1 Kings 8:30
And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖
And hearken
H8085
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖
And hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תְּחִנַּ֤ת
thou to the supplication
H8467
תְּחִנַּ֤ת
thou to the supplication
Strong's:
H8467
Word #:
3 of 20
graciousness; causatively, entreaty
וְעַמְּךָ֣
and of thy people
H5971
וְעַמְּךָ֣
and of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽתְפַּלְל֖וּ
when they shall pray
H6419
יִֽתְפַּלְל֖וּ
when they shall pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
8 of 20
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
מְק֤וֹם
place
H4725
מְק֤וֹם
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖
And hearken
H8085
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖
And hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
13 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מְק֤וֹם
place
H4725
מְק֤וֹם
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
שִׁבְתְּךָ֙
thy dwelling
H3427
שִׁבְתְּךָ֙
thy dwelling
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
thou in heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
thou in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
18 of 20
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
Cross References
1 Kings 8:39Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)1 Kings 8:36Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.1 Kings 8:34Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.Daniel 9:19O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Ecclesiastes 5:2Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
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
And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
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.