King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:36 Mean?

1 Kings 11:36 in the King James Version says “And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city wh... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 11:36 · King James Version


Context

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

37

And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.

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.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלִבְנ֖וֹ1 of 20

And unto his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶתֵּ֣ן2 of 20

will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שֵֽׁבֶט3 of 20

tribe

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

אֶחָ֑ד4 of 20

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְמַ֣עַן5 of 20
H4616

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

הֱיֽוֹת6 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נִ֣יר7 of 20

may have a light

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

לְדָֽוִיד8 of 20

that David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַ֠בְדִּי9 of 20

my servant

H5650

a servant

כָּֽל10 of 20
H3605

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

הַיָּמִ֤ים׀11 of 20

alway

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

לְפָנַי֙12 of 20

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם13 of 20

me in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הָעִיר֙14 of 20

the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 20
H834

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

בָּחַ֣רְתִּי16 of 20

which I have chosen

H977

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

לִ֔י17 of 20
H0
לָשׂ֥וּם18 of 20

me to put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

שְׁמִ֖י19 of 20

my ~

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָֽׁם׃20 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 11:36 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 11:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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