1 Chronicles 28:9

Authorized King James Version

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
שְׁלֹמֹֽה
H8010
And thou Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#3
בְנִ֡י
H1121
my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
דַּע֩
H3045
know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
H430
thou the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
אָבִ֜יךָ
H1
of thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וְעָבְדֵ֗הוּ
H5647
and serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#9
בְּלֵ֤ב
H3820
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#10
שָׁלֵם֙
H8003
him with a perfect
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
#11
וּבְנֶ֣פֶשׁ
H5315
mind
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#12
חֲפֵצָ֔ה
H2655
and with a willing
pleased with
#13
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
לְבָבוֹת֙
H3824
all hearts
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#16
תִּדְרְשֶׁ֙נּוּ֙
H1875
if thou seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#17
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
יֵ֥צֶר
H3336
all the imaginations
a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)
#20
מַֽחֲשָׁב֖וֹת
H4284
of the thoughts
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#21
מֵבִ֑ין
H995
and understandeth
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#22
אִֽם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#23
תִּדְרְשֶׁ֙נּוּ֙
H1875
if thou seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#24
יִמָּ֣צֵא
H4672
him he will be found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#25
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#26
וְאִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#27
תַּֽעַזְבֶ֖נּוּ
H5800
of thee but if thou forsake
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#28
יַזְנִֽיחֲךָ֥
H2186
him he will cast thee off
reject, forsake, fail
#29
לָעַֽד׃
H5703
for ever
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection