King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:4 Mean?

1 Kings 15:4 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to est...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: lamp: or, candle”

1 Kings 15:4 · KJV

Context

2

Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.

3

And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

4

Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: lamp: or, candle

5

Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

6

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.

Read 1 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

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.

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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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

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 does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֚י1 of 16
H3588

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

לְמַ֣עַן2 of 16
H4616

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

דָּוִ֔ד3 of 16

“Nevertheless for David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

נָתַן֩4 of 16

“give”

H5414

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

יְהוָ֨ה5 of 16

“sake did the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֥יו6 of 16

“his God”

H430

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

ל֛וֹ7 of 16
H0
נִ֖יר8 of 16

“him a lamp”

H5216

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃9 of 16

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לְהָקִ֤ים10 of 16

“to set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

בְּנוֹ֙12 of 16

“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

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו13 of 16

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וּֽלְהַעֲמִ֖יד14 of 16

“him and to establish”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃16 of 16

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:362 Chronicles 21:72 Samuel 7:12-16Psalms 132:17Isaiah 37:351 Kings 11:32

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Kings 15 →

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