Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers
Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers
1 Kings 3 tells how Solomon resolves a dispute between two women who each claim to be the mother of the same living baby.
Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers
Two women come before Solomon with a dispute that has no obvious witness who can settle it.
The first woman explains that both women gave birth within days of each other while living in the same house.
One baby died during the night. She accuses the other woman of switching the children while she slept and claiming the surviving child.
The second woman denies the accusation and insists that the living baby is hers.
The argument continues before the king, with each woman claiming the living child.
Solomon summarizes the impossible dispute and orders that a sword be brought.
He commands that the living child be divided in two, with half given to each woman.
One woman immediately begs the king to give the baby to the other woman rather than kill him. The other accepts the proposed division.
Solomon identifies the woman willing to surrender her claim to preserve the child’s life as the true mother and gives the baby to her.
When Israel hears about the judgment, the people stand in awe because they recognize God-given wisdom in the king’s administration of justice.
Read the Original Account
This retelling is an original BibleVerses.com narrative. Read the primary biblical passages for the source account and full context.
1 Kings 3:16–28
Solomon uses a startling test to reveal which woman is the child’s mother.
Related Bible Stories
Key Bible Passages
1 Kings 3:16–28
Solomon uses a startling test to reveal which woman is the child’s mother.
What Happens in Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers?
1 Kings 3 tells how Solomon resolves a dispute between two women who each claim to be the mother of the same living baby.
People in This Story
Solomon
King whose judgment reveals the true mother
Where the Story Happens
Jerusalem
Royal setting of Solomon’s judgment.
Topics in This Story
Why This Story Matters
The case immediately demonstrates the wisdom Solomon requested from God and becomes the biblical narrative most closely associated with his reputation for discerning judgment.
Historical and Literary Context
Solomon has recently asked God for an understanding heart to govern the people and distinguish right from wrong. The narrative now supplies a concrete test of that gift.
Related Bible Stories
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
Continue through the biblical story.
Solomon Builds the Temple
Continue through the biblical story.
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
Continue through the biblical story.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/stories/solomon-and-the-two-mothers/. Accessed October 1, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers.” Accessed October 1, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/stories/solomon-and-the-two-mothers/.
