1 Kings 5:3
1 Kings 5:3 in Multiple Translations
“As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet.
Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
Thou knowest how that David my father could not build a house for the name of Jehovah his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until Jehovah put them under the soles of his feet.
You have knowledge that David my father was not able to make a house for the name of the Lord his God, because of the wars which were round him on every side, till the Lord put all those who were against him under his feet.
“As you know, my father David was not able to build a Temple to honor the Lord his God because of the wars fought against him from every direction, until the Lord had conquered his enemies.
Thou knowest that Dauid my father could not build an house vnto the Name of the Lord his God, for the warres which were about him on euery side, vntill the Lord had put them vnder the soles of his feete.
'Thou hast known David my father, that he hath not been able to build a house to the name of Jehovah his God, because of the wars that have been round about him, till Jehovah's putting them under the soles of his feet.
“You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the wars which were around him on every side, until the LORD put his enemies under the soles of his feet.
Thou knowest how that David my father could not build a house to the name of the LORD his God, for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
Thou knowest the will of David my father, and that he could not build a house to the name of the Lord his God, because of the wars that were round about him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet.
“You know that my father David led his soldiers to fight many wars against his enemies in the nearby countries. So he could not arrange to build a temple in which we [MTY] could worship Yahweh our God, until after Yahweh enabled the Israeli army to defeat [IDM] all his enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 5:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲשָׂרָ֨ה
בָקָ֜ר
בְּרִאִ֗ים
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
בָּקָ֛ר
רְעִ֖י
וּ/מֵ֣אָה
צֹ֑אן
לְ֠/בַד
מֵֽ/אַיָּ֤ל
וּ/צְבִי֙
וְ/יַחְמ֔וּר
וּ/בַרְבֻּרִ֖ים
אֲבוּסִֽים
עֲשָׂרָ֨ה
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
בָקָ֜ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
N-cs
בְּרִאִ֗ים
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Adj
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Conj | Adj
בָּקָ֛ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
N-cs
רְעִ֖י
rᵉʻîy
H7471
pasture
N-ms
וּ/מֵ֣אָה
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Conj | Adj
צֹ֑אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
לְ֠/בַד
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms
מֵֽ/אַיָּ֤ל
ʼayâl
H354
deer
Prep | N-cs
וּ/צְבִי֙
tsᵉbîy
H6643
beauty
Conj | N-cs
וְ/יַחְמ֔וּר
yachmûwr
H3180
roebuck
Conj | N-ms
וּ/בַרְבֻּרִ֖ים
barbur
H1257
fowl
Conj | N-mp
אֲבוּסִֽים
ʼâbaç
H75
to fatten
V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 5:3
עֲשָׂרָ֨ה
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
בָקָ֜ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
בְּרִאִ֗ים
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means 'fat' or 'plump', describing something or someone that is well-fed and healthy. It is used to describe animals and people, like in the story of the fat calf in Luke 15:27.
Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank Also means: ber.yah (בִּרְיָה "fat" H1274)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. See also: Genesis 41:2; Judges 3:17; Psalms 73:4.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Conj | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
בָּקָ֛ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
רְעִ֖י
rᵉʻîy
H7471
"pasture"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a pasture or a place where animals graze. It is used in the Bible to describe a peaceful and serene environment, often symbolizing God's care and provision for his people.
Definition: pasture
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pasture. See also: 1 Kings 5:3.
וּ/מֵ֣אָה
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Conj | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
צֹ֑אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
לְ֠/בַד
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
מֵֽ/אַיָּ֤ל
ʼayâl
H354
"deer"
Prep | N-cs
A male deer, also known as a stag or hart, found in the Bible. The KJV translation uses the term hart to describe this animal.
Definition: stag, deer, hart
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hart. See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Psalms 42:2; Isaiah 35:6.
וּ/צְבִי֙
tsᵉbîy
H6643
"beauty"
Conj | N-cs
A gazelle is a beautiful animal, known for its splendor and speed, described in the Bible as a symbol of beauty and glory. The word also means something or someone that is pleasant and lovely to look at.
Definition: 1) beauty, glory, honour 1a) beauty, decoration 1b) honour
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck). See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Isaiah 13:19; Proverbs 6:5.
וְ/יַחְמ֔וּר
yachmûwr
H3180
"roebuck"
Conj | N-ms
The roebuck, a type of deer, is described by this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy and 1 Kings. The roebuck was a known animal in biblical times, valued for its beauty and strength. Its exact meaning is still studied today.
Definition: 1) roebuck 1a) a kind of deer, reddish in colour 1b) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fallow deer. See also: Deuteronomy 14:5; 1 Kings 5:3.
וּ/בַרְבֻּרִ֖ים
barbur
H1257
"fowl"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to birds that are raised for food, like those served at King Solomon's table. It appears in the Old Testament, often translated as 'fowl'.
Definition: 1) (CLBL) fowl, birds 2) (BDB/TWOT) birds fattened for table of Solomon
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: fowl. See also: 1 Kings 5:3.
אֲבוּסִֽים
ʼâbaç
H75
"to fatten"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to fatten or feed, and is used to describe animals being stalled or fed. It appears in the Bible to describe the care of livestock. In the KJV, it is translated as fatted or stalled.
Definition: 1) to feed, fatten 1a) (Qal) fattened (passive participle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fatted, stalled. See also: 1 Kings 5:3; Proverbs 15:17.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 5:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 5:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 5:3
Context — Preparations for the Temple
1Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.
2And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:
3“As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet.
4But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis. 5So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 28:3 | but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’ |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 22:8 | but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me. |
| 3 | Psalms 110:1 | The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 22:4–6 | and more cedar logs than could be counted; for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought a large quantity of cedar logs to David. And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death. Then David called for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 15:25 | For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. |
| 6 | Psalms 8:6 | You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: |
| 7 | Joshua 10:24 | When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 6:6–8 | But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 7:5–11 | “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved about with a tent as My dwelling. In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’ Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like the greatest in the land. And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you. |
| 10 | Malachi 4:3 | Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
1 Kings 5:3 Summary
This verse explains why David, Solomon's father, was not able to build a temple for the LORD. There were many wars and enemies that David had to fight, and the LORD had not yet given him peace. But now, the LORD has given Solomon peace, and he is able to build the temple (as seen in 1 Kings 5:4). This shows us that the LORD is in control and will fulfill His promises, even if it takes time, as seen in Psalm 37:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God?
According to 1 Kings 5:3, David was unable to build a house for the Name of the LORD his God due to the wars waged on all sides against him, until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet, as seen in Psalm 110:1 and other passages.
What does it mean for the LORD to put enemies under someone's feet?
This phrase, as seen in 1 Kings 5:3 and other verses like Psalm 8:6, signifies complete victory and dominion over one's enemies, where they are no longer a threat, as the LORD had given David rest from his enemies, as stated in 2 Samuel 7:1.
How does this verse relate to the promise made to David?
This verse is connected to the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, where the LORD promised that his son would build a house for His Name, which is now being fulfilled through Solomon, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:5.
What is the significance of the house for the Name of the LORD?
The house for the Name of the LORD, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:3 and other verses, refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was a symbol of God's presence and dwelling among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and other passages.
Reflection Questions
- What are the spiritual 'wars' that I am facing in my life, and how can I trust that the LORD will put them under my feet?
- How can I, like David, trust in the LORD's timing and plan for my life, even when circumstances seem unfavorable?
- What is the 'house' that the LORD is building in my life, and how can I be a part of it?
- How can I, like Solomon, prioritize building a 'house' for the LORD in my life, and what does that look like in practical terms?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 5:3
Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God,.... As he designed, and was desirous of; and which Hiram might know not only by common fame, but from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 5:3
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
Thou knowest, by common fame, and by particular information. Could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God, i.e. either, first, For the worship and service of God, . Or, secondly, For the Lord himself, as that phrase is used, 52:9. Which were about him on every side; which diverted his cares and thoughts to other things, and withal occasioned God’ s denial of the honour of that work to him. Put them under the soles of his feet, i.e. made them subject to him, that he might trample upon them at his pleasure. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
1 Kings 5:3 Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.Ver. 3. For the wars that were about him.] He saith not for his shedding of blood, which elsewhere is made the reason why David might not build a house, but only for his continual wars, by reason whereof he had not time to do it. The best things are to be spoken of parents: to speak evil to them, or of them, was death by God’ s law; yea, by Solon’ s laws, though a heathen. κακολογων.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
(3) Thou knowest.—In the description (1 Chronicles 22:4) of David’s collection of materials for the Temple, it is noted that “the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.” Hence Hiram knew well his desire of building the Temple, and the care with which, when disappointed of it, he prepared for the happier experience of his successor.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 5:3
3. Thou knowest] David’s preparations must have been well known throughout the Phœnician kingdom, and so to Hiram even though he was not himself king. Cf. 1 Chronicles 22:4 where we are told that the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David. The reason why David himself did not begin to build the temple may also have been known to the northern king. could not build a house] He was forbidden to do this by the word of the Lord (cf. 1 Chronicles 22:8; 1 Chronicles 28:3) because he had shed blood abundantly and made great wars. unto the name of the Lord] See above on 1 Kings 3:2. for the wars which were about him] The concord in this clause is not strictly grammatical, the noun rendered ‘wars’ being singular while the verb which follows is plural. It has therefore been proposed to render ‘because of the war wherewith they (i.e. his enemies) surrounded him.’ It seems better however to consider the singular noun as equivalent to a plural = enemies. And thus the rendering of the A. V. gives the correct sense. Another solution proposed has been to consider the words ‘men of’ as fallen out before ‘war,’ thus making the sense ‘because of the men of war who encompassed him.’ But such emendation of the text has no support in the versions. put them under the soles of his feet] A phrase not uncommon to denote entire conquest. Cf. Psalms 8:6; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:22.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 5:3
Solomon’s presumption that Hiram knew David’s design has not appeared in the previous history, but it is in accordance with 1 Chronicles 22:4.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3
3. My father could not build — There was a moral incapacity in David on account of his many wars, or, as expressed in 1 Chronicles 22:8, because he had shed so much blood in the sight of the Lord.
Sermons on 1 Kings 5:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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You Really Do Reap What You Sow by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He explains that God has given each person a measure of grace and revelation, and it is important |
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Battling With God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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Treasures of Darkness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Victory by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a British mother who prayed for her unconverted teenage son while on holiday. Meanwhile, the son finds a pamphlet and starts readi |
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What Think Ye of Christ by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a sinking ship and a lifeboat to illustrate different responses to Jesus Christ. He describes various individuals on the sinking shi |
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The Lord Jesus Confronting His Enemies by Alan Redpath | Alan Redpath explores the confrontation of Jesus with his enemies during the Passion Week, emphasizing the various challenges posed by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. He hig |
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Discern Your Culture by Albert Mohler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging with different cultures and understanding their language and symbols. He warns against making the mistake of assum |