King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:34 Mean?

1 Kings 11:34 in the King James Version says “Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:

1 Kings 11:34 · KJV


Context

32

(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)

33

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.

34

Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:

35

But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.

36

And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. light: Heb. lamp, or, candle


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:

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 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶקַּ֥ח2 of 22

Howbeit I will not take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת3 of 22
H853

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

כָּל4 of 22
H3605

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

הַמַּמְלָכָ֖ה5 of 22

the whole kingdom

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מִיָּד֑וֹ6 of 22

out of his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כִּ֣י׀7 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָשִׂ֣יא8 of 22

him prince

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

אֲשִׁתֶ֗נּוּ9 of 22

but I will make

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

כֹּ֚ל10 of 22
H3605

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

יְמֵ֣י11 of 22

all the days

H3117

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

חַיָּ֔יו12 of 22

of his life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לְמַ֨עַן13 of 22
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

דָּוִ֤ד14 of 22

for David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדִּי֙15 of 22

my servant's

H5650

a servant

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 22
H834

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

בָּחַ֣רְתִּי17 of 22

sake whom I chose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

אֹת֔וֹ18 of 22
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 22
H834

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

שָׁמַ֖ר20 of 22

because he kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִצְוֹתַ֥י21 of 22

my commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וְחֻקֹּתָֽי׃22 of 22

and my statutes

H2708

a statute


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 11:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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