King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:6 Mean?

1 Kings 9:6 in the King James Version says “But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes wh... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

1 Kings 9:6 · KJV


Context

4

And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

5

Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

6

But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

7

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

8

And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

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 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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אִם1 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תְּשֻׁב֜וּן2 of 19

But if ye shall at all

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

תְּשֻׁב֜וּן3 of 19

But if ye shall at all

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַתֶּ֤ם4 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבְנֵיכֶם֙5 of 19

me ye or your children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵֽאַחֲרַ֔י6 of 19

from following

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְלֹ֤א7 of 19
H3808

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

תִשְׁמְרוּ֙8 of 19

and will not keep

H8104

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

מִצְוֹתַ֣י9 of 19

my commandments

H4687

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

חֻקֹּתַ֔י10 of 19

and my statutes

H2708

a statute

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 19
H834

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

נָתַ֖תִּי12 of 19

which I have set

H5414

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

לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם13 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַֽהֲלַכְתֶּ֗ם14 of 19

you but go

H1980

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

וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּם֙15 of 19

and serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֱלֹהִ֣ים16 of 19

gods

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

אֲחֵרִ֔ים17 of 19

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוִיתֶ֖ם18 of 19

and worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָהֶֽם׃19 of 19
H0

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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