King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:66 Mean?

1 Kings 8:66 in the King James Version says “On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people. blessed: or, thanked

1 Kings 8:66 · KJV


Context

64

The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.

65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.

66

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people. blessed: or, thanked


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.

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 · 23 words
בַּיּ֤וֹם1 of 23

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁמִינִי֙2 of 23

On the eighth

H8066

eight

שִׁלַּ֣ח3 of 23

away

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת4 of 23
H853

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

עַמּֽוֹ׃5 of 23

his people

H5971

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

וַֽיְבָרֲכ֖וּ6 of 23

and they blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת7 of 23
H853

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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ8 of 23

the king

H4428

a king

וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ9 of 23
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְאָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֗ם10 of 23

unto their tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

שְׂמֵחִים֙11 of 23

joyful

H8056

blithe or gleeful

הַטּוֹבָ֗ה12 of 23

and glad

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לֵ֔ב13 of 23

of heart

H3820

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

עַ֣ל14 of 23
H5921

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

כָּל15 of 23
H3605

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

הַטּוֹבָ֗ה16 of 23

and glad

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲשֶׁ֨ר17 of 23
H834

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

עָשָׂ֤ה18 of 23

had done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָה֙19 of 23

that the LORD

H3068

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

לְדָוִ֣ד20 of 23

for David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדּ֔וֹ21 of 23

his servant

H5650

a servant

וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל22 of 23

and for Israel

H3478

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

עַמּֽוֹ׃23 of 23

his people

H5971

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


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 8:66 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 8:66 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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