And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

1 KINGS 3:6KJV
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1 Kings 3:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 3:6 mean?

1 Kings 3:6 records Solomon speaking to God, recognizing that God showed great mercy and kindness to his father David because David lived with integrity, truth, and righteousness. Solomon acknowledges that God’s faithfulness to David is seen in allowing Solomon himself to become king after David.

Solomon is praying at the beginning of his reign, responding to God’s appearance in a dream at Gibeon. In this verse, Solomon reflects on his father David’s relationship with God, describing David’s life as marked by “truth,” “righteousness,” and “uprightness of heart.” Solomon credits God’s “great mercy” and “kindness” (steadfast love) for the stability of the royal line, with Solomon now sitting on the throne.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 3:6

  • חֶסֶד (chesed, transliterated as ḥesed): This word is translated as “mercy” and “kindness” in the verse and often means steadfast love or loyal kindness. It highlights God’s faithful, covenant-keeping love toward David, not just a general sense of mercy.
  • אֱמֶת (emet, transliterated as ’emet): Translated as “truth,” this word carries the sense of faithfulness, reliability, and integrity. Solomon is saying David lived honestly and faithfully before God.
  • צֶדֶק (tsedaqah, transliterated as tsedaqah): Rendered “righteousness,” this word refers to living in a morally right way, according to God’s standards.
  • יֹשֶׁר (yosher, transliterated as yosher): Translated “uprightness,” this word means straightness or uprightness, describing sincerity and moral integrity of heart.

Why 1 Kings 3:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon saw his kingship not as a personal achievement, but as a result of God’s loyal love to David and David’s faithful character.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and uprightness in leadership, as these are the qualities Solomon highlights in his father.
  • By connecting his own reign to God’s promises to David, Solomon sets the tone for his prayer and reign, showing humility and dependence on God’s continued kindness.

Where else these words appear

“throne” Hebrew H3678 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
  • 2 Kings 4:10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
  • Psalms 122:5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 30:9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
  • Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.