King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:50 Mean?

1 Kings 8:50 in the King James Version says “And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed agains... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

1 Kings 8:50 · KJV


Context

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

50

And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

51

For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron:

52

That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

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 · 15 words
וְסָֽלַחְתָּ֤1 of 15

And forgive

H5545

to forgive

לְעַמְּךָ֙2 of 15

thy people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 15
H834

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

חָֽטְאוּ4 of 15

that have sinned

H2398

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

לָ֔ךְ5 of 15
H0
וּלְכָל6 of 15
H3605

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

פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֖ם7 of 15

against thee and all their transgressions

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 15
H834

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

פָּֽשְׁעוּ9 of 15

wherein they have transgressed

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

בָ֑ךְ10 of 15
H0
וּנְתַתָּ֧ם11 of 15

against thee and give

H5414

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

לְרַֽחֲמִ֛ים12 of 15

them compassion

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

לִפְנֵ֥י13 of 15

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

שֹֽׁבֵיהֶ֖ם14 of 15

them who carried them captive

H7617

to transport into captivity

וְרִֽחֲמֽוּם׃15 of 15

that they may have compassion

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate


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 8:50 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 8:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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