1 Kings 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
יְהוָ֣ה
And now O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
And now O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֔י
my God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֔י
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 17
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
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תַּ֖חַת
H8478
תַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
8 of 17
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
אָבִ֑י
my father
H1
אָבִ֑י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
10 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
נַ֣עַר
child
H5288
נַ֣עַר
child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
12 of 17
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
קָטֹ֔ן
and I am but a little
H6996
קָטֹ֔ן
and I am but a little
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
13 of 17
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵדַ֖ע
I know
H3045
אֵדַ֖ע
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
1 Chronicles 29:1Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.Numbers 27:17Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.Psalms 121:8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.Ecclesiastes 10:16Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!John 10:9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.1 Samuel 18:16But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.Daniel 2:21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:Daniel 4:25That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.Daniel 5:18O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
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
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, 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.