King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:3 Mean?

1 Kings 2:3 in the King James Version says “And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgme...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: prosper: or, do wisely”

1 Kings 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

2

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

3

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: prosper: or, do wisely

4

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. fail: Heb. be cut off from thee from the throne

5

Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. shed: Heb. put

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.

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 passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

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 clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
לִשְׁמֹ֨ר1 of 26

“And keep”

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 26
H853

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

מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת׀3 of 26

“the charge”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 26

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ5 of 26

“thy 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

לָלֶ֤כֶת6 of 26
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בִּדְרָכָיו֙7 of 26

“in his ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לִשְׁמֹ֨ר8 of 26

“And keep”

H8104

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

חֻקֹּתָ֤יו9 of 26

“his statutes”

H2708

a statute

מִצְוֹתָיו֙10 of 26

“and his commandments”

H4687

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

וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו11 of 26

“and his judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְעֵֽדְוֹתָ֔יו12 of 26

“and his testimonies”

H5715

testimony

כַּכָּת֖וּב13 of 26

“as it is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּתוֹרַ֣ת14 of 26

“in the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מֹשֶׁ֑ה15 of 26

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לְמַ֣עַן16 of 26
H4616

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

תַּשְׂכִּ֗יל17 of 26

“that thou mayest prosper”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

אֵ֚ת18 of 26
H853

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

כָּל19 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר20 of 26
H834

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה21 of 26

“in all that thou doest”

H6213

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

וְאֵ֛ת22 of 26
H853

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

כָּל23 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר24 of 26
H834

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

תִּפְנֶ֖ה25 of 26

“and whithersoever thou turnest”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

שָֽׁם׃26 of 26
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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 29:9Proverbs 3:1-4Deuteronomy 17:18-20Psalms 119:21 Chronicles 22:12-132 Chronicles 31:20-21

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