine wisdom at work in Solomon.
ὅτιthatconjunction (introducing the content of their perception)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces the object-clause of εἶδον — what they perceived.
φρόνησιςwisdom / understandingNominativesubject (of implied copula: 'wisdom was in him')→ participant prominenceφρόνησις: 'understanding / practical wisdom / prudence'; renders חָכְמָה; 'the wisdom of God' is the divinely-given discernment granted at Gibeon, now publicly evident.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/quality (with φρόνησις: 'wisdom of God')→ relational specificationθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; the genitive marks the wisdom as God-given and God-like, fulfilling the grant of vv. 11–12.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in him')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in him').
αὐτῷhimDativeobject of ἐν (the king)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός (dat. αὐτῷ): 'in him'; locates the divine wisdom within Solomon.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (genitive with articular infinitive ποιεῖν: purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιεῖνto doPres Act Infin · ποιέωarticular infinitive of purpose (τοῦ + infinitive: 'so as to do')→ imperfective (ongoing exercise of justice)ποιέω: 'do / make / perform'; the articular τοῦ ποιεῖν expresses purpose/result — the wisdom is in him 'to do justice,' the proper end of royal discernment.
δικαίωμαjustice / righteous judgmentAccusativedirect object (of ποιεῖν)→ object specificationδικαίωμα: 'righteous act / ordinance / justice'; renders מִשְׁפָּט / צְדָקָה; ποιεῖν δικαίωμα ('to do justice') is the goal of the God-given wisdom — the chapter's closing affirmation that Solomon's rule embodies divine righteousness.