1-kings 3:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Then came there two women, that were harlots, to the king, and stood before him.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Then came there two women, that were harlots, to the king, and stood before him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Then there came two women that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Then two loose women of the town came and took their places before the king;
Webster's Revision
Then came there two women, that were harlots, to the king, and stood before him.
World English Bible
Then two women who were prostitutes came to the king, and stood before him.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
Clarke's 1-kings 3:16 Bible Commentary
Then came there two women - harlots - The word זנות zonoth, which we here, and in some other places, improperly translate harlots, is by the Chaldee (the best judge in this case) rendered פונדקין pundekayan, tavern-keepers. (See on Joshua 2:1 (note)). If these had been harlots, it is not likely they would have dared to appear before Solomon; and if they had been common women, it is not likely they would have had children; nor is it likely that such persons would have been permitted under the reign of David. Though there is no mention of their husbands, it is probable they might have been at this time in other parts, following their necessary occupations; and the settling the present business could not have been delayed till their return; the appeal to justice must be made immediately.
Wesley's 1-kings 3:16 Bible Commentary
3:16 Harlots - Or, victuallers: for the Hebrew words signifies both. Yet that they are unmarried persons, seems probable, both becausethere is no mention of any husbands, whose office it was, if there wereany such, to contest for their wives; and because they lived a solitarylife in one house.