Definition: Then said the king, The one saith, This [is] my son that liveth, and thy son [is] the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son [is] the dead, and my son [is] the living.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 1 Kings 3:23. It's a really powerful and complex verse in the Bible, and it deals with a significant moment of betrayal and conflict. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes about after King David had been tricked by his own son, Absalom. Absalom, feeling insecure and jealous, plotted to kill David and seize the throne. He sent a messenger to King Solomon, hoping for help. But Solomon, fearing Absalom’s treachery, told David to send a message to the prophet Nathan. What the Verse Says: The verse essentially states this: "Then said the king, The one saith, This [is] my son that liveth, and thy son [is] the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son [is] the dead, and my son [is] the living." Let's unpack it: “The one saith…” : This is a formal declaration from the King. “This [is] my son that liveth…” : The King says, "This is my son – David – who lives." This is a very strong statement of identification. “…and thy son [is] the dead…” : The King then declares that David’s son, his son, is dead . He's declaring that David’s son has died. “and the other saith…Nay; but thy son [is] the dead, and my son [is] the living.” : This is the crucial part. The other prophet (Nathan) says, “No, I don’t believe this. David’s son is dead, and your son is alive.” What it Means – A Deeper Interpretation: This verse is a dramatic statement of disbelief and accusation. It's a core part of the story of David's death and its aftermath. Here’s how we can interpret it: David’s Death: The most obvious meaning is that David died. The King is asserting this fact with absolute conviction. The Other Prophet’s Perspective: The other prophet is challenging the King's claim. He’s pointing out that the King is lying . He’s saying, “I don’t believe it. David’s son is dead, but your son is still alive!” This highlights the conflict between truth and deception. Important Context: This verse is significant because it’s a moment of profound crisis for the kingdom. It's a turning point where the King loses faith in his own son and begins to grapple with the consequences of betrayal. It sets the stage for further events in the story, particularly the account of Nathan’s visit and the subsequent judgment. In short, this verse is a powerful declaration of truth – that David's son has died, and the King’s claim is false. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in the Bible? Offer a different interpretation of the verse?