1 Kings 8:43
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 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 1 Kings 8:43 in the Bible emphasizes the importance of prayer and worship in the presence of God. In this passage, King Solomon is dedicating the newly built temple to God and asking Him to listen to the prayers of the foreigner as well as the Israelites. Solomon understands that God's grace and mercy extend to all people, not just those of a particular nationality or faith. By seeking God's intervention on behalf of strangers, Solomon hopes that the nations of the earth will come to know and fear the name of the Lord. The verse highlights the universal nature of God's love and invites all people, regardless of their background, to seek Him in times of need. The temple, as a place of worship, is meant to signify God's presence and serve as a beacon for those who seek Him, regardless of their nationality or beliefs.
Theological Overview
According to theological interpretation, the verse highlights the importance of prayer and worship. It emphasizes the idea that God's presence is not confined to a physical building, but rather extends to wherever His people call upon Him. The word "stranger" in the verse can be understood in a broader sense to refer to anyone who seeks God, regardless of their background. This demonstrates God's inclusivity and willingness to hear the prayers of all people. The reference to "thy people Israel" serves to remind readers of God's special relationship with His chosen people, but also to show that His love and mercy extend to all nations. The verse underscores the power of prayer in bringing people together in reverence and fear of God. The mention of the house that has been built in His name signifies the importance of dedicating our actions and spaces to God, inviting His presence into every aspect of our lives.
1 Kings 8:43 in other translations
American Standard Version
hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by my name.
World English Bible
hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, to fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name.
Douay-Rheims
Then hear thou in heaven, in the firmament of thy dwelling place, and do all those things, for which that stranger shall call upon thee: that all the people of the earth may learn to fear thy name, as do thy people Israel, and may prove that thy name is called upon on this house, which I have built.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Heare thou in heauen thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth for vnto thee: that all the people of the earth may know thy Name, and feare thee, as do thy people Israel: and that they may know, that thy Name is called vpon in this house which I haue built.