King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:28 Mean?

1 Kings 8:28 in the King James Version says “Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry an... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:

1 Kings 8:28 · KJV


Context

26

And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.

27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

28

Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:

29

That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. toward this place: or, in this place

30

And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. toward this place: or, in this place


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:

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 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 · 18 words
וּפָנִ֜יתָ1 of 18

Yet have thou respect

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתְּפִלָּ֔ה3 of 18

and to the prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עַבְדְּךָ֛4 of 18

of thy servant

H5650

a servant

וְאֶל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּחִנָּת֖וֹ6 of 18

and to his supplication

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

יְהוָ֣ה7 of 18

O LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָ֑י8 of 18

my God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִשְׁמֹ֤עַ9 of 18

to hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽרִנָּה֙11 of 18

unto the cry

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וְאֶל12 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתְּפִלָּ֔ה13 of 18

and to the prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

אֲשֶׁ֧ר14 of 18
H834

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

עַבְדְּךָ֛15 of 18

of thy servant

H5650

a servant

מִתְפַּלֵּ֥ל16 of 18

prayeth

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ17 of 18

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַיּֽוֹם׃18 of 18

thee to 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


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 8:28 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 8:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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