1 Kings 3:8-9
Context3:8 Your servant stands 1 among your chosen people; 2 they are a great nation that is too numerous to count or number. 3:9 So give your servant a discerning mind 3 so he can make judicial decisions for 4 your people and distinguish right from wrong. 5 Otherwise 6 no one is able 7 to make judicial decisions for 8 this great nation of yours.” 9
[3:8] 1 tn There is no verb expressed in the Hebrew text; “stands” is supplied in the translation for clarification.
[3:8] 2 tn Heb “your people whom you have chosen.”
[3:9] 3 tn Heb “a hearing heart.” (The Hebrew term translated “heart” often refers to the mental faculties.)
[3:9] 5 tn Heb “to understand between good and evil.”
[3:9] 6 tn Heb “for”; the word “otherwise” is used to reflect the logical sense of the statement.
[3:9] 7 tn Heb “who is able?” The rhetorical question anticipates the answer, “no one.”