1 Kings 9:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 9:6 mean?

In 1 Kings 9:6, God warns Solomon about the possibility that he or his descendants might abandon their loyalty to God. The verse describes that departure as both refusing to keep God’s instructions and giving service and worship to other gods.

God is speaking to Solomon after the building of the temple and the royal house. The warning follows the promise given to Solomon in verse 5. Verse 6 begins an “if” sentence; its consequences follow in verses 7–9.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 9:6

• “at all turn” — שׁוּב (shuv): This word can mean “turn” or “turn back.” Its repeated form gives force to the warning about turning away from following God.
• “serve” — עָבַד (avad): This word can mean to work for or serve someone. Here, service to other gods stands alongside worship as an expression of changed loyalty.
• “worship” — שָׁחָה (shachah): This word carries the sense of bowing down. It gives a physical picture of the honor directed toward the other gods.

Why 1 Kings 9:6 matters

• The warning reaches beyond Solomon himself. “Ye or your children” includes those who would come after him, so the condition concerns later generations as well.
• The sentence connects outward acts with a change in allegiance. The movement from “following me” to serving “other gods” shows why the choice of whom to worship is central to the warning.
• The warning also concerns the temple Solomon has built. In verse 7, God says that if the stated condition occurs, the house dedicated to his name will be cast out of his sight.