1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 19
Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֣ק
Nevertheless
H7535
רַ֣ק
Nevertheless
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַבַּ֖יִת
the house
H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת
the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בִּנְךָ֙
but thy son
H1121
בִּנְךָ֙
but thy son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַיֹּצֵ֣א
that shall come forth out
H3318
הַיֹּצֵ֣א
that shall come forth out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 14
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
Cross References
2 Samuel 7:5Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?1 Chronicles 17:4Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in: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.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.
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 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.