1 Kings 11:13

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

Original Language Analysis

רַ֤ק Howbeit H7535
רַ֤ק Howbeit
Strong's: H7535
Word #: 1 of 17
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמַּמְלָכָה֙ all the kingdom H4467
הַמַּמְלָכָה֙ all the kingdom
Strong's: H4467
Word #: 4 of 17
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶקְרָ֔ע I will not rend away H7167
אֶקְרָ֔ע I will not rend away
Strong's: H7167
Word #: 6 of 17
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
שֵׁ֥בֶט tribe H7626
שֵׁ֥בֶט tribe
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 7 of 17
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
אֶחָ֖ד one H259
אֶחָ֖ד one
Strong's: H259
Word #: 8 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
אֶתֵּ֣ן but will give H5414
אֶתֵּ֣ן but will give
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 9 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִבְנֶ֑ךָ to thy son H1121
לִבְנֶ֑ךָ to thy son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 10 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמַ֙עַן֙ H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 11 of 17
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
דָּוִ֣ד for David H1732
דָּוִ֣ד for David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 12 of 17
david, the youngest son of jesse
עַבְדִּ֔י my servant's H5650
עַבְדִּ֔י my servant's
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 13 of 17
a servant
וּלְמַ֥עַן H4616
וּלְמַ֥עַן
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 14 of 17
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם sake and for Jerusalem's H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם sake and for Jerusalem's
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 15 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 16 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּחָֽרְתִּי׃ sake which I have chosen H977
בָּחָֽרְתִּי׃ sake which I have chosen
Strong's: H977
Word #: 17 of 17
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Analysis & Commentary

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

Historical Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources