King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:46 Mean?

1 Kings 8:46 in the King James Version says “If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the e...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

1 Kings 8:46 · KJV

Context

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;

47

Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent , and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; bethink: Heb. bring back to their heart

48

And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:

Read 1 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 22 words
כִּ֣י1 of 22
H3588

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

יֶחֱטָ֔א2 of 22

“If they sin”

H2398

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

לָ֗ךְ3 of 22
H0
כִּ֣י4 of 22
H3588

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

אֵ֤ין5 of 22
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אָדָם֙6 of 22

“against thee (for there is no man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 22
H834

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

לֹֽא8 of 22
H3808

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

יֶחֱטָ֔א9 of 22

“If they sin”

H2398

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

וְאָֽנַפְתָּ֣10 of 22

“not and thou be angry”

H599

to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged

בָ֔ם11 of 22
H0
וּנְתַתָּ֖ם12 of 22

“with them and deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִפְנֵ֣י13 of 22

“unto”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאוֹיֵ֔ב14 of 22

“of the enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

שֹֽׁבֵיהֶם֙15 of 22

“captives”

H7617

to transport into captivity

שֹֽׁבֵיהֶם֙16 of 22

“captives”

H7617

to transport into captivity

אֶל17 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֣רֶץ18 of 22

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָֽאוֹיֵ֔ב19 of 22

“of the enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

רְחוֹקָ֖ה20 of 22

“far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

א֥וֹ21 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

קְרוֹבָֽה׃22 of 22

“or near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

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 8:46 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 8:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:20Proverbs 20:9Romans 3:23Isaiah 53:6Isaiah 64:61 John 1:8-10

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