King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:47 Mean?

1 Kings 8:47 in the King James Version says “Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent , and make supplication ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 8:47 · KJV

Context

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:

49

Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause, cause: or, right

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 16 words
וְשָׁ֣בוּ׀1 of 16

“Yet if they shall bethink”

H7725

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

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִבָּ֔ם3 of 16
H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בְּאֶ֤רֶץ4 of 16

“themselves in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 16
H834

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

שֹֽׁבֵיהֶם֙6 of 16

“of them that carried them captives”

H7617

to transport into captivity

שָׁ֑ם7 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְשָׁ֣בוּ׀8 of 16

“Yet if they shall bethink”

H7725

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

וְהִֽתְחַנְּנ֣וּ9 of 16

“and make supplication”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֵלֶ֗יךָ10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּאֶ֤רֶץ11 of 16

“themselves in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שֹֽׁבֵיהֶם֙12 of 16

“of them that carried them captives”

H7617

to transport into captivity

לֵאמֹ֔ר13 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חָטָ֥אנוּ14 of 16

“We have sinned”

H2398

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

וְהֶֽעֱוִ֖ינוּ15 of 16

“and have done perversely”

H5753

to crook, literally or figuratively

רָשָֽׁעְנוּ׃16 of 16

“we have committed wickedness”

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

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 8:47 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 8:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:6Ezra 9:6-7Nehemiah 1:6-11Nehemiah 9:26-30Leviticus 26:40-45Deuteronomy 30:1-2

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