1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 40
That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִֽרָא֔וּךָ
That they may fear
H3372
יִֽרָא֔וּךָ
That they may fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
2 of 13
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים
thee all the days
H3117
הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים
thee all the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חַיִּ֖ים
that they live
H2416
חַיִּ֖ים
that they live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 13
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֣י
in
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
in
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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
That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.
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 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.