1 Kings 8:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָכְל֧וּ
could
H3201
יָכְל֧וּ
could
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
2 of 14
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים
So that the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים
So that the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 14
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לַֽעֲמֹ֥ד
not stand
H5975
לַֽעֲמֹ֥ד
not stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 14
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְשָׁרֵ֖ת
to minister
H8334
לְשָׁרֵ֖ת
to minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
5 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
מִפְּנֵ֥י
because
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֥י
because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 14
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
of the cloud
H6051
הֶֽעָנָ֑ן
of the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
7 of 14
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָלֵ֥א
had filled
H4390
מָלֵ֥א
had filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
9 of 14
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
כְבוֹד
for the glory
H3519
כְבוֹד
for the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.Ezekiel 44:4Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.Leviticus 9:23And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.Revelation 21:23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Ezekiel 43:2And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.