1 Kings 8:46
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֶחֱטָ֔א
If they sin
H2398
יֶחֱטָ֔א
If they sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָדָם֙
against thee (for there is no man
H120
אָדָם֙
against thee (for there is no man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
6 of 22
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 22
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 #:
8 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֶחֱטָ֔א
If they sin
H2398
יֶחֱטָ֔א
If they sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וְאָֽנַפְתָּ֣
not and thou be angry
H599
וְאָֽנַפְתָּ֣
not and thou be angry
Strong's:
H599
Word #:
10 of 22
to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged
וּנְתַתָּ֖ם
with them and deliver
H5414
וּנְתַתָּ֖ם
with them and deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִפְנֵ֣י
unto
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
unto
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 22
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
רְחוֹקָ֖ה
far
H7350
רְחוֹקָ֖ה
far
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
20 of 22
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.Proverbs 20:9Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Psalms 130:3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.Deuteronomy 28:36The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.2 Kings 17:18Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.2 Kings 17:6In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
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
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
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.