King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:1 Mean?

1 Kings 8:1 in the King James Version says “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children o... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. chief: Heb. princes

1 Kings 8:1 · KJV


Context

1

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. chief: Heb. princes

2

And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.

3

And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. God's covenant faithfulness remains steadfast despite human unfaithfulness, ultimately fulfilled in the new covenant through Christ.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
אָ֣ז1 of 27
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יַקְהֵ֣ל2 of 27

assembled

H6950

to convoke

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה3 of 27

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת4 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זִקְנֵ֣י5 of 27

the elders

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל6 of 27

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת7 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רָאשֵׁ֣י9 of 27

and all the heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַמַּטּוֹת֩10 of 27

of the tribes

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

נְשִׂיאֵ֨י11 of 27

the chief

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָֽאָב֜וֹת12 of 27

of the fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לִבְנֵ֧י13 of 27

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל14 of 27

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל15 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ16 of 27

unto king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה17 of 27

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם18 of 27

in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לְֽהַעֲל֞וֹת19 of 27

that they might bring up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת20 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֧וֹן21 of 27

the ark

H727

a box

בְּרִית22 of 27

of the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֛ה23 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵעִ֥יר24 of 27

out of the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֖ד25 of 27

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הִ֥יא26 of 27
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

צִיּֽוֹן׃27 of 27

which is Zion

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 8:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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