1 Kings 3:9

an understanding heart This is explained (2 Chronicles 1:10) by -wisdom and knowledge." The participle rendered -understanding" is literally -hearing," and the LXX. has paraphrased the clause thus: -a heart to hear and judge thy people in righteousness." But the hearing of the heart must refer to the following of the Divine guidance and promptings from within. That this was Solomon's meaning seems certain, from the end of this verse -Who is able to judge this thy so great people?" unless (that is) he have thy constant leading, and attend thereto?

The word rendered -great" in this verse is different from that so translated in 1 Kings 3:8. Here the literal sense is -heavy," and the reference is to the great burden of care which the king must take upon himself.