1 Kings 5:5

KJV

And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, I purpose {H559} to build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, as the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto David {H1732} my father {H1}, saying {H559}, Thy son {H1121}, whom I will set {H5414} upon thy throne {H3678} in thy room, he shall build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto my name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now I intend to build a house for the name of ADONAI my God, in keeping with what ADONAI said to David my father, 'Your son, whom I will put on your throne in your place, will be the one to build the house for my name.'

Berean Standard Bible

So 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.’

American Standard Version

And, behold, I purpose to build a house for the name of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build the house for my name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:5 captures King Solomon's solemn declaration to Hiram, King of Tyre, of his intention to construct a permanent temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. This pivotal statement directly references and affirms the divine promise God made to Solomon's father, King David, that it would be David's son who would build this sacred house. The verse thus highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, the faithfulness of His covenant, and Solomon's obedient commitment to fulfilling a long-awaited prophetic mandate, setting the stage for one of the most significant building projects in Israelite history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the account of Solomon's reign, immediately following his consolidation of power and the establishment of peace with surrounding nations. Chapter 5 opens with Hiram, King of Tyre, sending envoys to Solomon, acknowledging his succession. Solomon's response in 1 Kings 5:2-5 serves as a formal communication to Hiram, explaining the historical and theological impetus behind his grand building project. It directly follows Solomon's acknowledgment of the peace God has granted him (1 Kings 5:4), which is presented as the necessary precondition for undertaking such a monumental task. The verse sets the theological foundation for the detailed descriptions of the Temple's construction that follow in subsequent chapters, framing the entire endeavor as a divinely ordained fulfillment of prophecy rather than merely a human ambition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence, largely due to David's military successes and Solomon's diplomatic wisdom. The concept of building a "house" for a deity was common in the ancient Near East, where temples were considered the dwelling places of gods, often reflecting the grandeur and power of the king who commissioned them. However, for Israel, the Temple was unique: it was not merely a house for God, but a place where His "name" would dwell, signifying His presence and authority among His people. The alliance with Tyre, a maritime power renowned for its skilled craftsmen and access to valuable timber (cedar and cypress from Lebanon), was crucial for such an ambitious construction project, as Israel lacked the necessary expertise and resources. This verse underscores the unique historical window of peace and resources that enabled the Temple's construction, a stark contrast to David's reign, which was marked by warfare.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 5:5 encapsulates several overarching themes central to the books of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **fulfillment of divine prophecy**, specifically God's promise to David concerning his dynastic succession and the building of the Temple (as detailed in [God's covenant with David](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13")). This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations. Secondly, it emphasizes **Solomon's obedience and dedication** to God's will. His declaration, "I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God," signifies not merely a political project but a sacred duty undertaken in reverence. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine timing and the necessity of peace** for God's work. The "rest on every side" ([1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "The Peace Granted to Solomon in 1 Kings 5:4")) granted by the Lord is presented as the providential condition enabling the Temple's construction, suggesting that periods of tranquility can be divine opportunities for significant spiritual undertakings. Finally, the focus on building a house "unto the name of the LORD" points to the theme of **God's presence and glory** among His people, establishing a central place for worship and the manifestation of His covenant relationship with Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purpose (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** While commonly translated as "to say" or "to speak," in this context, _ʼâmar_ carries the weight of a firm intention, a determined resolve, or a declaration of purpose. Solomon is not merely contemplating but actively stating his fixed will to undertake this monumental task. It implies a deliberate, conscious decision to fulfill a divine mandate, underscoring his commitment and sense of responsibility.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This Hebrew word is multi-layered. While it primarily refers to a physical dwelling or building, it can also denote a household, a family, or a dynasty. In 1 Kings 5:5, its primary meaning is clearly a physical structure—the Temple. However, the context of the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "The Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7")), which promised David an enduring "house" (dynasty), subtly echoes here. Solomon is building a physical "house" for God, in fulfillment of a promise that also secured David's "house" (dynasty). This dual resonance enriches the meaning, connecting the physical structure to the enduring spiritual lineage.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** In ancient Israelite thought, a "name" was far more than a mere label; it encapsulated the essence, character, reputation, authority, and very presence of the person or deity. To build a house "unto the name of the LORD" means dedicating it to God's character, for the manifestation of His glory, and as a place where His presence would be uniquely encountered and His authority acknowledged. It signifies that the Temple's purpose was not to contain God (who cannot be contained by any building, as Solomon himself acknowledges in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "God Cannot Be Contained by Any Temple in 1 Kings 8:27")), but to honor Him, to be a focal point for His people's worship, and a place where His covenant promises would be remembered and renewed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God,"**: This opening clause presents Solomon's direct and emphatic declaration. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) serves as an interjection drawing attention to the significance of what follows. Solomon asserts his personal resolve ("I purpose") to construct a sacred edifice. The phrase "unto the name of the LORD my God" is crucial, indicating that the Temple's purpose is not for human glory or political expediency, but for the honor, presence, and worship of Yahweh, Israel's covenant God. It establishes the theological foundation for the entire project.
* **"as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying,"**: This segment explicitly links Solomon's current intention to a prior divine revelation. It grounds Solomon's actions in the continuity of God's plan and covenant promises, emphasizing that this is not a new idea but the fulfillment of an ancient, divinely initiated purpose. This reference validates Solomon's undertaking as a direct act of obedience to God's word spoken to his predecessor.
* **"Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name."**: This final clause quotes the specific prophecy given to David, identifying Solomon as the divinely appointed builder. The phrase "whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room" highlights divine sovereignty in succession, confirming Solomon's legitimacy as king and the chosen agent for this task. The repetition of "he shall build an house unto my name" reinforces the central theme of the Temple's purpose: to glorify God and serve as a dwelling place for His presence among His people, fulfilling the very promise that established the Davidic dynasty.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 5:5 is **Allusion** or **Intertextuality**, as the verse directly references and quotes a prior divine promise made to David, found in [God's covenant with David](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13"). This serves to establish the legitimacy and divine mandate of Solomon's undertaking, rooting it firmly within the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. The **Repetition** of the phrase "build an house unto my name" (or similar phrasing) within the verse itself, first in Solomon's declaration and then in the quoted prophecy, emphasizes the singular and divinely ordained purpose of the Temple. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Statement of Fulfillment**, marking the transition from prophecy to historical realization. Solomon's declaration is presented as a **Royal Decree** or formal pronouncement, underscoring the king's authority and commitment to a sacred task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 5:5 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. It demonstrates that God's plans transcend individual reigns, unfolding across generations through His chosen instruments. The building of the Temple, as promised, signifies God's desire for a permanent, central dwelling place among His people, a physical manifestation of His covenant presence. This act of building is not merely a human architectural feat but a response to divine initiative, establishing a focal point for Israel's worship and a symbol of God's enduring commitment to His nation. The verse underscores that true prosperity and peace (as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:4) are not ends in themselves, but conditions that enable the people of God to fulfill His purposes and honor His name.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Promise to David Regarding His Son and the Temple")
* [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "David's Instruction to Solomon Regarding the Temple")
* [Psalm 132:1-5](/psalms/132-1 "David's Vow to Find a Dwelling Place for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's declaration in 1 Kings 5:5 offers a powerful model for believers today. Just as Solomon was entrusted with a divine mandate to build a physical house for God's name, we, as followers of Christ, are called to participate in building God's spiritual house. We are living stones, being built into a spiritual temple for God's dwelling by the Spirit ([as described in 1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Believers as Living Stones in 1 Peter 2:5")). This verse reminds us that our purpose is not self-serving but God-glorifying. It encourages us to identify and embrace the unique callings and opportunities God places before us, understanding that our actions contribute to a larger, divine narrative that spans generations. We are to be faithful stewards of the peace and resources God provides, recognizing them as providential gifts enabling us to advance His kingdom. Ultimately, 1 Kings 5:5 challenges us to live with a clear purpose: to honor God's name, fulfill His promises, and manifest His presence in our lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house" is God calling you to build or contribute to in your life, whether physically, spiritually, or relationally?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to His promises (like the one to David) strengthen your trust in His plans for your own life?**
* **In what ways can you, like Solomon, leverage periods of "rest" or stability to dedicate yourself more fully to God's purposes?**
* **What does it mean for you to live "unto the name of the LORD my God" in your daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of building a "house unto the name of the LORD"?**

Answer: Building a "house unto the name of the LORD" signifies more than just constructing a physical building for God to inhabit. In ancient Israelite thought, the "name" of God represented His very essence, character, authority, and presence. Therefore, building unto His name meant dedicating the structure entirely to His glory, worship, and the manifestation of His presence among His people. It was to be a place where His covenant relationship with Israel was uniquely honored and experienced, a focal point for national worship and a symbol of His dwelling in their midst, even though the heavens themselves cannot contain Him ([as Solomon himself acknowledges in 1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "God Cannot Be Contained by Any Temple in 1 Kings 8:27")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 5:5, with its focus on the building of a "house unto the name of the LORD" by David's son, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. While Solomon built a physical temple that would eventually be destroyed, Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "Jesus Predicts His Resurrection in John 2:19")". The Apostle John clarifies that Jesus "[was speaking about the temple of his body](/john/2-21 "Jesus' Body as the Temple in John 2:21")", establishing Christ Himself as the true and ultimate Temple—the dwelling place of God among humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new spiritual temple, the Church, composed of believers, where God's Spirit now dwells ([as described in Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "The Church as God's Dwelling Place in Ephesians 2:19-22")). Thus, the promise to David that his son would build a house for God's name is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who not only is the Temple but also builds His Church, a spiritual house where God's name is truly honored and His presence is eternally manifest, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where [God will dwell with His people forever](/revelation/21-3 "God Dwells with His People in Revelation 21:3").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 17:12

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

1 Chronicles 22:10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

1 Chronicles 28:6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

1 Chronicles 28:10

Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

Zechariah 6:12

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: