1 Kings 8:57
The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
Original Language Analysis
יְהִ֨י
H1961
יְהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 12
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
עִמָּ֔נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֖ה
H1961
הָיָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 12
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 #:
7 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ
be with us as he was with our fathers
H1
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ
be with us as he was with our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 12
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יַֽעַזְבֵ֖נוּ
let him not leave
H5800
יַֽעַזְבֵ֖נוּ
let him not leave
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
10 of 12
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.Joshua 1:5There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.Deuteronomy 31:8And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.1 Samuel 12:22For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
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.