1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 37

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

Original Language Analysis

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 1 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֤ה H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָה֙ As the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ As the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 4 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲדֹנִ֖י hath been with my lord H113
אֲדֹנִ֖י hath been with my lord
Strong's: H113
Word #: 5 of 17
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ king H4428
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 6 of 17
a king
כֵּ֖ן H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 7 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יִֽהְיֶ֣ H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֣
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 8 of 17
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 #: 9 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה even so be he with Solomon H8010
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה even so be he with Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 10 of 17
shelomah, david's successor
וִֽיגַדֵּל֙ and make H1431
וִֽיגַדֵּל֙ and make
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 11 of 17
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א his throne H3678
מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א his throne
Strong's: H3678
Word #: 13 of 17
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א his throne H3678
מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א his throne
Strong's: H3678
Word #: 14 of 17
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
אֲדֹנִ֖י hath been with my lord H113
אֲדֹנִ֖י hath been with my lord
Strong's: H113
Word #: 15 of 17
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ king H4428
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 16 of 17
a king
דָּוִֽד׃ David H1732
דָּוִֽד׃ David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 17 of 17
david, the youngest son of jesse

Analysis & Commentary

As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.

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.

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. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

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