1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 41
Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;
Original Language Analysis
וְגַם֙
H1571
וְגַם֙
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הַנָּכְרִ֔י
Moreover concerning a stranger
H5237
הַנָּכְרִ֔י
Moreover concerning a stranger
Strong's:
H5237
Word #:
3 of 13
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵעַמְּךָ֥
that is not of thy people
H5971
מֵעַמְּךָ֥
that is not of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וּבָ֛א
but cometh out
H935
וּבָ֛א
but cometh out
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
רְחוֹקָ֖ה
of a far
H7350
רְחוֹקָ֖ה
of a far
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
11 of 13
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
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?
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;
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.