1 Kings 11:38
And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 32
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 32
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּשְׁמַע֮
And it shall be if thou wilt hearken
H8085
תִּשְׁמַע֮
And it shall be if thou wilt hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 32
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 32
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 32
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 32
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֲצַוֶּךָ֒
unto all that I command
H6680
אֲצַוֶּךָ֒
unto all that I command
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
7 of 32
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֣
thee and wilt walk
H1980
וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֣
thee and wilt walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 32
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בִדְרָכַ֗י
in my ways
H1870
בִדְרָכַ֗י
in my ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
9 of 32
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
עָשָׂ֖ה
and do
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 32
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינַי֙
in my sight
H5869
בְּעֵינַי֙
in my sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
12 of 32
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
לִשְׁמ֤וֹר
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמ֤וֹר
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
13 of 32
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וּמִצְוֹתַ֔י
and my commandments
H4687
וּמִצְוֹתַ֔י
and my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
15 of 32
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 32
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֖ה
and do
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 32
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהָיִ֣יתִי
H1961
וְהָיִ֣יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
20 of 32
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִמָּ֗ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֗ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
21 of 32
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בַיִת
house
H1004
בַיִת
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
24 of 32
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
נֶֽאֱמָן֙
thee a sure
H539
נֶֽאֱמָן֙
thee a sure
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
25 of 32
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
26 of 32
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְנָֽתַתִּ֥י
and will give
H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּ֥י
and will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
29 of 32
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
2 Samuel 7:11And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.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.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.
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- 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
And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.