King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:16 Mean?

1 Kings 8:16 in the King James Version says “Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to bui... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

1 Kings 8:16 · KJV


Context

14

And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;)

15

And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying,

16

Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

17

And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

18

And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

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. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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 · 26 words
מִן1 of 26
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֗וֹם2 of 26

Since the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹצֵ֜אתִי4 of 26

that I brought forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת5 of 26
H853

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

עַמִּ֥י6 of 26

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶת7 of 26
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃8 of 26

Israel

H3478

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

מִמִּצְרַיִם֒9 of 26

out of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לֹֽא10 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וָֽאֶבְחַ֣ר11 of 26

I chose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בְעִ֗יר12 of 26

no city

H5892

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

מִכֹּל֙13 of 26
H3605

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

שִׁבְטֵ֣י14 of 26

out of all the tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 26

Israel

H3478

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

לִבְנ֣וֹת16 of 26

to build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּ֔יִת17 of 26

an house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לִֽהְי֥וֹת18 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שְׁמִ֖י19 of 26

that my ~

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָׁ֑ם20 of 26
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וָֽאֶבְחַ֣ר21 of 26

I chose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בְּדָוִ֔ד22 of 26

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִֽהְי֖וֹת23 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל24 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמִּ֥י25 of 26

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃26 of 26

Israel

H3478

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


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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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