1 Kings 8 43

1 Kings 8:43 kjv

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

1 Kings 8:43 nkjv

hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name.

1 Kings 8:43 niv

then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.

1 Kings 8:43 esv

hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.

1 Kings 8:43 nlt

then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you. In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built honors your name.

1 Kings 8 verses

1 Kings 8 43 Meaning

The verse 1 Kings 8:43 is a prayer uttered by King Solomon during the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. He petitions God to hear the prayers of foreigners, specifically those from distant lands who come to the Temple because of God's renowned name. Solomon asks God to grant their requests so that all the peoples of the earth may acknowledge God, reverence Him, just as His own people Israel do, and recognize that the Temple he built bears God's name, signifying His presence and authority. It speaks to the universal reach of God's renown and His welcoming nature beyond the borders of Israel.

1 Kings 8 43 Context

1 Kings chapter 8 describes the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon. This monumental event marked the culmination of years of labor and anticipation, signifying a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the divine presence of the Lord among His people. The chapter begins with the gathering of Israel's leaders, the procession of the Ark, and the cloud of the Lord's glory filling the Temple, indicating God's acceptance. Solomon then offers a lengthy, profound prayer, recognizing God's covenant faithfulness and omniscience, but also acknowledging God's transcendence (heaven and earth cannot contain Him). His prayer covers various scenarios of sin, distress, and foreign oppression, asking God to hear His people's repentance and restore them. Verse 43 is part of a series of petitions within this prayer (1 Kgs 8:31-53), specifically addressing the status of the "stranger" (foreigner), demonstrating a theological breadth that looks beyond national borders. This inclusion of foreigners aligns with the broader Israelite commission to be a light to the nations and testifies to the universal reach of Yahweh's dominion and concern.

1 Kings 8 43 Word analysis

• And do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for:

  • stranger: Hebrew nokri (נָכְרִי). This term typically denotes a foreigner, someone from outside the nation of Israel. Unlike ger (גֵּר) which refers to a resident alien who might adopt Israelite customs, nokri often emphasizes their non-Israelite origin, especially someone from a "far country." The inclusion of nokri signifies a wide embrace, even those completely outside Israel's immediate socio-religious framework. It's a prayer for universal reach.
  • calleth to thee for: Implies an earnest, specific request or prayer. Solomon asks God to genuinely respond to the individual petitions of these non-Israelites. This demonstrates God's willingness to engage with any individual seeking Him.

• that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel;

  • all people of the earth: Hebrew kol ammei ha'aretz (כָּל־עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ). This phrase underscores the universal scope of Solomon's vision and God's ultimate desire. It stands in contrast to common ancient Near Eastern beliefs where gods were localized to specific nations or territories. Solomon's prayer posits Yahweh as the one true God over all creation.
  • know thy name: Knowing God's "name" (shem, שֵׁם) is far more than mere intellectual assent. In ancient Hebrew thought, a name embodies the very character, attributes, and essence of a person. To "know God's name" means to understand His power, faithfulness, holiness, and nature. It signifies experiential recognition and deep respect. This leads to right relationship.
  • to fear thee: Hebrew yara' (יָרֵא). This "fear" is not terror or dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and submission born of recognizing God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and majesty. It's the proper response to God's self-revelation, leading to worship and obedience, not paralyzing fear. This concept is foundational to Israel's worship, and Solomon prays it extends universally.
  • as do thy people Israel: This phrase is critical. It suggests that the proper way to approach and relate to God (through knowing and fearing His name) is modeled by Israel. It does not demand full conversion to Israelite nationhood or ceremonial law adherence in the Mosaic sense for the foreigner, but rather the same reverent disposition towards Yahweh that characterizes true Israelite faith. It envisions shared worship.

• and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

  • this house...is called by thy name: This highlights the Temple's unique significance. "Called by Thy name" (Hebrew nikra' shimkha עָלָיו שִׁמְךָ) means the Temple is identified with God Himself. It represents His presence, authority, and reputation on earth. It is not merely a building, but the place where God's unique identity is proclaimed and where He makes Himself available. Its purpose is to be a point of revelation for God's glory to the nations. It served as a visible testament to God's reality for those who sought Him, a polemic against local and ineffective deities.

1 Kings 8 43 Bonus section

The vision in 1 Kings 8:43 is often termed "centripetal missions" – where Israel (and later, the Temple) acts as a magnet, drawing people from other nations towards God. This contrasts with "centrifugal missions" (like the Great Commission), where believers are sent out to the nations. Both concepts are present in Scripture, reflecting different aspects of God's redemptive strategy. The Temple, though a symbol of Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, was simultaneously designed to be a house of prayer for all nations, serving as a testimony to God's universal dominion and accessibility. This foreshadows the inclusive nature of the New Covenant under Christ, where nationality and physical location become secondary to spiritual reconciliation and adoption into God's family.

1 Kings 8 43 Commentary

1 Kings 8:43 unveils a profound theological vision for God's redemptive plan, one far broader than the national identity of Israel alone. Solomon's prayer emphasizes that while the Temple serves as God's chosen dwelling place among Israel, its purpose transcends their borders. It is a beacon, attracting "strangers from a far country" who come because of God's renowned name. This openness reflects a universal characteristic of Yahweh, distinct from regional deities; He is God over all the earth, interested in the devotion of all peoples. Solomon’s petition for God to answer these foreigners' prayers demonstrates God's impartiality and accessibility, reinforcing that salvation is not solely tied to ethnicity. The ultimate goal is for "all people of the earth to know Your name" and "fear You, as do Your people Israel." This underscores a shared relationship of reverent worship rooted in the understanding of God's true nature. This aligns with Abrahamic promises that through Israel, all nations would be blessed. Though the physical Temple was destroyed, its ultimate spiritual reality is fulfilled in Christ and the New Covenant community, where the Church itself becomes the "house" through which God's name is proclaimed to all nations (Eph 2:19-22). This verse serves as a historical and theological anchor for missions, affirming God's desire for global recognition and worship.