1 Kings 3:3
1 Kings 3:3 in Multiple Translations
And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
And Solomon loved Jehovah, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
And Solomon, in his love for the Lord, kept the laws of David his father; but he made offerings and let them go up in smoke on the high places.
Solomon showed he loved the Lord by following the instructions of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned offerings on the high places.
And Salomon loued the Lord, walking in the ordinances of Dauid his father: onely he sacrificed and offred incense in the hie places.
And Solomon loveth Jehovah, to walk in the statutes of David his father — only, in high places he is sacrificing and making perfume —
Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, except that he sacrificed and burned incense in the high places.
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the precepts of David his father, only he sacrificed in the high places: and burnt incense.
Solomon loved Yahweh, and he obeyed all the instructions that his father David had given him. But he also offered sacrifices and burned incense at various altars.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:3
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 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֤ב
שְׁלֹמֹה֙
אֶת
יְהוָ֔ה
לָ/לֶ֕כֶת
בְּ/חֻקּ֖וֹת
דָּוִ֣ד
אָבִ֑י/ו
רַ֚ק
בַּ/בָּמ֔וֹת
ה֥וּא
מְזַבֵּ֖חַ
וּ/מַקְטִֽיר
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֤ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁלֹמֹה֙
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לָ/לֶ֕כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/חֻקּ֖וֹת
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
Prep | N-cp
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
רַ֚ק
raq
H7535
except
DirObjM
בַּ/בָּמ֔וֹת
bâmâh
H1116
high place
Prep | N-fp
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מְזַבֵּ֖חַ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
V-Piel
וּ/מַקְטִֽיר
qâṭar
H6999
to offer
Conj | V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:3
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֤ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
שְׁלֹמֹה֙
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
לָ/לֶ֕כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/חֻקּ֖וֹת
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
Prep | N-cp
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
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.
אָבִ֑י/ו
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.
רַ֚ק
raq
H7535
"except"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
בַּ/בָּמ֔וֹת
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
Prep | N-fp
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְזַבֵּ֖חַ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
V-Piel
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
וּ/מַקְטִֽיר
qâṭar
H6999
"to offer"
Conj | V-Hiphil
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 3:3
Context — Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
1Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.
2The people, however, were still sacrificing on the high places because a house for the Name of the LORD had not yet been built.
3And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.
4Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there. 5One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 8:3 | But the one who loves God is known by God. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:23 | Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 30:16 | For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 6:5 | And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 30:20 | and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” |
| 6 | 1 Kings 3:14 | So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 30:6 | The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 10:12 | And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, |
| 9 | 1 Kings 3:6 | Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 22:43 | And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. |
1 Kings 3:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Solomon loved and obeyed God, just like his father David did, but he also made some mistakes, like sacrificing on the high places. This shows us that even when we love God, we can still make mistakes, but it's how we learn and grow from those mistakes that matters, as seen in Proverbs 24:16 and 1 John 1:8-9. Solomon's example encourages us to follow God's commands and to be mindful of the influences around us, seeking to please God in all we do, as mentioned in Colossians 1:10. By following Solomon's example, we can deepen our own relationship with God and learn to love and obey Him more fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Solomon loved the LORD?
Solomon's love for the LORD indicates his deep affection and devotion to God, demonstrated by his obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Why did Solomon sacrifice on the high places if it was not entirely pleasing to God?
The people, including Solomon, were still sacrificing on the high places because a house for the Name of the LORD had not yet been built, as mentioned in 1 Kings 3:2, and it was a common practice at that time, although it was not in line with God's commands in Leviticus 17:3-5 and Deuteronomy 12:2-3.
How did Solomon's actions reflect his father David's legacy?
Solomon walked in the statutes of his father David, indicating that he followed David's example of obedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Kings 2:3 and Psalm 119:33-34, although he also made some compromises, such as sacrificing on the high places.
What can we learn from Solomon's relationship with God in this verse?
We can learn that having a personal relationship with God, like Solomon did, requires both love and obedience, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6, and that even those who love God can still make mistakes and have room for growth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love for the LORD, like Solomon did, in my daily life?
- How can I balance my desire to follow God's commands with the pressures and influences of the world around me, like Solomon faced with the high places?
- What are some 'high places' in my own life that I need to surrender to God and bring under His authority?
- How can I, like Solomon, learn from the examples of those who have come before me, such as my parents or spiritual mentors, and yet still follow God's unique calling on my life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:3
And Solomon loved the Lord,.... The worship of the Lord, as the Targum: and which he showed by walking in the statutes of David his father; in which his father walked, which were the statutes of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:3
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. Solomon loved the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3
And, or, yet, although he mistook and miscarried himself in the matter of high places, yet in the general his heart was right with God, and he both loved him with inward affection, and walked with him in outward conversation and worship. In the statutes of David, i.e. according to the statutes or commands of God, which are here called the statutes of David, not only because they were so freely chosen, and heartily loved, and diligently practised by David, but also because the observation of them was so earnestly pressed upon Solomon, and fortified with David’ s authority and command: see ,9.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3
1 Kings 3:3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.Ver. 3. And Solomon loved, the Lord.] Being first loved by him, his Jedidiah, his darling: for our love to God is but the reflex of his to us first. Only he sacrificed, &c.] He climbed those misallowed hills; yet loveth he the Lord, and is loved of him. Such is the mercy of our God, that he rather pitieth than plagneth us for our well meant weaknesses, for the infirmities of upright hearts.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:3
3. walking in the statutes of David his father] These are the observances which David had enjoined in 1 Kings 2:3. There they are called ‘the charge of the Lord,’ and are here named ‘of David,’ because David had been diligent in their observance. So in 2 Kings 17:8, ‘the statutes of the heathen’ means that idolatrous worship which the heathen nations practised.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3
3. Solomon loved the Lord — This further shows that the sacrificing in high places was not the result of alienation from Jehovah. Statutes of David — Customs, usages, and laws of religious conduct practiced by David.
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Hearing Heart (Part 1) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of having a 'hearing heart' through the story of Solomon in 1 Kings 3. He highlights how God invites Solomon to express his desires, reve |
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Commentary Notes - I Kings by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the Book of I Kings, highlighting the contrast between the unchanging throne of God and the failing thrones of men. The message emphasizes that human go |
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Seeking the Lord by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is the creator and ruler of the world. He does not need worship from human hands, as He is the source of all life and everything we |
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Fifteenth Letter by Brother Lawrence | Brother Lawrence, on his death-bed, emphasizes the importance of knowing God deeply, highlighting that God's love for us is the foundation of all His actions for our good. He encou |
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Day 95, 1 Corinthians 13 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the famous chapter on love in 1 Corinthians, emphasizing how Paul's words were a direct rebuke to the Corinthian church where love was lacking. Paul highl |
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Beg God for the Miracle of Humility by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in the eyes of God. It highlights how God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in Psa |
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Eternal Depth of Love Divine by Count Zinzendorf | Count Zinzendorf preaches about the eternal depth of God's divine love displayed in Jesus, emphasizing the vastness of God's grace and the all-encompassing nature of His love for s |