King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:1 Mean?

1 Kings 9:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solo... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

1 Kings 9:1 · King James Version


Context

1

And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

2

That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

3

And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכַלּ֣וֹת2 of 17

had finished

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה3 of 17

And it came to pass when Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לִבְנ֥וֹת4 of 17

the building

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת5 of 17
H853

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

בֵּ֣ית6 of 17

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְאֶת8 of 17
H853

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

בֵּ֣ית9 of 17

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ10 of 17

and the king's

H4428

a king

וְאֵת֙11 of 17
H853

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

כָּל12 of 17
H3605

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

חֵ֣שֶׁק13 of 17

desire

H2837

delight

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה14 of 17

And it came to pass when Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 17
H834

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

חָפֵ֖ץ16 of 17

which he was pleased

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃17 of 17

to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest 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 9:1 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 9:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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