King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:44 Mean?

1 Kings 8:44 in the King James Version says “If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD tow... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: toward the city: Heb. the way of the city

1 Kings 8:44 · KJV


Context

42

(For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house;

43

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. this: Heb. thy name is called upon this house

44

If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: toward the city: Heb. the way of the city

45

Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. cause: or, right

46

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name:

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 · 21 words
כִּֽי1 of 21
H3588

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

יֵצֵ֨א2 of 21

go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עַמְּךָ֤3 of 21

If thy people

H5971

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

לַמִּלְחָמָה֙4 of 21

to battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עַל5 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹ֣יְב֔וֹ6 of 21

against their enemy

H341

hating; an adversary

דֶּ֤רֶךְ7 of 21

toward

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 21
H834

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

תִּשְׁלָחֵ֑ם9 of 21

thou shalt send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֣וּ10 of 21

them and shall pray

H6419

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

אֶל11 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֗ה12 of 21

unto the LORD

H3068

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

דֶּ֤רֶךְ13 of 21

toward

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָעִיר֙14 of 21

the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 21
H834

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

בָּחַ֣רְתָּ16 of 21

which thou hast chosen

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בָּ֔הּ17 of 21
H0
וְהַבַּ֖יִת18 of 21

and toward the house

H1004

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

אֲשֶׁר19 of 21
H834

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

בָּנִ֥תִי20 of 21

that I have built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לִשְׁמֶֽךָ׃21 of 21

for thy ~

H8034

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


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 8:44 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 8:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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