King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:54 Mean?

1 Kings 8:54 in the King James Version says “And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose fro... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

1 Kings 8:54 · KJV


Context

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.

53

For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord GOD.

54

And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

55

And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

56

Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. failed: Heb. fallen


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

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 sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

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
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכַלּ֣וֹת2 of 21

had made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה3 of 21

And it was so that when Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְהִתְפַּלֵּל֙4 of 21

of praying

H6419

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

אֶל5 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙6 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֵ֛ת7 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 21
H3605

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

הַתְּפִלָּ֥ה9 of 21

all this prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

וְהַתְּחִנָּ֖ה10 of 21

and supplication

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

הַזֹּ֑את11 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

קָ֞ם12 of 21

he arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מִלִּפְנֵ֨י13 of 21

from 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

מִזְבַּ֤ח14 of 21

the altar

H4196

an altar

יְהוָה֙15 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

מִכְּרֹ֣עַ16 of 21

from kneeling

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

עַל17 of 21
H5921

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

בִּרְכָּ֔יו18 of 21

on his knees

H1290

a knee

וְכַפָּ֖יו19 of 21

with his hands

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

פְּרֻשׂ֥וֹת20 of 21

spread up

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃21 of 21

to heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r


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 8:54 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 8:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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