King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:5 Mean?

1 Kings 8:5 in the King James Version says “And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrif... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

1 Kings 8:5 · KJV


Context

3

And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.

4

And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up.

5

And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

6

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.

7

For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

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
וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ1 of 19

And king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה2 of 19

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וְכָל3 of 19
H3605

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

עֲדַ֤ת4 of 19

and all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 19

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַנּֽוֹעָדִ֣ים6 of 19

that were assembled

H3259

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

עָלָ֔יו7 of 19
H5921

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

אִתּ֖וֹ8 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לִפְנֵ֣י9 of 19

unto him were with him before

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

הָֽאָר֑וֹן10 of 19

the ark

H727

a box

מְזַבְּחִים֙11 of 19

sacrificing

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

צֹ֣אן12 of 19

sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבָקָ֔ר13 of 19

and oxen

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

אֲשֶׁ֧ר14 of 19
H834

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

לֹֽא15 of 19
H3808

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

יִסָּפְר֛וּ16 of 19

that could not be told

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְלֹ֥א17 of 19
H3808

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

יִמָּנ֖וּ18 of 19

nor numbered

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

מֵרֹֽב׃19 of 19

for multitude

H7230

abundance (in any respect)


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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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