King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:5 Mean?

1 Kings 15:5 in the King James Version says “Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded hi... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 15:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. 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 · 19 words
אֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 19
H834

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

עָשָׂ֥ה2 of 19

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דָוִ֛ד3 of 19

Because David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר5 of 19

that which was right

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י6 of 19

in the eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְלֹא8 of 19
H3808

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

סָ֞ר9 of 19

and turned not aside

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִכֹּ֣ל10 of 19
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 19
H834

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

צִוָּ֗הוּ12 of 19

from any thing that he commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

כֹּ֚ל13 of 19
H3605

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

יְמֵ֣י14 of 19

him 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

חַיָּ֔יו15 of 19

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

רַ֕ק16 of 19
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

בִּדְבַ֖ר17 of 19

save only in the matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֽוּרִיָּ֥ה18 of 19

of Uriah

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַֽחִתִּֽי׃19 of 19

the Hittite

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth


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 15:5 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 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study