King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:29 Mean?

1 Kings 8:29 in the King James Version says “That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shal...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 8:29 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

31

If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house: and an oath: Heb. and he require an oath of him

Read 1 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
לִֽהְיוֹת֩1 of 24
H1961

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

עֵינֶ֨ךָ2 of 24

“That thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

פְתֻחֹ֜ת3 of 24

“may be open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אֶל4 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבַּ֤יִת5 of 24

“toward this house”

H1004

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

הַזֶּה֙6 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַ֣יְלָה7 of 24

“night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וָי֔וֹם8 of 24

“and 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

אֶל9 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֖וֹם10 of 24

“even toward the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 24
H834

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

אָמַ֔רְתָּ12 of 24

“of which thou hast said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה13 of 24
H1961

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

שְׁמִ֖י14 of 24

“My ~”

H8034

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

שָׁ֑ם15 of 24
H8033

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

לִשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙16 of 24

“shall be there that thou mayest hearken”

H8085

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

אֶל17 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתְּפִלָּ֔ה18 of 24

“unto the prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

אֲשֶׁ֣ר19 of 24
H834

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

יִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל20 of 24

“shall make”

H6419

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

עַבְדְּךָ֔21 of 24

“which thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֶל22 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֖וֹם23 of 24

“even toward the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּֽה׃24 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 8:29 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 8:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 6:201 Kings 8:16Deuteronomy 12:112 Chronicles 7:15-16Nehemiah 1:6Nehemiah 1:9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 8 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes