Matthew 12:42 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The queen of the south, who sought Solomon's wisdom, will condemn this generation, for one greater than Solomon is here.
What Does Matthew 12:42 Mean?
Jesus gives a second witness against his generation. The queen of the south, the queen of Sheba, traveled from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. She will rise at the judgment and condemn those who would not come to one far greater than Solomon, present in their very midst.
Her long journey to seek wisdom rebukes those who will not turn even when wisdom itself stands before them. Christ is greater than Solomon, the very wisdom of God in person. If a foreign queen crossed great distances for a glimpse of God's gift in Solomon, how much more should hearts welcome the One in whom all the treasures of wisdom dwell. The warning calls every reader to seek and receive him.
Matthew 12:42 in the Original Language
sophia (σοφία), 'wisdom' -- insight into life and God's ways, here fully embodied in the One greater than Solomon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 12:42
What does Matthew 12:42 mean?
The queen of the south, who sought Solomon's wisdom, will condemn this generation, for one greater than Solomon is here.