1 Kings 8:27

Authorized King James Version

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֚י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם
H552
indeed
truly
#3
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
H3427
dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
But will God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הָאָ֑רֶץ
H776
on the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
הִ֠נֵּה
H2009
lo!
#8
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
and heaven
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
#9
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
and heaven
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
#10
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
and heaven
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
#11
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ
H3557
cannot contain
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#13
אַ֕ף
H637
thee how much less
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#14
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
הַבַּ֥יִת
H1004
this house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
בָּנִֽיתִי׃
H1129
that I have builded
to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources