Old Testament
1 Kings 11:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will leave his son one tribe, so that my servant David will always have a lamp burning before me in Jerusalem — the city I chose as the place for my name.
Compare translations
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
What 1 Kings 11:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is making a promise about the future of David's family. He will allow David's son to keep one tribe, which ensures that David's legacy continues. This is significant because it symbolizes God's ongoing relationship with David and his descendants. The 'lamp' represents hope and guidance, showing that God will always have a presence in Jerusalem. This city is special to God, as it is where He chose to make His name known. By preserving a tribe for David's son, God is affirming His commitment to David's lineage. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and the lasting impact of one's life and choices. Even in difficult times, God’s promises endure, reminding us that He values our relationships and legacies. This verse encourages us to reflect on how our actions today can influence future generations and the importance of staying connected to our roots and faith. It’s a reminder that God’s plans often extend beyond our immediate circumstances, weaving a larger story of hope and purpose.
How to apply 1 Kings 11:36 to your life
Consider how your actions today can impact those who come after you. Just as God preserved a tribe for David, think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Stay connected to your values and faith, as they shape your future and the future of others around you. Remember, your life can be a guiding light for others, just like David's was for his descendants. Embrace the responsibility of nurturing that light in your community.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Adversaries, and a Torn Cloak (1 Kings 11:14–40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 11:36
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 11:36
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 11:36 mean?
1 Kings 11:36 means that God is promising to preserve one tribe for David's son, ensuring that David's legacy continues. This signifies God's commitment to David's lineage and highlights the importance of Jerusalem as a chosen city.
What is the significance of the 'lamp' in 1 Kings 11:36?
The 'lamp' in 1 Kings 11:36 symbolizes hope and guidance, representing God's ongoing presence and relationship with David and his descendants in Jerusalem.
How does 1 Kings 11:36 relate to David's legacy?
1 Kings 11:36 relates to David's legacy by affirming that God will preserve a tribe for David's son, which symbolizes the continuation of David's influence and the importance of his lineage.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 11:36?
Themes in 1 Kings 11:36 include God's promise, David's legacy, hope, faithfulness, and the enduring presence of God in Jerusalem.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.