1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 18
And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אָבִ֔י
my father
H1
אָבִ֔י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
יַ֗עַן
Whereas
H3282
יַ֗עַן
Whereas
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָה֙
H1961
הָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 18
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְבָבֶֽךָ׃
it was in thine heart
H3824
לְבָבֶֽךָ׃
it was in thine heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
10 of 18
the heart (as the most interior organ)
בַּ֖יִת
an house
H1004
בַּ֖יִת
an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לִשְׁמִ֑י
unto my ~
H8034
לִשְׁמִ֑י
unto my ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
13 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הֱֽטִיבֹ֔תָ
thou didst well
H2895
הֱֽטִיבֹ֔תָ
thou didst well
Strong's:
H2895
Word #:
14 of 18
to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיָ֖ה
H1961
הָיָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of 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.