King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:56 Mean?

1 Kings 8:56 in the King James Version says “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not fail... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. failed: Heb. fallen

1 Kings 8:56 · KJV


Context

54

And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

55

And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

56

Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. failed: Heb. fallen

57

The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:

58

That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of the temple, 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 does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
בָּר֣וּךְ1 of 22

Blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 22

be the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 22
H834

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

נָתַ֤ן4 of 22

that hath given

H5414

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

מְנוּחָה֙5 of 22

rest

H4496

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

לְעַמּ֣וֹ6 of 22

unto his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 22

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כְּכֹ֖ל8 of 22
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 22
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֔ר10 of 22

according to all that he promised

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לֹֽא11 of 22
H3808

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

נָפַ֞ל12 of 22

there hath not failed

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

דְּבָר֣וֹ13 of 22

promise

H1697

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

אֶחָ֗ד14 of 22

one

H259

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

מִכֹּל֙15 of 22
H3605

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

דְּבָר֣וֹ16 of 22

promise

H1697

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

הַטּ֔וֹב17 of 22

of all his good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲשֶׁ֣ר18 of 22
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֔ר19 of 22

according to all that he promised

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּיַ֖ד20 of 22

by the 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

מֹשֶׁ֥ה21 of 22

of Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַבְדּֽוֹ׃22 of 22

his servant

H5650

a servant


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 8:56 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 8:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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