1 Kings 5:3
Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֜עְתָּ
Thou knowest
H3045
יָדַ֜עְתָּ
Thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 24
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָבִ֗י
my father
H1
אָבִ֗י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 24
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָכֹל֙
could
H3201
יָכֹל֙
could
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
8 of 24
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
בַּ֗יִת
an house
H1004
בַּ֗יִת
an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְשֵׁם֙
unto the ~
H8034
לְשֵׁם֙
unto the ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
11 of 24
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֔יו
his God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֔יו
his God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
13 of 24
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
מִפְּנֵ֥י
for
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֥י
for
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 24
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
the wars
H4421
הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
the wars
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
15 of 24
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
סְבָבֻ֑הוּ
which were about him on every side
H5437
סְבָבֻ֑הוּ
which were about him on every side
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
17 of 24
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
עַ֤ד
H5704
עַ֤ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
18 of 24
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
תֵּת
put
H5414
תֵּת
put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
19 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 24
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 #:
22 of 24
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Cross References
1 Chronicles 28:3But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.1 Chronicles 22:8But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.1 Corinthians 15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
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
Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.