King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:37 Mean?

1 Kings 8:37 in the King James Version says “If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their e...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 8:37 · KJV

Context

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

38

What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:

39

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

Read 1 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 23 words
רָעָ֞ב1 of 23

“famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

כִּֽי2 of 23
H3588

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

יִהְיֶ֣ה3 of 23
H1961

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ4 of 23

“If there be in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

דֶּ֣בֶר5 of 23

“if there be pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

כִּֽי6 of 23
H3588

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

יִֽ֠הְיֶה7 of 23
H1961

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

שִׁדָּפ֨וֹן8 of 23

“blasting”

H7711

blight

יֵֽרָק֜וֹן9 of 23

“mildew”

H3420

paleness, whether of persons (from fright), or of plants (from drought)

אַרְבֶּ֤ה10 of 23

“locust”

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

חָסִיל֙11 of 23

“or if there be caterpiller”

H2625

the ravager, i.e., a locust

כִּ֣י12 of 23
H3588

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

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה13 of 23
H1961

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

כִּ֧י14 of 23
H3588

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

יָֽצַר15 of 23

“besiege”

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

ל֛וֹ16 of 23
H0
אֹֽיְב֖וֹ17 of 23

“if their enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ18 of 23

“If there be in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שְׁעָרָ֑יו19 of 23

“of their cities”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

כָּל20 of 23
H3605

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

נֶ֖גַע21 of 23

“whatsoever plague”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

כָּֽל22 of 23
H3605

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

מַחֲלָֽה׃23 of 23

“whatsoever sickness”

H4245

sickness

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 8:37 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 8:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:21-22Leviticus 26:16Deuteronomy 28:38-422 Chronicles 20:9Psalms 105:34-35Joel 1:4-7

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