King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 8:57 Mean?
“The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:”
1 Kings 8:57 · KJV
Context
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.
59
And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times , as the matter shall require: at all: Heb. the thing of a day in his day
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
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.
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.
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
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsיְהִ֨י1 of 12
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙3 of 12
“our God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עִמָּ֔נוּ4 of 12
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֖ה6 of 12
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִם7 of 12
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ8 of 12
“be with us as he was with our fathers”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אַל9 of 12
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
וְאַֽל11 of 12
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִטְּשֵֽׁנוּ׃12 of 12
“us nor forsake”
H5203properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
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 8:57 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 8:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge