Who was the Queen of Sheba in the Bible?? The Queen of Sheba appears in Bible and in many legends. You'll see the biblical account and the verses in 1 Kings e 2 Chronicles; the meeting with Solomon and those present; the descriptions of his wisdom e riches; historical identification with Saba, the archaeological evidence in the Yemen and Ethiopia and the inscriptions about the Sabaean people.
You will also learn about the Ethiopian legend of the Kebra Nagast, Makeda and Menelik, as well as religious interpretations, oral traditions, myths, folklore and representations in the art. Everything explained in a simple way.
Main conclusions
- The Queen of Sheba visited the king Solomon to test your wisdom.
- She brought many gifts and riches.
- It came from Sheba, a region linked to Yemen and Ethiopia.
- The narrative shows mutual admiration between her and Solomon.
- Later traditions claim that she had a son with Solomon (Ethiopian legend).
The biblical account of the Queen of Sheba
The story of the Queen of Sheba appears as an encounter that mixes curiosity, testing and admiration. In the texts, she comes from afar to see Solomon's wisdom and brings questions that measure how much the king really knew.
The visit works like a mirror: it shows fame, power and the search for answers. To read the full biblical text of this passage, go to Biblical text from 1 Kings 10.
The story contrasts material wealth and recognized intelligence, describing salons, riches and sagacious dialogues. The central message is recognition and legitimacy: by visiting, the Queen of Sheba publicly confirms Solomon's authority.
To contextualize these episodes in the wider biblical narrative, it is worth consulting compilations of stories from the Bible.
Main verses (1 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 9)
The chapters that narrate the visit are 1 Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9. They describe the journey, the questions, the gifts and Solomon's response.
- 1 Kings 10:1-13 - arrival, dialog, gifts and the impression made by Solomon's wisdom.
- 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 - repeats the story with an emphasis on wealth and honoring Solomon.
For those who study passages and textual comparisons, the lists of lesser-known biblical passages help to situate these chapters within the larger framework of the narratives.
The meeting with Solomon and the gifts brought
The visit is almost theatrical: tents, parades and a king prepared to impress. The Queen of Sheba arrives with questions and gifts that symbolize respect and trade.
The meeting ends with mutual recognition - she sees that his fame was true and he receives international approval.
Gifts brought: gold, spices, precious stones, rare wood and perfumes.
The gesture of giving gifts solidifies alliances and affirms status, indicating trade between kingdoms.
Note: the visit is more than luxury - it is a public test of Solomon's wisdom and justice. To better understand the theme of wisdom in Solomon's reign, there are texts that explore how he chose wisdom over gold (choosing wisdom over gold).
How the Bible describes the wisdom and riches of the Queen of Sheba
The Bible highlights wisdom and its riches indirectly - through the acts, This is a great example of the queen's attitude, her questions and the luxury that accompanies them. The text uses the queen's reaction to Solomon to show that she was perceptive and powerful, capable of recognizing merit.
Historical identification: Sheba and the Saba kingdom
Sheba's historical identity links ancient texts, oral traditions and archaeological finds. The name appears in the Bible, in Qur'an and in Ethiopian chronicles.
Scholars associate Sheba with the kingdom of Saba, a South Arabian state that flourished between around 1000 BC and 300 AD. This link is strong, but the sacred texts mix history and myth.
Materially, the Saba kingdom left fortified cities, irrigation systems and incense trade routes. Inscriptions in the Sabean language and objects show contact with the Mediterranean and East Africa, placing Saba at the center of trade networks that sustained wealth and power - a theme often highlighted in surveys of the kingdom's history. curiosities from the Bible.
When studying Sheba, it is useful to consult academic overviews on the subject; a good introductory reference is the encyclopedic entry dealing with the History and archaeology of the kingdom of Saba.
When studying Sheba, it is necessary to consider the literary version and the archaeological one: both meet when identifying Saba as a power in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, with links to Yemen and Ethiopia.
Archaeological sites in Yemen and Ethiopia
In Yemen, classic sites of the Saba kingdom include Marib and Sirwah. Marib was the legendary capital, with the Marib Dam; Sirwah has temples and inscriptions attesting to political elites. These sites confirm an organized state rich in trade.
In Ethiopia, Yeha and Aksum reveal intense contacts with southern Arabia.
Ruins, monuments and ceramics show that the corridor between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa was active; information about these centers is available in heritage documentation such as UNESCO's page on the Arabian Peninsula. Archaeological sites in Aksum and Yeha.
Main archaeological sites related to Saba:
- Marib (Yemen) - capital and dam
- Sirwah (Yemen) - temples and inscriptions
- Yeha (Ethiopia) - pre-Aksumite structures
- Aksum (Ethiopia) - late center of power and memory
Note: the attribution of sites between Yemen and Ethiopia is debated; local traditions and archaeological data do not always agree.
Inscriptions and finds that speak of the Saba people
The inscriptions in Sabean are key: they appear on stone and metal, with records of kings, offerings to gods and commercial contracts. In addition, ceramics, seals, remains of ports and hydraulic works show the economic and religious routine of the Saba people.
Main types of findings:
- Actual and administrative registrations
- Dedicatory texts in temples
- Trade registers and taxes
Archaeological evidence linking the Queen of Sheba to the Sabaean world
There is no Sabaean inscription today that explicitly names the Queen of Sheba with biographical details. Nevertheless, the combination of inscriptions about kings and queens in South Arabian contexts, Ethiopian tradition and evidence of central power in Saba create a plausible bridge.
In short: the findings confirm an environment where a figure like the Queen of Sheba could have emerged, but the direct link remains more literary than documentary.
The Ethiopian legend and the Kebra Nagast about the Queen of Sheba
In Ethiopian tradition, the Queen of Sheba is Makeda, who goes to Jerusalem, talks to Solomon and comes back transformed - with a son who, according to legend, founds a royal lineage in Ethiopia.
O Kebra Nagast mixes history, myth and religious propaganda: claiming to be descended from Solomon gave the Ethiopian kings prestige and legitimacy. For bibliographical and catalog material on the text, see the presentation of the Kebra Nagast and the Ethiopian legend at the British Library.
To read this legend is to understand identity, symbols and beliefs: even without factual evidence, the Ethiopian version shaped rites, kings and collective memory.
Makeda and Menelik according to Ethiopian tradition
Makeda is portrayed as a wise and independent queen; the encounter ends with the birth of Menelik I, who returns to Ethiopia carrying, according to legend, the Ark of the Covenant.
This myth explains why Ethiopia considers itself the guardian of sacred relics and served as the ideological foundation of the Solomonic dynasty.
Key elements:
- Makeda: wise and independent queen
- Menelik I: son and founder of the dynasty
- Ark of the Covenant: sacred object that connects the lands
The role of Kebra Nagast in royal and religious history
The Kebra Nagast functions as an identity manual: it offered genealogies linking Ethiopian monarchs to Solomon, serving as a political and catechetical tool.
Religiously, he claims that Ethiopia holds part of Israel's sacred past, shaping cults, festivals and the perception of divine mission.
Note: the claim that the Ark of the Covenant was in Ethiopia is central to Kebra Nagast; regardless of proof, this belief carries great cultural weight.
How Ethiopian legend presents the Queen of Sheba and Menelik
The legend shows the Queen of Sheba as a strategist and mother, and Menelik as the heir to two worlds. The narrative is symbolic and has been passed down in sermons, songs and ceremonies.
To understand how these stories shape traditions, see compilations on female biblical characters in the Old Testament.
Queen of Sheba and Solomon in religious traditions
The story appears in the Bible, the Koran and the Kebra Nagast. Each source gives it a different tone: proof of wisdom, a political pact or a legitimizing myth.
In communities, the narrative becomes a symbol of identity, uniting history, faith and collective memory. For an overview in Portuguese of the variations and traditions, check out the entry on Religious versions and traditions about the queen.
Jewish, Christian and other faith interpretations
- Judaism: highlights Solomon's proof of wisdom; reading emphasizes ethical lessons and recognition.
- Christianity: many see it as a symbol of the search for truth that finds Christ.
- Islam: the queen is called Bilqis; the narrative emphasizes revelation and submission to God.
- Popular traditions: local adaptations that speak to everyday life.
Common themes: wisdom, trial, alliance, legitimacy.
References in oral traditions and churches in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, the Kebra Nagast narrates the encounter as the origin of the Solomonic dynasty and the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant. In Tewahedo churches and religious festivals, murals and songs repeat this narrative as central to the national past.
The oral tradition mixes text and voice: in Lalibela or Axum, history is a physical presence that guides rituals and collective memory.
Note: in Ethiopia, history acts as a thread linking religion and national identity.
How oral tradition preserves the meeting
Oral tradition uses refrains, strong images and repetition in celebrations. Songs, dances and genealogies turn episodes into rituals that new generations learn through play, keeping the core: the meeting, the gifts and the lesson of wisdom.
Mythology and folklore: popular versions of the Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba appears in many popular versions: sometimes a wise queen, sometimes a magical figure. The stories are adapted to each place, incorporating music, food and local names. Motifs such as female power, proof of wisdom and pacts with kings are standardized.
Note: pay attention to the tone of the versions - joy, warning or reverence - as this reveals who is telling the story.
Local legends and variations
- In Southeast Africa: may be the ancestor of dynasties.
- In Yemen: emphasis on trade and wealth.
- In Brazil: in some communities, it is mixed with Afro-Brazilian beliefs and becomes a symbol of female power.
To see how female figures are represented in religious narratives, check out pages on female biblical characters and lists like 9 women from the Bible.
Influence on tales, songs and oral traditions
The Queen of Sheba has entered the repertoire of tales and songs. Poems and songs have refrains that help memorize parts of the legend. At festivals, verses recall the journey and the meeting with distant kings, and are used to teach values or criticize power.
Recurring mythological and folkloric elements:
- Long journeys and caravans
- Exotic treasures and gifts
- Wisdom tests for kings
- Connections with local genealogies
- Magical or sacred traits
Iconography and artistic representation of the Queen of Sheba
The image of the Queen of Sheba has changed over time. Ancient paintings adapted her to their culture: sometimes exotic, sometimes biblical. Common elements include rich clothing, crowns and gestures of respect - immediate signs of royalty and cultural exchange.
Medieval and Renaissance images
- Middle Ages: illuminated manuscripts and tapestries with simple figures and strong colors; focus on wealth and prestige.
- Renaissance: depth and naturalism; architectural scenes that emphasize virtues such as wisdom and diplomacy.
For an overview of how these stories have been illustrated over time, see collections of stories from the Bible in pictures.
“She came with gifts and questions, and everyone listened attentively.” - a phrase that condenses the spirit of medieval representations.
Representations in Ethiopian art and religious icons
In Ethiopian tradition, the Queen of Sheba (Makeda) takes on national and sacred traits: panels and manuscripts link her to the lineage of Axum, with a strong sense of sacredness.
Christian icons depict her next to Solomon or receiving blessings, emphasizing the encounter as an exchange of wisdom and faith.
Symbols and attributes used to represent it:
- Crown - sign of royalty
- Gifts (gold, spices) - wealth and exchange
- Camel - travel and distant lands
- Rich clothes and jewelry - social status
- Book or scroll - wisdom or dialog with Solomon
Why the Queen of Sheba is relevant today
The figure of the Queen of Sheba unites history, religion and cultural identity. She serves as an example of female power, diplomacy and intercultural exchange.
In debates about memory and heritage, she is a bridge between archaeology and myth, reminding us that ancient narratives continue to shape identity and politics.
If you want to read more about how narratives influence traditions, check out the texts on the stories that changed the Bible.
Conclusion: Who was the Queen of Sheba in the Bible?
The story of the Queen of Sheba is a bridge between myth and history: the biblical account (meeting Solomon, questions and gifts) functions as a social seal of recognition; archaeology and inscriptions from Sheba (Yemen) and sites in Ethiopia give material face to the context.
Ethiopian tradition (Kebra Nagast) turns Makeda and Menelik into the founders of a sacred lineage, showing how memory and identity are intertwined.
Even without direct documentary evidence of the queen, the archaeological setting makes the existence of such a powerful figure plausible. Read with critical eyes and appreciate the symbolic value.
If you want to continue browsing these stories that mix faith, myth and history, visit other narratives and analyses.
Frequently asked questions
A: The monarch who visited King Solomon to test his wisdom (1 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 9). To contextualize the figure in the collection of biblical accounts, see compilations of stories from the Bible.
A: Tradition indicates the kingdom of Sheba, possibly in the south of the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen) or in the region that is now Ethiopia; there is disagreement among scholars.
A: To test his wisdom and see if the stories about him were true; he brought questions and gifts.
A: The meeting reinforced Solomon's fame and legitimacy; the queen praised his wisdom and recognized the divine blessing on him. To read more about how wisdom marked the reign, see texts on the worship of Solomon's wisdom.
A: The Bible describes it, but direct archaeological evidence is weak. Many consider the story to be a mixture of fact and legend, with a strong cultural and symbolic impact. For reflections on female characters in sacred narratives, see pages on female biblical characters.
