1 Kings 8:17
1 Kings 8:17 in Multiple Translations
Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel.
Now it was in the heart of David my father to put up a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel.
My father David really wanted to build a Temple to honor the Lord, the God of Israel.
And it was in ye heart of Dauid my father to builde an house to the Name of the Lord God of Israel.
'And it is with the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Jehovah, God of Israel,
“Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
And it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
And David my father would have built a house to the name of the Lord the God of Israel:
Then Solomon said, “My father David wanted to build a temple in order that we Israeli people could worship Yahweh our God there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 8:17
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 8:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֕י
עִם
לְבַ֖ב
דָּוִ֣ד
אָבִ֑/י
לִ/בְנ֣וֹת
בַּ֔יִת
לְ/שֵׁ֥ם
יְהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
לְבַ֖ב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לִ/בְנ֣וֹת
bânâh
H1129
to build
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
לְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 8:17
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
לְבַ֖ב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לִ/בְנ֣וֹת
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 8:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 8:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
- Sermons on 1 Kings 8:17
Context — Solomon Blesses the LORD
15and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying,
16‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’
17Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
18But 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. 19Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 7:2–3 | he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” And Nathan replied to the king, “Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.” |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 22:7 | “My son,” said David to Solomon, “it was in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 28:2 | Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 17:1–15 | After David had settled into his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” And Nathan replied to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell. For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved from tent to tent and dwelling to dwelling. In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people, ‘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. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you. And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. But I will set him over My house and My kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever.” So Nathan relayed to David all the words of this entire vision. |
1 Kings 8:17 Summary
This verse tells us that David, Solomon's father, had a deep desire to build a special house for God. He wanted to honor and worship God by building a temple where people could come and pray. This desire was important to David, and it shows us that having a heart that wants to serve and love God is crucial (as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5). Just like David, we can have a desire to serve and honor God in our own lives, and trust that He will guide and fulfill those desires (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for something to be 'in the heart' of someone, as mentioned in 1 Kings 8:17?
This phrase means that it was a deep desire or intention of David's, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 37:4, where it talks about taking delight in the Lord and having one's heart's desires fulfilled.
Why did David want to build a house for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel?
David's desire to build a house for God's Name was likely motivated by his desire to honor and worship God, as seen in verses like 1 Kings 8:15, where Solomon praises God for fulfilling His promises to David.
Is it important for us to have a desire to serve and honor God like David did?
Yes, having a heart that desires to serve and honor God is crucial, as seen in Matthew 22:37, where Jesus commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 1 Kings?
This verse is part of Solomon's dedication of the temple, highlighting David's original desire to build a house for God, and how God had chosen Solomon to fulfill that desire, as mentioned in 1 Kings 8:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some desires or intentions that you have been putting off, and how can you trust God to guide and fulfill them?
- In what ways can you honor and worship God in your daily life, just like David wanted to do by building a house for His Name?
- How does knowing that God chooses and uses people like David and Solomon to fulfill His plans encourage you in your own walk with God?
- What are some ways you can cultivate a heart that desires to serve and honor God, like David's heart in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:17
And it was in the heart of David my father,.... His mind was disposed to it, his heart was set upon it, he had taken up a resolution: to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel; for his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:17
And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
In the heart of David my father; in his desire and purpose, as this or the like phrase is used, 14:7 .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
1 Kings 8:17 And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.Ver. 17. And it was in the heart of David my father.] Happy Solomon in such a father! and no less happy David in such a son! For his father’ s honour, and his own also, he so often mentioneth this relation.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
(15-21) His address to the people—apparently preceded by a silent blessing with the usual uplifting of the hands—is the counterpart and expansion of the few abrupt words which he had just uttered before God—calling them to bless God with him for the fulfilment of one part of His promise to David, in the present acceptance of the Temple. The record of that promise is given in 2 Samuel 7:5-16; 1 Chronicles 17:4-14. Here it is freely cited with some variation, so far as it relates to the Temple. It is remarkable that in quoting it, David twice (1 Chronicles 22:8; 1 Chronicles 28:3) adds to it the instructive reason for the prohibition, that (unlike Solomon the Peaceful) he had “shed blood abundantly, and had made great wars.” With much grace of filial piety, Solomon refrains from mention of that reason, though there seems to be some allusion to it in his words to Hiram (1 Kings 5:3). On the other hand, he does add—what is not found in the earlier records—the declaration that, though David was not to build the Temple, “he did well that it was in his heart” to build it.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:17
17. And it was in the heart, &c. The conjunction is better rendered in 2 Chronicles 6:7, ‘Now it was in the heart.’ The two should be alike.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:17
15-21. These verses contain an appropriate narration of the most interesting facts connected with the planning and building of the temple, and without them the services of the dedication would have been incomplete.
Sermons on 1 Kings 8:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Practical Response Resulting From Our View of God by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of God's presence in a gathering of 1,700 people. He describes moments of brokenness before God and the impact of a teenager shari |
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Through the Bible - 2 Samuel by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not grabbing or taking things for ourselves, but instead waiting for God's timing and provision. He uses the example of Ja |
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On Christian Motives by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of examining the motives behind our actions in Christianity, emphasizing the need to act from a place of faith and love rather than seeki |
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The Neglect of God's House by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dedicating oneself to God's work. They explain that just as the hand represents work, God's work requires individuals who a |
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Preparation to Build God's House by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a sister who came to the Lord and poured a pound of pure love upon him. The disciples, particularly Judah, questioned the act, s |
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I Chronicles 17 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses David's desire to build a house for God and the subsequent disappointment when God tells him he cannot. Despite this setback, God reassures David of His grace |