1 Kings 8:58

Verse

May He incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances He commanded our fathers.

American Standard Version (1901)

that he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his ordinances, which he commanded our fathers.

Bible in Basic English

Turning our hearts to himself, guiding us to go in all his ways, to keep his orders and his laws and his decisions, which he gave to our fathers.

Free Bible Version

May he help us to come to him, to follow all his ways and to keep the commandments, statutes, and regulations he ordered our forefathers to observe.

Geneva Bible 1599

That he may bow our heartes vnto him, that we may walke in all his waies, and keepe his commandements, and his statutes, and his lawes, which he commanded our fathers.

King James (Authorized) Version

That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

Translation for Translators

I pray that he will cause us to loyally serve him, to conduct our lives as he wants us to, and to obey all his commandments and statutes and laws that he gave to our ancestors.

Unlocked Literal Bible

that he may incline our hearts to him, to live in all his ways and keep his commandments and his regulations and his statutes, which he commanded our fathers.

Noah Webster Bible

That he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

World English Bible

that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his ordinances, which he commanded our fathers.

Young's Literal Translation

to incline our heart unto Himself, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commands, and His statutes, and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers;

Context

Solomon’s Benediction

⁵⁷May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He never leave us nor forsake us.⁵⁸May He incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances He commanded our fathers.

Summary

In this verse, King Solomon prays for God's continued presence, attention, and favor towards the people of Israel. He acknowledges that God alone knows the hearts of all people and asks that God would incline their hearts to follow Him. Solomon's prayer reflects a deep understanding of the importance of God's guidance and the need for His people to remain faithful. It serves as a reminder of the significance of seeking God's will and relying on His wisdom in all aspects of life.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord,.... At this time: be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night; be continually remembered and regarded by him, that so gracious answers might always be returned to those who supplicated in this place: that he maintain the cause of his servant; of himself and his successors in the throne, that they may continue to possess it in peace, to the glory of God, and the good of the people: and the cause of his people Israel at all times: that their rights and privileges might be continued, and they supported in them; and both his cause and theirs be regarded: as the matter shall require; as they should stand in need of assistance, direction, and protection.