1 Kings 4:31 He was wiser than all men--wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

◄ 1 Kings 4:31 ►

New International Version
He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.

New Living Translation
He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations.

English Standard Version
For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.

Berean Standard Bible
He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

King James Bible
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

New King James Version
For he was wiser than all men—than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.

New American Standard Bible
For he was wiser than all other people, more than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations.

NASB 1995
For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations.

NASB 1977
For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and the renown of his name was in all the surrounding nations.

Amplified Bible
For he was wiser than all [other] men, [wiser] than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. His fame was known in all the surrounding nations.

Christian Standard Bible
He was wiser than anyone —wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations.

American Standard Version
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about.

English Revised Version
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He was wiser than anyone, than Ethan the Ezrahite, or Heman, Calcol, or Darda, Mahol's sons. His fame spread to all the nations around him.

Good News Translation
He was the wisest of all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame spread throughout all the neighboring countries.

International Standard Version
He was wiser than anyone of his day—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, and wiser than Mahol's sons Calcol and Darda. His reputation was known throughout the surrounding nations.

Majority Standard Bible
He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

NET Bible
He was wiser than any man, including Ethan the Ezrahite or Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He was famous in all the neighboring nations.

New Heart English Bible
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations all around.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.

World English Bible
For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations all around.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he is wiser than all men, [wiser] than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol, and his name is in all the surrounding nations.

Young's Literal Translation
and he is wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol, and his name is in all the nations round about.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will be wise above all men; above Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman and Chalcol and Darda, sons of Mahol: and his name will be in all the nations round about.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Dorda the sons of Mahol, and he was renowned in all nations round about.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan, the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And he was renowned in all the nations on every side.

New American Bible
He was wiser than anyone else—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, or Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the musicians—and his fame spread throughout the neighboring peoples.

New Revised Standard Version
He was wiser than anyone else, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, children of Mahol; his fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Easterner, and Heman, and Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations round about.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he was wiser than any man, than Ethan the Easterner and Haman and Kelkal and Darda the sons of Mekhul, and his name was in all the nations that were around him.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For he was wiser than all men: than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations round about.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he was wiser than all other men: and he was wiser than Gaethan the Zarite, and than Aenan, and than Chalcad and Darala the son of Mal.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon's Wisdom
…30Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31He was wiser than all men— wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. 32Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 1:1-7
These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, / for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, / and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. ...

Ecclesiastes 1:16
I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”

1 Kings 3:12
behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 10:23-24
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

2 Chronicles 9:22-23
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Proverbs 8:12-14
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. / To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. / Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.

Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Treasury of Scripture

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

wiser

1 Kings 3:12
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

Matthew 12:42
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:31
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Ethan

1 Chronicles 15:19
So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

Psalm 89:1
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Heman

1 Chronicles 2:6
And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

1 Chronicles 6:33
And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

1 Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

his fame

1 Kings 5:7
And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

1 Kings 10:1,6
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions…

2 Chronicles 9:23
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.

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1 Kings 4

1. Solomon's princes
7. His twelve officers for provision
20. The peace and largeness of his kingdom
22. His daily provision
26. His stable
29. His wisdom

Berean Study Bible

For he was wiser than all men
This phrase sets the stage for understanding the unparalleled wisdom of Solomon. The Hebrew word for "wiser" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which implies not just intellectual acumen but also practical skills and moral insight. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with the ability to govern effectively and live righteously. Solomon's wisdom is a divine gift, as seen earlier in 1 Kings 3:12, where God grants him a wise and discerning heart. This wisdom surpasses that of all other men, indicating a unique, God-given ability to understand and apply knowledge.

wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite
Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned here as a benchmark of wisdom. The Ezrahites were known for their wisdom and musical abilities, as seen in Psalm 89, attributed to Ethan. The mention of Ethan highlights the high standard of wisdom that Solomon exceeded. The Hebrew root "אֵיתָן" (Ethan) means "enduring" or "strong," suggesting that Ethan's wisdom was well-established and respected. Yet, Solomon's wisdom surpassed even this enduring reputation.

and Heman, Calcol, and Darda
These individuals are listed as further examples of renowned wise men. Heman is also noted in 1 Chronicles 15:19 as a musician and seer, indicating that wisdom in this context includes artistic and spiritual insight. Calcol and Darda are less well-known, but their inclusion suggests they were part of a tradition or school of wisdom. The Hebrew names "כַּלְכֹּל" (Calcol) and "דַּרְדַּע" (Darda) may imply meanings related to calculation and knowledge, respectively, reinforcing the idea that these men were esteemed for their intellectual contributions.

the sons of Mahol
The term "sons of Mahol" could refer to a literal family or a figurative school of thought. "מָחוֹל" (Mahol) means "dance" or "circle," which might suggest a community or guild of wise men, possibly involved in the arts or scholarly pursuits. This phrase indicates that Solomon's wisdom was not only greater than individuals but also surpassed entire groups known for their intellectual and artistic achievements.

And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations
Solomon's wisdom was not confined to Israel; it was recognized internationally. The Hebrew word for "fame" is "שֵׁם" (shem), meaning "name" or "reputation." This suggests that Solomon's wisdom was a defining characteristic of his identity and reign. The phrase "surrounding nations" indicates the geopolitical context of Solomon's time, where Israel was a significant power. His wisdom attracted leaders and scholars from other nations, as seen in the visit of the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10. This international recognition underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon renowned and respected.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(31) He was wiser.--The wisdom of "Heman, Ethan, Chalcol, and Darda," then rivals of Solomon's fame, is now only known to us from this passage. In the genealogy of 1Chronicles 2:6, "Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Dara" (or "Darda") are found as sons of Zerah, the son of Judah; and the coincidence is remarkable enough to suggest identification. But this identification can scarcely hold. This passage evidently implies that these rivals of Solomon were contemporary with him, not belonging, therefore, to a family many generations earlier. Now it happens that we know of a Heman and an Ethan (see 1Chronicles 6:33; 1Chronicles 6:44) set by David over the service of song in the Tabernacle, and called "Ezrahites" in the titles of Psalms 88, 89 ascribed to them. Heman is, moreover, designated as "the king's seer in the words of the Lord" (1Chronicles 25:5); and his Psalm (Psalms 88) is singularly full of thought, moral speculation, and sense of mystery in life and death. Chalcol and Darda are described as sous of Machol. The word Machol may be a proper name. But it is curious that it signifies "dance," or "music"; and it is at least possible that they also, like Heman and Ethan, may have been thus designated, as connected with the music of the Temple. However this may be, it can hardly be wrong, in spite of the repetition of the group of names, to refer this passage to this Heman and this Ethan, and hold Chalcol and Darda to be, like them, contemporaries with Solomon.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 31. - For (Heb. and) he was wiser than all men [Keil adds "of his time," but we have no right to restrict the words to his contemporaries (see note on chap. 3:12). It is very doubtful whether the names mentioned presently are those of contemporaries] than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda [It is impossible to say whether these are the same persons as the Ethan and Heman and Chalcol and Dara of 1 Chronicles 2:6, or the Ethan and Heman who were David's singers. The resemblance is certainly remarkable. Not only are the names practically the same (Dara may well be a clerical error: many MSS., together with the Syr. and Arab., read Darda), but they occur in the same order. Our first impression, consequently, is that the two lists represent the same persons, and if so, these four sages were the "sons" of Zerah, the son of Judah (Genesis 38:30). But against this it is urged that Ethan is here called the Ezrahite, as are both Ethan and Heman in the titles of Psalm 89, and 88. respectively. The resemblance, however, of Ezrahite (אֶזְרָתִי) to Zerahite (זַרְתִי) is so close as to suggest identity rather than difference. There is, perhaps, more weight in the objection that Chalcol and Darda are here distinctly said to be "the sons of Mahol," though here again it has been observed that Mahol (מָחול) means pipe or dance, and the "sons of Mahol," consequently, may merely be a synonym, agreeably to Eastern idiom (Ecclesiastes 12:4, with which cf. 2 Samuel 19:35), for "musicians." We may therefore allow that the four names may be those of sons (i.e., descendants) of Zerah. But the question now presents itself: Are Ethan and Heman to be identified with the well known precentors of David? Against their identity are these facts:

1. That Ethan the singer (1 Chronicles 6:31) is described as the son of Kishi (1 Chronicles 6:44), elsewhere called Kushaiah (1 Chronicles 15:17), and of the family of Merari; as a Levite that is, instead of a descendant of Judah, and that Heman, who is called the singer, or musician (1 Chronicles 6:33), and the "king's seer" (1 Chronicles 25:5) is said to be a son of Joel, a grandson of the prophet Samuel, and one of the Kohathite Levites (1 Chronicles 15:17). The first impression in this case, therefore, is that they must be distinct. But it should be remembered

(1) that the sons - in the strict sense - of Zerah are nowhere else named for their wisdom, whereas the royal singer and seer probably owed their appointments to their genius, and

(2) that though Levites, they may have been incorporated (possibly like Jair, through marriage - see note on ver. 13 above, and cf. Ezra 2:61) into the tribe of Judah. The Levite in Judges 17:7 is spoken of as belonging to the family of Judah, because he dwelt in Bethlehem of Judah, and Elkanah the Levite is called an Ephraimite in 1 Samuel 1:1, because in his civil capacity he was incorporated into the tribe of Ephraim" (Keil). It must be admitted, however, that the natural interpretation of 1 Chronicles 2:6 is that the "sons" of Zerah there mentioned were his immediate and actual descendants, and not Levites who long centuries afterwards were somehow incorporated into his family. But the question is one of so much nicety that it is hardly possible to come to a positive conclusion] and his fame [Heb. name] was in all [Heb. all the] nations round about. [Cf. 10:24, etc.]

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

He was wiser
וַיֶּחְכַּם֮ (way·yeḥ·kam)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2449: To be wise

than all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

men—
הָֽאָדָם֒ (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

wiser than Ethan
מֵאֵיתָ֣ן (mê·’ê·ṯān)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 387: Ethan -- 'permanence', an Israelite name

the Ezrahite,
הָאֶזְרָחִ֗י (hā·’ez·rā·ḥî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 250: Ezrahite -- a descendant of Zerah

and wiser than Heman,
וְהֵימָ֧ן (wə·hê·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1968: Heman -- an Israelite name

Calcol,
וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל (wə·ḵal·kōl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3633: Calcol -- an Israelite noted for his wisdom

and Darda,
וְדַרְדַּ֖ע (wə·ḏar·da‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1862: Darda -- an Israelite

the sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Mahol.
מָח֑וֹל (mā·ḥō·wl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4235: Mahol -- father of Heman

And his fame
שְׁמ֥וֹ (šə·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

spread
וַיְהִֽי־ (way·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

throughout
בְכָֽל־ (ḇə·ḵāl-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the surrounding
סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

nations.
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

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OT History: 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)