King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:35 Mean?

1 Kings 8:35 in the King James Version says “When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:

1 Kings 8:35 · KJV


Context

33

When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: in: or, toward

34

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.

35

When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:

36

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

37

If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; cities: or, jurisdiction


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:

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 · 19 words
בְּהֵֽעָצֵ֥ר1 of 19

is shut up

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

שָׁמַ֛יִם2 of 19

When 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

וְלֹֽא3 of 19
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה4 of 19
H1961

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

מָטָ֖ר5 of 19

and there is no rain

H4306

rain

כִּ֣י6 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֶֽחֶטְאוּ7 of 19

because they have sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לָ֑ךְ8 of 19
H0
וְהִֽתְפַּלְל֞וּ9 of 19

against thee if they pray

H6419

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

אֶל10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֤וֹם11 of 19

toward this 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)

הַזֶּה֙12 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהוֹד֣וּ13 of 19

and confess

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

אֶת14 of 19
H853

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

שְׁמֶ֔ךָ15 of 19

thy ~

H8034

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

וּמֵֽחַטָּאתָ֥ם16 of 19

from their sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

יְשׁוּב֖וּן17 of 19

and turn

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

כִּ֥י18 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַֽעֲנֵֽם׃19 of 19

when thou afflictest

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)


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 8:35 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 8:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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