Definition: Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it]: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 10:7. It’s a really important passage about faith and understanding God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that before someone truly understood the message of a very significant blessing or opportunity, they didn't know it. It’s like when you’re trying to understand something new – you need to see it to really grasp it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “1 Kings 10:7” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament, concerning a great blessing that was given to Solomon. “Howbeit I believed not the words…” : This is crucial. The speaker (likely Solomon) didn’t fully understand what the blessings meant at first. He didn't fully grasp the significance of the gift. “Howbeit” means "though" or "even though." “…until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it]…” : This is where the key shift happens. Solomon finally realized the importance of what was being said. He experienced it firsthand – he saw it with his own eyes. “Mine eyes had seen it” means he finally understood the truth. “and, behold, the half was not told me…” : This is a dramatic phrase. "And, behold" means "and then." It means that before seeing it, he wasn’t given the full picture or understanding of the blessing. He only got a glimpse. “thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.” : This is the most important part – it’s about the result of understanding. The blessings were so great that they exceeded what he had heard from other people. His wisdom (understanding) and his prosperity (wealth, success, good fortune) were far greater than any rumors or stories he had been told. In a nutshell: Solomon realized something profound – a blessing was coming to him because he understood it fully. It's a powerful reminder that true understanding is essential for receiving blessings. What does this verse teach us? The Importance of Understanding: It emphasizes that genuine faith isn’t just about believing; it’s about actively understanding what God has to offer. God’s Grace: It shows that God's blessings are often given to those who are open to receiving them, and that understanding is a key part of that process. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage?