1 Kings 8:39

Authorized King James Version

Then 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;)

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠אַתָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּשְׁמַ֨ע

H8085

Then hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם

H8064

thou in 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

מְכ֤וֹן

H4349

place

properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode

שִׁבְתֶּ֙ךָ֙

H3427

thy dwelling

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְסָֽלַחְתָּ֣

H5545

and forgive

to forgive

וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ

H6213

and do

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

וְנָֽתַתָּ֤

H5414

and give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָאִישׁ֙

H376

to every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

כְּכָל

H3605

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

#11

דְּרָכָ֔יו

H1870

according to his ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#13

יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙

H3045

for thou even thou only knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

לְבַ֖ב

H3824

the hearts

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#17

אַתָּ֤ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#18

יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙

H3045

for thou even thou only knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#19

לְבַדְּךָ֔

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#20

אֶת

H853

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

#21

לְבַ֖ב

H3824

the hearts

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#22

כָּל

H3605

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

#23

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of all the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#24

הָֽאָדָֽם׃

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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