1 Kings 15:5

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

Original Language Analysis

אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 1 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֥ה did H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 2 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
דָוִ֛ד Because David H1732
דָוִ֛ד Because David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 3 of 19
david, the youngest son of jesse
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּשָׁ֖ר that which was right H3477
הַיָּשָׁ֖ר that which was right
Strong's: H3477
Word #: 5 of 19
straight (literally or figuratively)
בְּעֵינֵ֣י in the eyes H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י in the eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 6 of 19
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
סָ֞ר and turned not aside H5493
סָ֞ר and turned not aside
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 9 of 19
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מִכֹּ֣ל H3605
מִכֹּ֣ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 10 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 11 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
צִוָּ֗הוּ from any thing that he commanded H6680
צִוָּ֗הוּ from any thing that he commanded
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 12 of 19
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
כֹּ֚ל H3605
כֹּ֚ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 13 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י him all the days H3117
יְמֵ֣י him all the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 14 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חַיָּ֔יו of his life H2416
חַיָּ֔יו of his life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 15 of 19
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
רַ֕ק H7535
רַ֕ק
Strong's: H7535
Word #: 16 of 19
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
בִּדְבַ֖ר save only in the matter H1697
בִּדְבַ֖ר save only in the matter
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 17 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֽוּרִיָּ֥ה of Uriah H223
אֽוּרִיָּ֥ה of Uriah
Strong's: H223
Word #: 18 of 19
urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites
הַֽחִתִּֽי׃ the Hittite H2850
הַֽחִתִּֽי׃ the Hittite
Strong's: H2850
Word #: 19 of 19
a chittite, or descendant of cheth

Analysis & Commentary

Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

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