2 Chronicles 1:10
New International Version
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

New Living Translation
Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

English Standard Version
Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”

Berean Standard Bible
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

King James Bible
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

New King James Version
Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

New American Standard Bible
Now give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”

NASB 1995
“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”

NASB 1977
“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can rule this great people of Thine?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can do justice for this great people of Yours?”

Amplified Bible
Give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may go out and come in [performing my duties] before this people, for [otherwise] who can rule and administer justice to this great people of Yours?”

Christian Standard Bible
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of yours? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

American Standard Version
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

Contemporary English Version
and make me wise. Give me the knowledge I'll need to be the king of this great nation of yours.

English Revised Version
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Give me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?"

Good News Translation
so give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to rule over them. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"

International Standard Version
Give me wisdom now, so I may go in and out among this people, because who can rule this great people that belongs to you?

Majority Standard Bible
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

NET Bible
Now give me wisdom and discernment so I can effectively lead this nation. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours."

New Heart English Bible
Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this your people, that is so great?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy great people?

World English Bible
Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of yours?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
now, give wisdom and knowledge to me, and I go out before this people, and I come in, for who judges this—Your great people?”

Young's Literal Translation
now, wisdom and knowledge give to me, and I go out before this people, and I come in, for who doth judge this Thy great people?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Now wilt thou give to me wisdom and knowledge, and I shall go out before this people, and come in: for who shall judge this thy great people?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Give me wisdom and knowledge that I may come in and go out before thy people: for who can worthily judge this thy people, which is so great?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Give to me wisdom and understanding, so that I may enter and depart before your people. For who is able worthily to judge this, your people, who are so great?”

New American Bible
Give me, therefore, wisdom and knowledge to govern this people, for otherwise who could rule this vast people of yours?”

New Revised Standard Version
Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of yours?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this thy people that is so great?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also now, give me wisdom and knowledge, for I will be entering and going out at the front of this people, for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now give me wisdom and understanding, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who shall judge this thy great people?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom
9Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be fulfilled. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” 11God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or glory for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king—…

Cross References
1 Kings 3:9
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

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

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. / For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...

1 Kings 4:29-30
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

Ephesians 1:17-18
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Proverbs 8:10-11
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

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

Job 28:12-28
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.


Treasury of Scripture

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this your people, that is so great?

give me

1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Psalm 119:34,73
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart…

Proverbs 2:2-6
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; …

go out

Numbers 27:17
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Deuteronomy 31:2
And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

2 Samuel 5:2
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

for who can

2 Corinthians 2:16
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

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2 Chronicles 1
1. The solemn offering of Solomon at Gibeon
7. Solomon's choice of wisdom is blessed by God
13. Solomon's forces and wealth














Now grant me
The phrase begins with a humble request, indicating Solomon's recognition of his need for divine assistance. The Hebrew word for "grant" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give or bestow. This reflects Solomon's understanding that true wisdom and knowledge are gifts from God, not something he can acquire on his own. It sets the tone for a prayerful dependence on God, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

wisdom and knowledge
In Hebrew, "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah) and "knowledge" is "דַּעַת" (da'ath). Wisdom in the biblical sense is not just intellectual acumen but the practical application of knowledge in accordance with God's will. Knowledge complements wisdom by providing the necessary information and understanding. Together, they form the foundation for righteous leadership. Solomon's request highlights the importance of these virtues for anyone in a position of authority, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in divine insight.

so that I may lead
The phrase underscores Solomon's purpose for seeking wisdom and knowledge. The Hebrew word for "lead" is "יָצָא" (yatsa), which can also mean to go out or come forth. This implies an active, dynamic role in guiding the people. Solomon's desire is not for personal gain but for the ability to fulfill his responsibilities as king effectively. It reflects a servant-leadership model, where the leader's primary concern is the well-being of those he leads.

this people
The term "this people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people. In Hebrew, "עַם" (am) is used, which signifies a community bound by a common identity and purpose. Solomon's request is deeply rooted in his understanding of his role as king over a covenant community. It reminds us of the special relationship between God and Israel, and by extension, the responsibility of leaders to shepherd God's people with care and integrity.

for who can judge
The rhetorical question "for who can judge" acknowledges the enormity of the task before Solomon. The Hebrew word for "judge" is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), which means to govern or to render decisions. This reflects the biblical view of a king as a judge who must discern right from wrong and administer justice. Solomon's question implies that without divine wisdom, no human is truly capable of fulfilling such a role.

this great people of Yours
The phrase "this great people of Yours" emphasizes the magnitude and significance of the nation of Israel. The word "great" in Hebrew is "גָּדוֹל" (gadol), indicating not only size but also importance and honor. By referring to the Israelites as "of Yours," Solomon acknowledges God's ownership and sovereignty over the people. This recognition of divine authority is crucial for any leader, as it places their role within the context of God's overarching plan and purpose.

(10) Give me now wisdom and knowledge.--Now wisdom and knowledge give thou me; a petition co-ordinate with that of 2Chronicles 1:9 : "Now, O Lord God," &c. The clause answers to 1Kings 3:9. The word rendered "knowledge" (madda') is late, and occurs besides only in Daniel 1:4; Daniel 1:17; Ecclesiastes 10:20.

That I may go out and come in before this people.--See 1Kings 3:7; Numbers 27:17; Deuteronomy 31:2. . . .

Verse 10. - Give me now wisdom and knowledge. The force of the opening of this verse, and the relation of it to the former, are both prejudiced by the "now" (עַתּה) being deposed from its right position as the first word in the verse. For the rest of this verse, the parallel passage has "an understanding heart" in place of our "wisdom and knowledge;" and "that I may discern between good and bad," in place of our that I may go out and come in before this people. In using the words, "wisdom and knowledge," Solomon seems to have remembered well the prayer of his father (1 Chronicles 22:12). (For the pedigree of the simple and effective phrase, "know how to go out and come in," see Numbers 27:17; Deuteronomy 31:2; 1 Samuel 18:13, 16; 2 Samuel 3:25). It is at the same time refreshing to revisit the times when the most exalted nominal ruler was also the real ruler, as being the leader, the judge, the teacher in the highest sense, and "the feeder" of his people. Nor is it less refreshing to notice how, in Israel at least, the fact was so well recognized and honoured, that justice and to judge just judgment lay at the deepest foundation of civil society.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now
עַתָּ֗ה (‘at·tāh)
Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

grant
תֶּן־ (ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me
לִ֔י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

wisdom
חָכְמָ֤ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and knowledge,
וּמַדָּע֙ (ū·mad·dā‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4093: Intelligence, consciousness

so that I may lead
וְאֵֽצְאָ֛ה (wə·’ê·ṣə·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

this
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people.
הָֽעָם־ (hā·‘ām-)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

who
מִ֣י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is able to govern
יִשְׁפֹּ֔ט (yiš·pōṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

this
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

great
הַגָּדֽוֹל׃ (hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

people of Yours?”
עַמְּךָ֥ (‘am·mə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge that (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 1:9
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