1 Kings 8:56

Authorized King James Version

Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָּר֣וּךְ

H1288

Blessed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

be the LORD

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

נָתַ֤ן

H5414

that hath given

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

מְנוּחָה֙

H4496

rest

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

לְעַמּ֣וֹ

H5971

unto his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

Israel

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

כְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

דִּבֶּ֔ר

H1696

according to all that he promised

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

#11

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#12

נָפַ֞ל

H5307

there hath not failed

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#13

דְּבָר֣וֹ

H1697

promise

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#14

אֶחָ֗ד

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#15

מִכֹּל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

דְּבָר֣וֹ

H1697

promise

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#17

הַטּ֔וֹב

H2896

of all his good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#18

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#19

דִּבֶּ֔ר

H1696

according to all that he promised

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

#20

בְּיַ֖ד

H3027

by the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#21

מֹשֶׁ֥ה

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#22

עַבְדּֽוֹ׃

H5650

his servant

a servant

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

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?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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