1 Kings 8:11

Authorized King James Version

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יָכְל֧וּ

H3201

could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים

H3548

So that the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לַֽעֲמֹ֥ד

H5975

not stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְשָׁרֵ֖ת

H8334

to minister

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

מִפְּנֵ֥י

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הֶֽעָנָ֑ן

H6051

of the cloud

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָלֵ֥א

H4390

had filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#10

כְבוֹד

H3519

for the glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

#11

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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