1 Kings 5:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:3 mean?

1 Kings 5:3 explains that King David was unable to build a temple for the LORD because he was surrounded by wars, and only after the LORD subdued his enemies did the opportunity arise. Solomon is speaking, pointing out that his father David’s reign was marked by conflict, which prevented the building of a permanent house for God.

Solomon is addressing Hiram, king of Tyre, as he prepares to build the temple. He refers to David’s inability to build because of constant warfare (“wars which were about him on every side”) and credits God with eventually bringing peace (“the LORD put them under the soles of his feet”), setting the stage for Solomon’s own building project.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:3

• “Build” (בָּנָה, banah): This word means to construct or establish. Here, it refers specifically to building a “house” (בַּיִת, bayit), which in this context means the temple, not just any building.
• “Name” (שֵׁם, shem): The phrase “unto the name of the LORD” means building the temple as a place dedicated to God’s reputation and presence, not just as a physical structure.
• “Put… under the soles of his feet” (נָתַן, natan; כַּף, kaf; רֶגֶל, regel): This phrase is a Hebrew way of saying that God gave David victory and control over his enemies, making them completely subject to him.

Why 1 Kings 5:3 matters

• This verse clarifies that David’s inability to build the temple was not due to a lack of desire or faith, but because of the circumstances of continual warfare.
• It highlights the transition from a time of conflict under David to a time of peace under Solomon, which is why Solomon is able to build the temple.
• The verse connects the building of the temple directly to God’s actions in history, showing that the timing depended on God granting peace, not just human effort.