1 Kings 5:5
And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.
Original Language Analysis
יִבְנֶ֥ה
in thy room he shall build
H1129
יִבְנֶ֥ה
in thy room he shall build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
3 of 24
to build (literally and figuratively)
הַבַּ֖יִת
an house
H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת
an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לִשְׁמִֽי׃
unto my ~
H8034
לִשְׁמִֽי׃
unto my ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 24
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֗ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֑י
my God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֑י
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 24
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
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֗ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אָבִי֙
my father
H1
אָבִי֙
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
13 of 24
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בִּנְךָ֗
Thy son
H1121
בִּנְךָ֗
Thy son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶתֵּ֤ן
whom I will set
H5414
אֶתֵּ֤ן
whom I will set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙
H8478
תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
18 of 24
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּסְאֶ֔ךָ
upon thy throne
H3678
כִּסְאֶ֔ךָ
upon thy throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
21 of 24
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִבְנֶ֥ה
in thy room he shall build
H1129
יִבְנֶ֥ה
in thy room he shall build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
22 of 24
to build (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 17:12He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.1 Chronicles 22:10He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.1 Chronicles 28:6And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.1 Chronicles 28:10Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.
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
And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, 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.