1 Kings 8:25

Authorized King James Version

Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֞ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יְהוָ֣ה׀

H3068

Therefore now LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִשְׁמְר֨וּ

H8104

keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לְעַבְדְּךָ֙

H5650

with thy servant

a servant

דָוִ֤ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִי֙

my father

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

אֵת֩

H853

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#11

דִּבַּ֤רְתָּ

H1696

that thou promisedst

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#12

לּוֹ֙

#13

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#15

יִכָּרֵ֨ת

H3772

There shall not fail

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#16

לְךָ֥

#17

אִישׁ֙

H376

thee a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#18

לְפָנָֽי׃

H6440

before

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

#19

יֹשֵׁ֖ב

H3427

to sit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#20

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#21

כִּסֵּ֣א

H3678

on the throne

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#23

רַ֠ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#24

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#25

יִשְׁמְר֨וּ

H8104

keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#26

בָנֶ֤יךָ

H1121

that thy children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#27

אֶת

H853

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

#28

דַּרְכָּם֙

H1870

to their way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#29

הָלַ֖כְתָּ

H1980

me as thou hast walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#30

לְפָנָֽי׃

H6440

before

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

#31

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#32

הָלַ֖כְתָּ

H1980

me as thou hast walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#33

לְפָנָֽי׃

H6440

before

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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant 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 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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps