King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:30 Mean?

1 Kings 8:30 in the King James Version says “And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: a...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 8:30 · KJV

PrayerForgiveness

Context

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

32

Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Read 1 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖1 of 20

“And hearken”

H8085

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

אֶל2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּחִנַּ֤ת3 of 20

“thou to the supplication”

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

עַבְדְּךָ֙4 of 20

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְעַמְּךָ֣5 of 20

“and of thy people”

H5971

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 20

“Israel”

H3478

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 20
H834

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

יִֽתְפַּלְל֖וּ8 of 20

“when they shall pray”

H6419

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

אֶל9 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְק֤וֹם10 of 20

“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)

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְ֠אַתָּה12 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖13 of 20

“And hearken”

H8085

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

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְק֤וֹם15 of 20

“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)

שִׁבְתְּךָ֙16 of 20

“thy dwelling”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֶל17 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם18 of 20

“thou in heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖19 of 20

“And hearken”

H8085

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

וְסָלָֽחְתָּ׃20 of 20

“forgive”

H5545

to forgive

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 8:30 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 8:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:361 Kings 8:341 Kings 8:39Daniel 9:19Psalms 130:3-4Ecclesiastes 5:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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