1 Kings 9:3

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֵלָ֗יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁ֠מַעְתִּי

H8085

unto him I have heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

תְּפִלָּֽתְךָ֣

H8605

thy prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

וְאֶת

H853

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

תְּחִנָּֽתְךָ֮

H8467

and thy supplication

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

הִתְחַנַּ֣נְתָּה

H2603

that thou hast made

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

#11

לְפָנַי֒

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

#12

הִקְדַּ֗שְׁתִּי

H6942

me I have hallowed

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

הַבַּ֤יִת

H1004

this house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#16

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#17

בָּנִ֔תָה

H1129

which thou hast built

to build (literally and figuratively)

#18

לָֽשׂוּם

H7760

to put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#19

שְׁמִ֥י

H8034

my ~

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#20

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#21

עַד

H5704

there for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#22

עוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#23

וְהָי֨וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#24

עֵינַ֧י

H5869

and mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#25

וְלִבִּ֛י

H3820

and mine heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#26

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#27

כָּל

H3605

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

#28

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

shall be there perpetually

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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