1 Kings 8:39
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;)
Original Language Analysis
תִּשְׁמַ֨ע
Then hear
H8085
תִּשְׁמַ֨ע
Then hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 24
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם
thou in heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם
thou in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 24
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
place
H4349
מְכ֤וֹן
place
Strong's:
H4349
Word #:
4 of 24
properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode
שִׁבְתֶּ֙ךָ֙
thy dwelling
H3427
שִׁבְתֶּ֙ךָ֙
thy dwelling
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 24
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ
and do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 24
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤
and give
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤
and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָאִישׁ֙
to every man
H376
לָאִישׁ֙
to every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 24
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)
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּרָכָ֔יו
according to his ways
H1870
דְּרָכָ֔יו
according to his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
11 of 24
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
for thou even thou only knowest
H3045
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
for thou even thou only knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
13 of 24
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
for thou even thou only knowest
H3045
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
for thou even thou only knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
18 of 24
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
לְבַדְּךָ֔
H905
לְבַדְּךָ֔
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
22 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Acts 1:24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
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
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;)
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.