1 Kings 8:41 kjv
Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;
1 Kings 8:41 nkjv
"Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but has come from a far country for Your name's sake
1 Kings 8:41 niv
"As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name?
1 Kings 8:41 esv
"Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name's sake
1 Kings 8:41 nlt
"In the future, foreigners who do not belong to your people Israel will hear of you. They will come from distant lands because of your name,
1 Kings 8 41 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 12:3 | "And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." | God's universal blessing through Abraham. |
| Deut 4:6 | "for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations" | Israel's laws and wisdom attract other nations. |
| Psa 22:27 | "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD..." | Universal worship of God. |
| Psa 67:2-7 | "That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations." | God's salvation revealed to all peoples. |
| Psa 86:9 | "All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord" | Future worship of God by all nations. |
| Isa 2:2-3 | "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD..." | Nations streaming to Jerusalem to learn of God. |
| Isa 49:6 | "I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation..." | Israel's purpose as a light to the nations. |
| Isa 56:6-7 | "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD... for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." | God's house as a place of worship for foreigners. |
| Zech 8:22-23 | "Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem..." | Gentiles coming to seek God in the future. |
| Mal 1:11 | "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles" | God's name revered universally. |
| Matt 8:10-11 | "Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham..." | Gentiles entering God's kingdom. |
| Matt 28:19 | "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..." | The Great Commission to all nations. |
| Luke 2:32 | "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." | Jesus as the light for the Gentiles. |
| John 4:41-42 | "And many more believed because of his own word... this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." | Samaritans believing in Jesus, showing a wider scope. |
| Acts 10:34-35 | "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him..." | God accepts all who fear Him, regardless of background. |
| Acts 13:47 | "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation..." | Apostolic mission to the Gentiles. |
| Rom 9:24-26 | "Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?" | God calling Gentiles alongside Jews. |
| Rom 10:12 | "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." | Equality of all before God for salvation. |
| Rom 15:9-12 | "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy..." | Gentiles glorifying God for His mercy, as prophesied. |
| Gal 3:8 | "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith..." | God's plan to justify Gentiles through faith. |
| Eph 2:11-14 | "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens..." | Gentiles are brought near to God, becoming part of His household. |
| Rev 7:9-10 | "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne..." | Diverse nations worshiping God in eternity. |
| 1 John 2:2 | "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." | Christ's atoning work is for all humanity. |
1 Kings 8 verses
1 Kings 8 41 Meaning
First Kings chapter 8 verse 41 describes Solomon's prayer concerning a foreigner, a "stranger" who is not part of the nation of Israel. This individual comes from a distant land, specifically because they have heard of the God of Israel and wish to worship Him "for thy name's sake." Solomon prays that God would hear such a person's plea and act upon it, so that all the peoples of the earth might acknowledge the greatness and uniqueness of YHWH, the God of Israel.
1 Kings 8 41 Context
First Kings chapter 8 recounts the glorious dedication of Solomon's Temple, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. After the ark of the covenant is brought into the Most Holy Place, Solomon stands before the altar and delivers an extended prayer. This prayer acknowledges God's faithfulness to David's covenant and petitions God for various future scenarios where the people of Israel might need His intervention. From drought to famine, from defeat in battle to sin within the land, Solomon systematically asks God to hear their prayers from this holy place. Verses 41-43, concerning the foreigner, stand out as a remarkable expansion of this vision, demonstrating that even at this early stage, there was an understanding of God's universal dominion and a hopeful anticipation of Gentiles being drawn to Him, ultimately for God's glory among all nations. This prayer subtly sets the stage for a future where God's saving activity extends beyond Israel's borders.
1 Kings 8 41 Word analysis
- Moreover: Signifies an addition to the preceding points, indicating a new, distinct category of prayer for someone outside the people of Israel.
- concerning a stranger:
- "Stranger" (נָכְרִי - nokhri): This term specifically denotes a foreigner, someone not belonging to the Israelite nation by birth or formal adoption. It contrasts with ger (גֵּר), which refers to a resident alien or sojourner who often lived among Israelites and had certain rights or obligations. The choice of nokhri emphasizes a person truly "from outside."
- that is not of thy people Israel: This explicitly defines the nokhri as distinct from God's chosen nation, underscoring the inclusivity of Solomon's prayer. It highlights that God's covenant relationship with Israel does not preclude His universal outreach.
- but cometh out of a far country: Reinforces the idea of distance and distinct origin, implying a significant journey undertaken with purpose. It also points to the wide reach of God's fame, even to distant lands.
- for thy name's sake:
- "for thy name's sake" (לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ - lema'an sh'mecha): This is a profound phrase. God's "name" represents His essential character, presence, power, and reputation. It implies the foreigner comes not out of mere curiosity or seeking personal gain, but because they have heard of, recognized, and wish to acknowledge YHWH as the true God, distinct from all other deities. It denotes sincere worship and a seeking of God Himself.
1 Kings 8 41 Bonus section
The specific inclusion of a prayer for foreigners (v. 41-43) in Solomon's dedication speech hints at an underlying theological concept of YHWH as a universal God, not merely a tribal or national deity. This stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures, where gods were often localized or associated with specific territories. Solomon's petition effectively dismantles such limitations by affirming that YHWH's reputation (His "name") reaches even "a far country," inspiring non-Israelites to travel great distances to seek Him. This outward-looking perspective reflects an often overlooked aspect of early Israelite faith, predating explicit calls to mission found in later prophets and the New Testament. It establishes a theological foundation for Gentile inclusion, implying that God's desire for relationship extends to all humanity.
1 Kings 8 41 Commentary
Solomon's prayer for the "stranger" (the nokhri) in 1 Kings 8:41 is a striking testament to the universal scope of God's design, even from the earliest days of Israel's national existence and Temple worship. While God's covenant was specifically with Israel, His ultimate redemptive purpose always encompassed all nations (Gen 12:3). This prayer envisions a future where God's renown transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries, attracting those from "far countries" to seek Him.
The phrase "for thy name's sake" is critical, indicating a genuine turning towards YHWH. These foreigners are not accidental tourists; they are intentional seekers of God's presence and character. Solomon prays that God would respond to such devotion, so that all the earth might come to "know thy name" and "fear thee," just as Israel does. This suggests a missional outlook embedded within the very dedication of the Temple. The Temple was not to be a fortress of exclusivity, but a beacon attracting worshipers from all walks of life. This theme is later echoed profoundly by Isaiah (Isa 56:7) and ultimately realized in the New Testament with the full inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ (Eph 2:11-22). The Temple, designed as a dwelling place for God's glory among Israel, paradoxically becomes a catalyst for that glory to spread universally.