King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:58 Mean?

1 Kings 8:58 in the King James Version says “That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and hi... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 8:58 · KJV


Context

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

60

That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
לְהַטּ֥וֹת1 of 14

That he may incline

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

לְבָבֵ֖נוּ2 of 14

our hearts

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אֵלָ֑יו3 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לָלֶ֣כֶת4 of 14
H1980

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

בְּכָל5 of 14
H3605

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

דְּרָכָ֗יו6 of 14

in all his ways

H1870

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

וְלִשְׁמֹ֨ר7 of 14

and to keep

H8104

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

מִצְוֹתָ֤יו8 of 14

his commandments

H4687

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

וְחֻקָּיו֙9 of 14

and his statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֔יו10 of 14

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 14
H834

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

צִוָּ֖ה12 of 14

which he commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת13 of 14
H853

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

אֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃14 of 14

our fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


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 8:58 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 8:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study