1 Kings 5:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַתָּ֨ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדַ֜עְתָּ

H3045

Thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִ֣ד

H1732

how that David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֗י

my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹל֙

H3201

could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִבְנ֣וֹת

H1129

not build

to build (literally and figuratively)

#10

בַּ֗יִת

H1004

an house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

לְשֵׁם֙

H8034

unto the ~

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#12

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֱלֹהָ֔יו

H430

his 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

#14

מִפְּנֵ֥י

H6440

for

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#15

הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה

H4421

the wars

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#16

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

סְבָבֻ֑הוּ

H5437

which were about him on every side

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

#18

עַ֤ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

תֵּת

H5414

put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#20

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

אֹתָ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

תַּ֖חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#23

כַּפּ֥וֹת

H3709

them under the soles

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#24

רַגְלָֽו

H7272

of his feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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