Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
1 Kings 8:22-61
1 K.8.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נגד: PREP
- כל: DET
- קהל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפרש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כפיו: NOUN,f,pl,poss,3,m
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:12 (quotation): Direct parallel: Chronicles retells Solomon’s dedication prayer using essentially the same wording — Solomon stands before the altar and spreads out his hands toward heaven.
- Ezra 9:5 (verbal): Similar physical gesture in prayer: Ezra rises, prostrates himself and 'spreads out his hands' to the LORD in public confession and supplication.
- Nehemiah 8:6 (verbal): Communal worship gesture: after the Law is read Ezra blesses the LORD and the people 'lift up their hands' and say 'Amen,' paralleling the motif of raised/spread hands in public prayer.
- 1 Timothy 2:8 (thematic): Thematic parallel in early Christian instruction: Paul exhorts believers to pray 'lifting up holy hands' — reflecting the same theological practice of raising hands to heaven in prayer and worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD, in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.
- Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD, in the sight of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.
1 K.8.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- כמוך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ממעל: ADV
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מתחת: PREP
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והחסד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבדיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,ms
- ההלכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:14 (quotation): Parallel account of Solomon's prayer in Chronicles; repeats the same language: 'There is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath' and refers to God keeping covenant and steadfast love.
- Deuteronomy 4:39 (verbal): Directly echoes the phrase 'the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other,' paralleling the formulaic claim of God's uniqueness in heaven and earth.
- Deuteronomy 7:9 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD is a faithful God who 'keeps covenant and steadfast love' with those who love him and keep his commandments, echoing Solomon’s appeal to God's covenantal loyalty toward his servants.
- Exodus 34:6 (verbal): God's self-revelation as merciful, gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (keeping covenant) parallels Solomon's characterization of God as keeper of covenant and lovingkindness.
- Psalm 86:15 (thematic): Describes the LORD as merciful, gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness—echoing the emphasis on God's covenantal loyalty and lovingkindness toward his servants.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth beneath; you keep covenant and steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart.
- Solomon said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth beneath; you keep your covenant and your steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart.
1 K.8.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ותדבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בפיך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- ובידך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss:2,sg
- מלאת: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- כיום: ADV
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 17:23 (verbal): A close parallel in the chronicler's retelling of the temple dedication: repeats the language that God has kept the promise made to David, reflecting the same covenantal claim.
- 2 Samuel 7:28-29 (thematic): David's own prayer of thanksgiving for the divine promise (the Davidic covenant); Solomon refers to this original promise/assurance that God gave to David.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (thematic): Explicit statement of God's oath to David ('I have made a covenant with my chosen; I have sworn unto David my servant…'), which is the promise Solomon says God has kept.
- Acts 13:34 (allusion): Paul cites the promise to David and its fulfillment (in the resurrection/Christ) — a New Testament application of the same theme that God kept his word to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have kept to your servant David my father what you promised him; you spoke with your mouth and have fulfilled it with your hand this day.
- You have kept for your servant David my father the promise you made him by your mouth, and with your hand you have fulfilled it this day.
1 K.8.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכרת: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלפני: PREP
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רק: PRT
- אם: CONJ
- ישמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בניך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+POSS,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דרכם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- לפני: PREP
- כאשר: CONJ
- הלכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- לפני: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (quotation): The foundational divine promise to David about an enduring house and throne; Solomon's prayer invokes this exact covenantal pledge and its conditions.
- 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 (quotation): Parallel retelling of the Davidic covenant found in 2 Samuel 7; Chronicles restates the promise that a descendant of David will sit on Israel's throne.
- 1 Kings 9:4-5 (thematic): A closely related passage in Kings where God repeats the conditional aspect of the promise—continued blessing depends on obedience—echoing Solomon's petition that David's line be preserved if his sons walk rightly.
- Psalm 89:3-4, 36-37 (allusion): Psalmic reflection on the Davidic covenant (God's oath to David and the promise of an enduring line and throne) that resonates with the language and hopes expressed in Solomon's prayer.
- Psalm 132:11 (allusion): Explicit reference to God's oath to David to set a lamp for his anointed—an echo of the covenantal assurance Solomon recalls regarding David's descendants and rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep to your servant David my father what you promised him, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, provided your sons take heed to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.'"
- Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, confirm for your servant David my father the promise you made him: that there shall not fail a man to sit before you on the throne of Israel, provided that your sons take heed to their way to walk before you as you have walked before me.
1 K.8.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאמן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- דברך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:14 (verbal): Solomon’s temple-dedication prayer is repeated almost verbatim in Chronicles; the plea that God make His word to David stand mirrors 1 Kgs 8:26 exactly.
- 2 Samuel 7:28-29 (quotation): David’s own prayer in response to God’s promise; affirms the truth of God’s word to David and petitions that the promised blessing be fulfilled—this is the covenantal basis Solomon appeals to.
- 1 Chronicles 17:22-27 (verbal): Parallel recounting of the Davidic covenant in Chronicles (parallel to 2 Sam 7); echoes the language of God’s promise to David that Solomon invokes in his dedication prayer.
- 1 Kings 9:5 (allusion): Later in Kings Solomon again appeals to God’s promise to David as binding on God’s faithfulness toward his house—an implicit recurrence of the request that God confirm His word to David.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (Heb. 4-5) (thematic): A royal psalm celebrating God’s covenant with David (’I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant…’), providing theological background for Solomon’s petition that God fulfill His word to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore now, O God of Israel, confirm the word that you have spoken to your servant David my father.
- O God of Israel, now confirm, I pray, the word that you spoke to your servant David my father.
1 K.8.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- האמנם: PRT
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הנה: PART
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ושמי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,construct
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכלכלוך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בניתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:18 (verbal): Direct repetition of Solomon's prayer in Chronicles: the same claim that the heavens cannot contain God and thus the temple cannot contain him.
- Isaiah 66:1 (verbal): Declares 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool' and asks where a house for God could be built—expresses the same transcendent idea that God is not confined to a temple.
- Acts 7:48 (quotation): Stephen cites Isaiah to assert that the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands, echoing Solomon's point that God cannot be contained by the temple.
- Jeremiah 23:24 (thematic): Speaks of God's omnipresence ('Do not I fill heaven and earth?'), paralleling Solomon's assertion that even the heavens cannot contain God.
- Psalm 139:7-10 (thematic): The psalmist's meditation on God's inescapable presence ('Where shall I go from your Spirit?') complements the theme that God is not limited to any one place or building.
Alternative generated candidates
- But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!
- But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!
1 K.8.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ופנית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תפלת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תחנתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לשמע: INF,qal,infc
- אל: NEG
- הרנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- התפלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- מתפלל: VERB,qal,ptc,act,m,sg
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chr.6.21 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Solomon's temple prayer almost verbatim; the same petition that the LORD hear the prayer and supplication of his servant.
- Ps.86.6 (verbal): Uses the plea 'give ear to my prayer'/'attend to the voice of my supplications,' a close verbal parallel to Solomon's request that God hear his prayer.
- Ps.17.1 (verbal): 'Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend unto my cry' echoes the petition language—an appeal for God to hear and attend to the servant's plea.
- Jer.29.12 (thematic): Assures that when God’s people call and pray he will listen; thematically parallels Solomon's request for God to hear the prayers of his servant and the nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet regard the prayer of your servant and his plea, O LORD my God; listen to the cry and the prayer that your servant prays before you today.
- Yet turn your ear to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and to the prayer that your servant offers before you this day.
1 K.8.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- להיות: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
- עינך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- פתחות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- שם: ADV
- לשמע: INF,qal,infc
- אל: NEG
- התפלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יתפלל: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chron.6.20 (verbal): Parallel account of Solomon's dedication prayer with nearly identical wording: 'May your eyes be open toward this house day and night... to listen to the prayer.'
- Daniel 6.10 (thematic): Daniel prays with windows open toward Jerusalem—theme of directing prayer toward the temple/holy place and God responding to such petitions even in exile.
- Isaiah 56.7 (thematic): Temple as a place of prayer: 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,' linking the sanctuary with God's reception of prayer.
- Psalm 121.4 (thematic): Affirms God's ceaseless watchfulness—'He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep'—echoing the idea of God's eyes being open day and night to hear prayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let your eyes be open toward this house day and night, toward the place of which you said, 'My name shall be there,' to hear the prayer that your servant makes toward this place.
- Let your eyes be open toward this house day and night, toward the place of which you said, "My name shall be there," to listen to the prayer that your servant makes toward this place.
1 K.8.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תחנת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ועמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2ms
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יתפללו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבתך: NOUN,f,sg,suff-2ms
- אל: NEG
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ושמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- וסלחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:21 (verbal): Almost verbatim parallel to Solomon’s dedication prayer in Chronicles — asks God to hear from his dwelling place in heaven when people pray toward the temple.
- 1 Kings 8:34-35 (structural): Immediate context/continuation of the same prayer-formula describing situations when Israelites pray toward the house and God hears from heaven and forgives.
- Nehemiah 1:5 (verbal): Nehemiah opens his petition with the same plea, 'Hear, O LORD, the prayer of your servant,' echoing the language and request for divine attention to prayers.
- Daniel 6:10 (thematic): Daniel’s regular practice of turning toward Jerusalem to pray mirrors the idea of directing prayer toward the temple/holy place so that God may hear.
- Isaiah 56:7 (thematic): The temple described as 'a house of prayer for all peoples' connects to the notion of the designated place toward which prayers are offered and heard.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear the plea of your servant and the plea of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
- Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; hear from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
1 K.8.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יחטא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרעהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss3ms
- ונשא: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- להאלתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- לפני: PREP
- מזבחך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chron.6.22-23 (quotation): Parallel wording in Solomon's temple-prayer: repeats the scenario of a man sinning against his neighbor and an oath brought before the altar.
- Lev.5.4-6 (verbal): Law concerning rash oaths and the need to confess and bring a guilt offering when one utters an oath to sin—directly relevant to oaths presented before the sanctuary.
- Lev.6.1-7 (thematic): Regulation for someone who wrongs a neighbor: restitution (with an added fifth) and bringing a guilt offering to the priest—parallels the case of sin between individuals brought to the cultic forum.
- Num.5.5-8 (thematic): Instruction that a person who wrongs a neighbor must confess and make full restitution (or repay to the priest) — echoes the requirement to resolve personal wrongs in relation to the sanctuary.
- Deut.17.8-9 (structural): Procedure for difficult legal cases to be brought to the Levitical priests/judges at the central place of worship—structurally parallels bringing disputes before God at the temple.
Alternative generated candidates
- When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to present his case, and comes and takes his case before your altar in this house,
- When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to bring an offering for his guilt to the LORD, and he comes and brings his offering before your altar in this house,
1 K.8.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ושפטת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- להרשיע: VERB,hiph,inf
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- דרכו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בראשו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ולהצדיק: VERB,hiph,inf
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כצדקתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:23 (quotation): Solomon repeats the same temple-prayer in Chronicles; the language of God hearing from heaven, judging servants, condemning the wicked and justifying the righteous closely parallels 1 Kgs 8:32 (near-verbatim).
- Jeremiah 17:10 (verbal): God declares that He searches hearts and minds and ‘gives to each according to his ways,’ echoing the justice-language of vindication and recompense in 1 Kgs 8:32.
- Proverbs 24:12 (thematic): Challenges the claim of ignorance before God who weighs hearts and ‘will render to every man according to his works,’ paralleling the theme of divine judgment and recompense.
- Psalm 62:12 (Heb. 62:13) (verbal): Affirms that ‘to you, O Lord, belongs mercy…you will render to each man according to his work,’ reflecting the same principle of God’s righteous judgment and reward found in 1 Kgs 8:32.
- Psalm 9:8 (thematic): Speaks of God reigning to execute judgment in righteousness and defend the afflicted—resonant with the temple-prayer’s emphasis on God judging righteously and vindicating the righteous while condemning the wicked.
Alternative generated candidates
- then hear from heaven and act; judge your servants, vindicating the righteous and condemning the wicked—give to each according to his way and according to the truth of his heart.
- then hear from heaven and act, and judge your servants, condemning the guilty by bringing his way upon his head, and vindicating the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.
1 K.8.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בהנגף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- אויב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יחטאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- והודו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- והתפללו: CONJ+VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- והתחננו: CONJ+VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:28 (quotation): Parallel wording in Solomon’s temple dedication prayer in Chronicles: the scenario of Israel defeated for sin, turning back, confessing God’s name and praying in the house is repeated almost verbatim.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (thematic): Gives the conditional promise that if God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek God and turn from their sins, God will hear, forgive and heal—echoing the repentance/prayer motif of 1 Kgs 8:33.
- Deuteronomy 4:30-31 (thematic): Speaks of Israel in distress abroad who return to the LORD and obey, and the LORD’s compassion and restoration—a covenantal promise tied to repentance and return, thematically linked to 1 Kgs 8:33.
- Leviticus 26:40-42 (thematic): Describes confession of iniquity and turning back to God, prompting God to remember His covenant and relent—resonates with the confess/return/appeal pattern in Solomon’s prayer.
- Jeremiah 29:12-14 (thematic): Promises that when the exiles call and pray to God, He will hear and gather them back—parallels the assurance that God hears petitions offered in the house when the people repent.
Alternative generated candidates
- When your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against you, and they return to you and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you in this house,
- If your people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and they turn back to you and give thanks to your name and pray and plead before you in this house,
1 K.8.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וסלחת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לחטאת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והשבתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg+3,pl_obj
- אל: NEG
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לאבותם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:26 (structural): Direct parallel in Chronicles repeating Solomon’s petition that God ‘hear from heaven,’ forgive the people of Israel, and bring them back to the land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (verbal): Similar wording and promise: if God’s people repent and seek him, he will ‘hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land,’ echoing the prayer’s conditions and results.
- Deuteronomy 30:1-3 (thematic): Foresees Israel’s return after repentance and God’s restoration to the land—provides the covenantal-theological background for praying that God forgive and restore the nation.
- Leviticus 26:40-45 (allusion): Lays out the covenantal pattern: confession of iniquity, God’s remembrance of the covenant, forgiveness, and restoration—paralleling Solomon’s appeal for pardon and return.
- Jeremiah 29:10-14 (thematic): Prophetic promise that God will bring Israel back from exile after the appointed time and restore them when they seek him—echoes the linkage of forgiveness, return, and restoration in Solomon’s prayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which you gave to their fathers.
- then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their fathers.
1 K.8.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בהעצר: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יחטאו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- והתפללו: CONJ+VERB,hitp,imprf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- והודו: CONJ+VERB,piel,imprf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- ומחטאתם: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ישובון: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- תענם: VERB,qal,imprf,2,m,sg+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:26 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Solomon’s temple prayer parallel to 1 Kgs 8:35 almost verbatim, including the scenario of shut heavens, prayer toward the house, confession and turning from sin.
- Deuteronomy 11:16-17 (verbal): Covenant warning that if Israel turns away God will 'shut up the heavens' and there will be no rain — same causal link between sin and withheld rain found in 1 Kgs 8:35.
- Deuteronomy 28:23-24 (thematic): Part of the curse for disobedience describing skies like bronze and lack of rain; thematically parallels drought as divine punishment for sin.
- Amos 4:7 (verbal): God declares he withheld rain from some cities as discipline for Israel’s behavior — a prophetic example of the same punitive withholding of rain mentioned in 1 Kgs 8:35.
- Joel 2:12-14 (thematic): A call to return, pray and repent so that God will relent and restore — parallels the requirement that confession and turning from sin precede divine restoration after drought.
Alternative generated candidates
- If the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, and they pray toward this place and confess your name and turn from their sin when you are angry with them,
- If the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, and they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin when you afflict them,
1 K.8.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וסלחת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לחטאת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- ועמך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- תורם: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הטובה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ילכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ונתתה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ארצך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לנחלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chron 6:26 (quotation): Parallel/verbatim repetition of Solomon's temple-prayer in Chronicles: petitions to hear from heaven, forgive the people's sin, and give rain to the land are echoed almost word-for-word.
- Deut 11:13-14 (verbal): Conditional promise: if Israel obeys (walks in God's way) God will send rain on the land—the theological background for Solomon's plea linking forgiveness, right walking, and rain.
- Deut 28:12 (thematic): One of the covenant blessing texts that associates obedience to Yahweh with fertility and abundance (including rain), providing covenantal context for Solomon’s request for rain as a sign of blessing.
- 1 Kgs 8:35 (structural): Immediate context within Solomon's prayer: the preceding verse sets the pattern (sin, repentance, and seeking the Lord) that leads into the petition of 8:36 for forgiveness and rain.
- Ps 85:2-3 (thematic): Psalmist's entreaty that God has forgiven the people's iniquity and restored them—parallels the linkage in 1 Kgs 8:36 between divine forgiveness and subsequent restoration/blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and send rain upon your land, which you gave to your people as an inheritance.
- then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants and of your people Israel, for you will direct them in the good way in which they should walk, and give rain on your land which you have given to your people as an inheritance.
1 K.8.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רעב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שדפון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירקון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבה: VERB,hif,impf,1,c,sg,NA
- חסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יצר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- איבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- שעריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- נגע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- מחלה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:28-30 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Solomon’s temple-prayer almost verbatim, listing the same calamities (famine, pestilence, blasting, locusts, etc.) and prescribing that when the people pray toward the house God will hear.
- 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (thematic): God’s response to Solomon’s dedication prayer mentions the same signs (famine, pestilence, locusts) and promises healing if the people repent and pray—same framework of calamity + corporate prayer.
- Deuteronomy 28:20-22, 38-42 (thematic): The covenant curses in Deuteronomy enumerate similar sanctions — hunger, pestilence, mildew and loss to locusts — linking national calamities to covenant unfaithfulness, the broader legal-theological background for Solomon’s petition.
- Joel 1:4; 2:25 (allusion): Joel’s vivid descriptions of locusts, blasting and agricultural devastation parallel the specific plagues named in Solomon’s prayer and form a prophetic literary echo of the same calamities that threaten the land.
Alternative generated candidates
- If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, blight, mildew, locust, or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities, or whatever plague or whatever sickness there is,
- If there be famine in the land, or pestilence, blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness,
1 K.8.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- תפלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- תחנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- לכל: PREP
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ידעון: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- ופרש: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כפיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3ms
- אל: NEG
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 8:41-43 (verbal): Continuation of Solomon's dedication prayer that repeats and expands the same language, explicitly addressing foreigners and their prayers toward the temple — closely parallels verse 38 in wording and intent.
- 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 (verbal): Chronicles' retelling of Solomon's prayer uses nearly identical language about 'every prayer and plea' made toward this house, functioning as a direct parallel/recension of the same petition.
- Isaiah 56:7 (thematic): Declares the temple/house as 'a house of prayer for all peoples,' thematically echoing Solomon's concern that any person (including non-Israelites) may pray toward the house and be heard.
- Matthew 21:13 (quotation): Jesus cites Isaiah's 'house of prayer' language when cleansing the temple, connecting the idea that the house is intended for prayer by all nations to the New Testament critique of its misuse.
Alternative generated candidates
- whatever prayer or plea is made by any person or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house,
- whatever prayer or plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each one who knows the affliction of his own heart and spreads out his hands toward this house,
1 K.8.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מכון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבתך: NOUN,f,sg,poss2,m
- וסלחת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ככל: PREP
- דרכיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תדע: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- לבבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לבדך: ADV,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- לבב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Jeremiah 17:10 (verbal): Directly parallels the statement that God searches and knows the heart and mind, and repays each according to his ways (’I the LORD search the heart… I will repay’).
- 1 Chronicles 28:9 (verbal): Solomon (David speaking) warns that the LORD ‘searches all hearts and understands every plan,’ echoing the temple-prayer theme of God’s exclusive knowledge of human hearts.
- Psalm 139:1-4 (thematic): Expresses the same conviction that God knows the inner life (thoughts, words before spoken), underscoring God’s intimate knowledge of every person’s heart and ways.
- Hebrews 4:12-13 (thematic): Applies the Old Testament theme to Christ’s present ministry: nothing hidden from God’s sight, all hearts and motives exposed to divine judgment and recompense.
- Proverbs 21:2 (verbal): Affirms the related idea that human ways are judged by God’s weighing of the heart—people’s actions are assessed in light of their inner motives, resonating with ‘give to each according to his ways.’
Alternative generated candidates
- then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and act, and forgive, and give to each according to all his ways—for you know his heart, for you alone know the hearts of all the children of men.
- then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to all his ways, for you know his heart—you alone know the hearts of all the children of men.
1 K.8.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- יראוך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לאבתינו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,1,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 6:2 (verbal): Uses the same exhortation to 'fear the LORD' throughout one's life (and for descendants), linking obedience/fear as the proper response to God's gift and covenant.
- 2 Chronicles 6:40 (structural): Parallel retelling of Solomon's temple prayer in Chronicles; contains the corresponding petition about those living in the land God gave to the fathers.
- Deuteronomy 4:40 (thematic): Connects obedience/fear with long life and well-being in the land God gives to the ancestors—same covenantal link between fearing God and dwelling in the land.
- Leviticus 26:3 (thematic): Promises blessing and continued dwelling in the land when the people walk in God's statutes—thematically related to fearing/obeying God to remain in the land given to the fathers.
Alternative generated candidates
- That they may fear you all the days that they live on the land which you gave to our fathers.
- That they may fear you all the days that they live in the land which you gave to our fathers.
1 K.8.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגם: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- הנכרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- מעמך: PREP+PRON,2ms
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחוקה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- למען: PREP
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chr.6.32-33 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Solomon’s temple-prayer nearly verbatim about the foreigner who comes from a far country to pray 'for your name' and seeks the Lord in Jerusalem.
- Isa.56.6-7 (thematic): Promises that foreigners who join themselves to the LORD will be brought to his holy mountain and that his house will be a house of prayer for all peoples — inclusion of non‑Israelite worshipers.
- Zech.8.22 (thematic): Foretells many peoples and strong nations coming to seek the LORD in Jerusalem, echoing the theme of nations coming to God's house.
- Ps.86.9 (thematic): Affirms that all nations whom God has made will come and worship before him, paralleling the inward movement of Gentiles to worship.
- Acts 10:34-35 (thematic): Peter’s declaration that God shows no partiality and accepts those from any nation who fear him parallels the inclusion of foreigners who come to pray to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also concerning the foreigner who is not of your people Israel, but comes from a far country for the sake of your name,
- Also concerning the foreigner who is not of your people Israel, but comes from a far country for your name’s sake;
1 K.8.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- ישמעון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- ידך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,f,sg
- החזקה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וזרעך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:2ms
- הנטויה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והתפלל: CONJ+VERB,hitp,impf,3,ms
- אל: NEG
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:32 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Solomon’s dedication prayer almost verbatim; this verse corresponds closely to 2 Chr 6:32–33 about peoples hearing God’s name and coming to pray toward the house.
- Psalm 102:15 (Heb. 16) (verbal): Uses similar language about the nations hearing/fearing the LORD’s name and acknowledging his glory—paralleling ‘they will hear your great name’.
- Isaiah 56:7 (thematic): Speaks of foreigners joining themselves to the LORD and his house being ‘a house of prayer for all peoples,’ echoing the motif of outsiders coming to pray toward God’s house.
- Micah 4:2 (cf. Isaiah 2:3) (thematic): Foretells many nations coming to the house of the LORD to learn and worship—a broader prophetic analogue to nations coming and praying toward the temple.
Alternative generated candidates
- for they will hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm, when he comes and prays toward this house,
- for they will hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, and they will come and pray toward this house.
1 K.8.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מכון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons+2,m
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יקרא: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- הנכרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למען: PREP
- ידעון: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- ליראה: VERB,qal,inf
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- כעמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons+2,m
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולדעת: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- כי: CONJ
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- נקרא: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בניתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 (quotation): Nearly identical passage in the parallel temple-dedication prayer pleading that God hear the foreigner who calls to him so that all peoples may know God's name and fear him, and that the house be called by God's name.
- Isaiah 56:7 (allusion): Speaks of God's house as 'a house of prayer for all peoples,' echoing the theme that the temple is for nations beyond Israel and that foreigners may worship and know God's name.
- Malachi 1:11 (verbal): Declares that from sunrise to sunset God's name is great among the nations and that offerings are made to his name, resonating with the petition that all the peoples of the earth come to know and revere God's name.
- Psalm 86:9-10 (thematic): Asserts that all nations made by God will come and worship him and glorify his name, paralleling the hope that foreigners will call on God and that all peoples will know and fear his name as Israel does.
Alternative generated candidates
- hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner who calls to you shall call—for all the peoples of the earth may know your name, to fear you as does your people Israel, and to know that your name is called upon this house.
- Hear in heaven your dwelling place, and act, as the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as does your people Israel, and know that your name is called upon this house which I have built.
1 K.8.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- איבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תשלחם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- והתפללו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בחרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- והבית: NOUN,m,sg,def,pref:v
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בנתי: NOUN,f,pl,abs+1s
- לשמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2Chr.6.33 (quotation): Parallel (near‑verbatim) version of Solomon’s petition in Chronicles: the petition that when the people go out to war and pray toward the chosen city and the house, God would hear from heaven.
- Deut.12.11 (allusion): Speaks of bringing sacrifices to 'the place the LORD will choose' — echoes Solomon’s language about 'the city which you have chosen' as the locus of worship and prayer.
- Deut.20.2-4 (thematic): Regulations and priestly encouragement when Israel goes to battle; connects the theme of seeking God’s aid and affirmation of divine presence in military contexts.
- 1Kgs.8.41-43 (verbal): Immediate parallel within Solomon’s prayer about foreigners and others who come from afar and pray toward the house and city — repeats the formula of praying toward the chosen city and temple.
- Ps.20.1-5 (thematic): Royal/communal prayer for help in the day of battle and for divine vindication — thematically parallels petitions for God’s intervention when going out to war.
Alternative generated candidates
- When your people go out to war against their enemy by the way that you send them, and they cry to the LORD toward the city which you have chosen and toward the house which I have built for your name,
- When your people go out to battle against their enemies by the way that you send them, and they pray to the LORD toward the city you have chosen and toward the house I have built for your name,
1 K.8.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- תפלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- תחנתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- משפטם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:28-30 (verbal): Solomon’s temple-prayer in Chronicles repeats the same petition that the heavens hear the people’s prayer and render justice — language closely parallel to 1 Kgs 8:45.
- 1 Kings 8:30 (verbal): An immediate parallel within the same prayer: Solomon asks God to 'hear from heaven, your dwelling place' when the people pray toward the house, echoing the motif of heaven hearing and judging.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (thematic): Presents the conditional promise that if the people repent and pray, God will 'hear from heaven' and heal/forgive — the same covenantal assurance that God attends to prayers addressed toward his house.
- Deuteronomy 26:15 (allusion): A cultic petition invoking God 'from your holy habitation, from heaven' to look down and act on behalf of Israel; background language for temple petitions that God will hear from heaven.
Alternative generated candidates
- then hear in heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.
- then hear in heaven their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause.
1 K.8.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- יחטאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- יחטא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואנפת: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ונתתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- אויב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושבום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שביהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- האויב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחוקה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- קרובה: ADJ,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chron.6:24-25 (verbal): Almost identical wording in Solomon’s prayer in Chronicles: the admission that none are without sin and that God may give them into the hand of an enemy, carried captive to a land far or near.
- Deut.30:1-3 (thematic): Speaks of Israel’s sins, being sent into exile among the nations, and the promise that if they return to the Lord he will gather them back—the same sequence of sin, exile, and hoped-for restoration in Solomon’s petition.
- Deut.4:27-31 (allusion): Warns that disobedience will bring scattering to distant lands and that in distress the people must return to the Lord who will have compassion and restore them—language echoed in 1 Kgs 8:46–48.
- Ps.106:40-46 (thematic): Recalls Israel’s repeated sin, God’s anger and being given over to enemies, followed by repentance and God’s remembrance and restoration—parallels the pattern described in Solomon’s temple prayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- If they sin against you—for there is no man who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them into the hand of an enemy, and their captors take them captive to a land far or near;
- If they sin against you—for there is no man who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them over to the enemy so that those who take them captive carry them away to a land far or near;
1 K.8.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והשיבו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- לבם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נשבו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- שם: ADV
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- והתחננו: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- שביהם: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- חטאנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,pl
- והעוינו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- רשענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:37-39 (verbal): Parallel formulation in Solomon's dedication prayer in Chronicles: petitions for those taken captive who turn their heart and confess 'we have sinned,' asking God to hear from heaven and restore them.
- Deuteronomy 30:2-3 (thematic): Earliest law-book promise that when the people return/repent in the land of their exile, the LORD will restore them—foundation for the motif of 'returning in the land of their captivity.'
- Jeremiah 29:10-14 (thematic): Message to the exiles: after seventy years God will bring them back; when they call and seek the LORD with all their heart he will be found—echoes the theme of repentance and return from exile.
- Daniel 9:4-19 (verbal): Daniel's penitential prayer on behalf of Israel in exile uses corporate confession ('we have sinned, we have done wrong') and appeals for God's restoration—strong verbal and thematic resonance.
- Psalm 106:6,47 (thematic): Psalmist confesses corporate sinfulness ('we have sinned with our fathers') and prays for God to 'gather' and 'save' the people from the nations—paralleling confession and plea for return.
Alternative generated candidates
- and when they are in the land of their captivity, they repent and turn to you in the land where they are held captive, saying, 'We have sinned and done wrong, we have acted wickedly;'
- and in the land of their captivity they turn to you with all their heart and repent and plead to you, saying, "We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly;"
1 K.8.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- נפשם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- איביהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff_3mp
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שבו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- והתפללו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארצם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לאבותם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,3,m,pl
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בחרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- והבית: NOUN,m,sg,def,pref:v
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בניתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- לשמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chron.6:37-38 (verbal): Parallel account of Solomon's temple prayer with nearly identical wording about the exiles returning with all their heart and soul and praying toward the city/house Solomon built.
- Deut.4:29 (verbal): Uses the same language of seeking/returning to the LORD 'with all your heart and with all your soul' in the context of being scattered in exile — a lexical and thematic echo.
- Deut.30:2 (thematic): Promises that when the people return to the LORD and obey (in the land of their exile), they will seek God and be restored — resonates with Solomon's petition for return, prayer, and divine hearing.
- Jer.29:12-13 (thematic): Assures exiles that if they call and seek the LORD with all their heart he will be found and answered — closely parallels Solomon's appeal that returnees in foreign lands will pray and be heard.
Alternative generated candidates
- and they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been carried away, and pray toward their land which you gave to their fathers, the city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name,
- and they return to you with all their heart and all their soul in the land of their enemies who carried them away captive, and they pray to you toward their land which you gave to their fathers, the city you have chosen, and the house I have built for your name.
1 K.8.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מכון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבתך: NOUN,f,sg,cs,2,m
- את: PRT,acc
- תפלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- תחנתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- משפטם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chron.6.40 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Solomon’s temple-prayer almost verbatim: asking that God 'hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their supplication' and vindicate their cause.
- Deut.4.30-31 (thematic): Promise that when Israel is distressed and returns to the LORD, he will 'hear from heaven' and forgive—echoes the conditional, covenantal motif of God hearing petitions from his dwelling-place.
- Jer.29.12-14 (thematic): God’s assurance to exiles that if they call and pray to him, he will listen and gather them—parallels the theme of God hearing prayers from afar and responding to supplication.
- Ps.65.2 (verbal): Psalm language of God as one who 'hears prayer' and is the locus from which prayers are answered resonates with the petition that God hear the people's prayer in his dwelling place.
Alternative generated candidates
- then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.
- Hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause.
1 K.8.50 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וסלחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חטאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פשעיהם: NOUN,m,pl,poss
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פשעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ונתתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- לרחמים: PREP
- לפני: PREP
- שביהם: NOUN,m,pl,poss
- ורחמום: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:37-39 (verbal): Solomon’s temple-prayer in Chronicles parallels the Kings text almost word-for-word, pleading for forgiveness of the people in exile and for God’s mercy toward those who carry them away.
- Deuteronomy 30:1-3 (thematic): Promises restoration when the people return after suffering exile; establishes the covenantal pattern linking repentance, divine forgiveness, and return from captivity echoed in 1 Kgs 8:50.
- Daniel 9:16-19 (thematic): Daniel’s confession and plea for mercy on behalf of the exiled people closely parallels the petition for forgiveness and for God to grant compassion to those holding Israel in captivity.
- Nehemiah 1:9 (thematic): Nehemiah invokes the covenantal promise that if the people repent and return, God will gather and restore them from exile—reflecting the same conditional hope for mercy found in 1 Kgs 8:50.
- Psalm 79:8-9 (verbal): A communal prayer for God’s help and cleansing of sin ('purge away our sins'/'forgive') that echoes the language and intent of pleading for divine mercy on a sinning nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions by which they have transgressed against you; and grant them mercy before those who carried them away captive, that they may have compassion on them.
- Forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions by which they have transgressed against you; and grant them compassion before those who carried them away captive, that they may receive mercy.
1 K.8.51 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ונחלתך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cons,2,m,sg
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוצאת: VERB,hiphil,perf,2,m,sg
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מתוך: PREP
- כור: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- הברזל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Deut.4.20 (verbal): Uses the same language and idea: God brought Israel 'out of Egypt, out of the iron furnace' to be his people and inheritance—close verbal parallel to 1 Kgs 8:51.
- 2 Chr.6.32 (quotation): Parallel verse in Solomon's temple-prayer (Chronicles repeats the Kings text), essentially the same petition and wording as 1 Kgs 8:51.
- Ps.135.4 (thematic): Affirms the same theological claim—YHWH has chosen Jacob/Israel as his own possession (people and heritage), echoing the idea of Israel as God's inheritance.
- Deut.14.2 (thematic): Declares Israel to be a people 'chosen' and 'treasured' by the LORD—theological parallel to the description of Israel as God's people and inheritance brought from Egypt.
Alternative generated candidates
- For your people and your inheritance are they, whom you brought out of Egypt, out of the iron furnace.
- For your people and your inheritance are they, whom you brought out of Egypt, out of the iron furnace.
1 K.8.52 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- להיות: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
- עיניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- פתחות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- תחנת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תחנת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשמע: INF,qal,infc
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קראם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chr.6.40 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel in the Chronicler’s version of Solomon’s dedication prayer: asks that God’s eyes be open toward the house to hear the people’s cry.
- 1 Kgs.8.29 (verbal): Earlier line in the same prayer that requests God attend to the cry and prayer of the servant—same petition about God’s attention to prayer toward the temple.
- Deut.11.12 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD’s attentive care for the land—‘the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it’—echoing the theme of God’s continual watchfulness over his dwelling/place.
- 2 Chr.7.14 (thematic): Promises that if the people repent God will ‘hear from heaven’—thematically linked to the temple prayer’s plea that God hear the people’s cries when they turn to him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let your eyes be open to the plea of your servant and to the plea of your people Israel, to give ear to them whenever they call to you.
- Let your eyes be open toward the prayer of your servant and toward the prayer of your people Israel, to listen whenever they call upon you.
1 K.8.53 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- הבדלתם: VERB,hif,perf,2,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- לנחלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- בהוציאך: PREP+VERB,hif,ptc,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבתינו: NOUN,m,pl,suff:1pl
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 19:5 (verbal): God promises Israel will be his 'treasured possession' among all peoples when he brings them out of Egypt—parallels the idea of being separated as an inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 7:6 (thematic): Declares Israel a holy people chosen by the LORD as his special/treasured possession, echoing the theme of divine selection and inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 26:18-19 (allusion): God's declaration that Israel is his people and his treasured possession, a formulation linked to the covenantal act of bringing them out of Egypt referenced in 1 Kgs 8:53.
- Psalm 135:4 (verbal): Affirms that the LORD has chosen Jacob/Israel for himself and made them his possession—short, poetic parallel to the claim of divine election and inheritance.
- 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 (structural): Parallel passage in Chronicles' version of Solomon's temple prayer that repeats the same idea and wording about God separating Israel as his inheritance and invoking Moses' role in the Exodus.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you have separated them to be your own inheritance out of all the peoples of the earth, as you spoke by the hand of Moses your servant, when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O LORD God.
- For you have separated them for yourself to be a people exclusive to you above all the peoples of the earth, as you promised by the hand of Moses your servant when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O LORD God.
1 K.8.54 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ככלות: PREP+INFN,qal,inf
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- להתפלל: VERB,hitp,inf
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- התפלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והתחנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- קם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלפני: PREP
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מכרע: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ברכיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+sfx3,m
- וכפיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3m
- פרשות: ADJ,f,pl
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:12-13 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel describing Solomon standing before the altar, kneeling and spreading his hands toward heaven during the temple dedication prayer.
- 1 Kings 8:22 (structural): Earlier verse in the same chapter where Solomon stands before the altar to begin his prayer—sets the structural frame for 8:54 as conclusion of the prayer.
- Daniel 6:10 (thematic): Daniel’s regular practice of kneeling in prayer toward Jerusalem parallels the motif of kneeling posture and directed prayer toward God.
- Psalm 95:6 (thematic): Invites worshipers to come, bow, and kneel before the LORD—echoes the physical posture of reverent kneeling in 1 Kgs 8:54.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 (thematic): Describes the divine response and communal worship immediately after the dedication prayer, thematically linked to the conclusion of Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kgs 8:54.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Solomon finished all the prayer and supplication before the LORD, he rose from before the altar of the LORD, having knelt on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven.
- When Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, he rose from before the altar of the LORD, where he had knelt on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven.
1 K.8.55 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- קהל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:3 (quotation): Parallel account of Solomon's temple dedication in Chronicles: contains essentially the same wording (Solomon stands and blesses the assembly).
- Numbers 6:22-27 (verbal): Contains the priestly blessing pronounced over Israel — a formal liturgical benediction like the blessing pronounced over the congregation in 1 Kings 8.
- Deuteronomy 33:1-29 (thematic): Moses' farewell blessing of the tribes: an authoritative leader pronounces comprehensive blessings on the people, paralleling Solomon's act of blessing the whole assembly.
- 1 Chronicles 29:20-22 (structural): During the dedication and offering connected with building the temple, David and the assembly bless and praise — a structurally similar scene of royal liturgical blessing.
- Luke 24:50-51 (thematic): Jesus stands with his followers and blesses them before his ascension — a New Testament parallel of a leader publicly blessing his assembled followers at a climactic moment.
Alternative generated candidates
- He stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,
- Then he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,
1 K.8.56 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- נפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מכל: PREP
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 21:43-45 (verbal): Very close wording and idea — the Lord gave Israel rest and “there failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken” (echo of God’s promises coming to pass).
- Deuteronomy 12:9-10 (thematic): Moses’ promise that the LORD will give Israel rest in the land they inherit; 1 Kings cites fulfillment of promises given through Moses.
- Psalm 105:8-11 (thematic): Affirms God’s faithfulness to his covenant/promises to the patriarchs and the giving of the land — thematically parallels the assurance that God’s words did not fail.
- Hebrews 4:8-9 (structural): New Testament reflection on the motif of ‘rest’ (including Joshua’s/rest motif) and the ongoing significance of God’s promise of rest — picks up the same theological theme of fulfilled and continuing rest.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised—there has not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.
- "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised; not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.
1 K.8.57 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהי: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כאשר: CONJ
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- אבתינו: NOUN,m,pl,suff:1pl
- אל: NEG
- יעזבנו: VERB,qal,impf,juss,3,m,sg,1,pl,obj
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יטשנו: VERB,qal,impf,juss,3,m,sg,1,pl,obj
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): Contains the exact assurance 'He will not leave you or forsake you' — a direct verbal parallel promising God's enduring presence.
- Deuteronomy 31:8 (verbal): Repeats the promise that the LORD goes before Israel and 'will not forsake you or leave you,' closely echoing the language and theme of God's abiding presence.
- Joshua 1:5 (verbal): God's promise to Joshua—'I will never leave you nor forsake you'—uses virtually the same wording and assurance of continual divine presence.
- Hebrews 13:5 (quotation): New Testament citation of the pledge 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' applying the Old Testament assurance of God's presence to the Christian community.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): Offers a closely related theme: 'Do not fear, for I am with you... I will uphold you,' affirming God's presence and support and echoing the reassurance found in 1 Kgs 8:57.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers; let him not leave us or forsake us,
- May the LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers; let him not leave us or forsake us,
1 K.8.58 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- להטות: VERB,hiph,inf
- לבבנו: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרכיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3ms
- ולשמר: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- מצותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- וחקיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- ומשפטיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבתינו: NOUN,m,pl,suff:1pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 29:18-19 (quotation): Almost identical petition: pray that God 'incline our hearts to you, to walk in your ways and to keep your commandments' in the context of Solomon's temple dedication (parallel retelling of 1 Kgs 8).
- 2 Chronicles 6:40-41 (quotation): Part of Solomon's prayer in Chronicles that repeats the plea that God incline the hearts of the people to walk in His ways and keep His commandments—close lexical and thematic parallel to 1 Kgs 8:58.
- Deuteronomy 30:8-10 (verbal): Promises that when the LORD restores and prospers Israel, the people will obey and 'incline' their hearts to keep God's commandments—shares the motif and language of God-inclining hearts to walk in His ways.
- Psalm 119:36 (verbal): Personal petition: 'Incline my heart to your testimonies'—uses the same verb/image of God (or the psalmist’s request) turning the heart toward obedience to God’s law, echoing the plea of 1 Kgs 8:58.
Alternative generated candidates
- that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his ordinances which he commanded our fathers.
- that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his ordinances which he commanded our fathers.
1 K.8.59 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- התחננתי: VERB,hitpael,perf,1,_,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרבים: VERB,qal,part,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- יומם: ADV
- ולילה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ומשפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביומו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m
Parallels
- 2 Chr.6.39-40 (quotation): Chronicles preserves Solomon’s temple-prayer in nearly identical language, asking that the words/prayers be brought near to the Lord day and night so He will act for his servant and Israel.
- 1 Kgs.8.29 (verbal): Earlier petition in Solomon’s prayer: that God’s eyes be open toward the temple 'day and night,' echoing the motif of God’s continual attention to hear and do justice.
- Ps.121.3-4 (thematic): Affirms God’s constant guardianship—'he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep'—resonating with the prayer for God’s continuous, day-and-night care.
- Isa.62.6-7 (thematic): Watchmen are charged to give God no rest day or night until Jerusalem is established, paralleling the theme of persistent intercession and unceasing attention on behalf of the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may give justice to his servant and to his people Israel each day,
- Let these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel at all times.
1 K.8.60 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אין: PART,neg
- עוד: ADV
Parallels
- Deut.4:39 (verbal): Almost identical proclamation: 'Know therefore this day... that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is none else,' affirming Yahweh's exclusive deity.
- 2 Chron.6:32 (quotation): Parallel passage in Chronicles repeating Solomon's temple-prayer formulation—'that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God'—a near-verbatim repetition of 1 Kings 8:60.
- Isa.45:5 (verbal): God's direct self-declaration, 'I am the LORD, and there is no other,' echoing the theological thrust of Yahweh's uniqueness and sovereignty in 1 Kings 8:60.
- Ps.86:10 (thematic): Confessional psalm asserting God's unique status—'You are God alone'—which parallels the exclusive monotheistic claim of the verse.
Alternative generated candidates
- that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other.
- That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is none besides him.
1 K.8.61 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לבבכם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- שלם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- בחקיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ולשמר: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- מצותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- כיום: ADV
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 6:5 (verbal): Commands love of the LORD 'with all your heart,' paralleling the call for a wholehearted heart toward God in 1 Kgs 8:61 and grounding obedience in love.
- Deuteronomy 10:12 (verbal): Asks what the LORD requires — to fear him, walk in his ways, love and serve him 'with all your heart' — closely matching the language and concerns of wholehearted walking in God's statutes.
- Deuteronomy 11:13 (verbal): Promises blessing if Israel 'love the LORD your God, and serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,' echoing the emphasis on wholehearted devotion and obedience found in 1 Kgs 8:61.
- Joshua 22:5 (thematic): Joshua charges the people to 'be careful to do the commandment... to love the LORD your God, and to walk in his ways,' a leadership exhortation that thematically parallels Solomon's appeal for wholehearted obedience to God's laws.
- Psalm 119:10 (thematic): The psalmist seeks God 'with my whole heart' and asks not to be turned from God's commandments — a personal, devotional reflection that echoes the link between a whole heart and keeping God's statutes in 1 Kgs 8:61.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes and to keep his commandments, as on this day."
- Let your heart therefore be wholly with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes and to keep his commandments, as at this day."
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD, before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven.
He said, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in the heavens above or on the earth beneath; you keep covenant and steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart.
You have kept for your servant David my father the promise you spoke to him; you have fulfilled it by your mouth and with your hand as it is this day. Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promise you spoke to him: ‘Not one shall fail to sit before you on the throne of Israel, if only your sons keep their way, walking before me as you walked before me.’ Now therefore, O God of Israel, confirm now the word that you spoke to your servant David. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens—even the highest heavens—cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!
Yet regard the prayer of your servant and his plea, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which your servant prays before you this day.
Let your eyes be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ to listen to the prayer that your servant shall pray toward this place.
Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; from your dwelling place in heaven, hear and forgive.
When any man sins against his neighbor and is compelled to bring a guilt offering and comes and brings it before your altar in this house,
then from heaven you shall hear and act and judge your servants, convicting the wicked to their condemnation and justifying the righteous by giving to him according to his righteousness.
When your people Israel are struck down before an enemy because they have sinned against you, and they return and give thanks to your name, and pray and make supplication before you in this house,
then from heaven you shall hear and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land that you gave to their fathers.
If the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, and they pray toward this place and give thanks to your name, and repent from their sin because you have humbled them,
then from heaven you shall hear and forgive the sin of your servants and of your people Israel, when you have taught them the good way in which they should walk and you send rain on your land that you have given to your people as an inheritance.
If there is famine in the land, or pestilence, blight, locust, mildew, or any plague, or if their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever kind of sickness or whatever disease,
whatever prayer or plea is made by any person or by all your people Israel—each one knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house—
then from heaven, your dwelling place, you shall hear and forgive and render to every man according to all his ways, for you know the hearts of all the children of men.
That they may fear you all the days that they live on the land which you gave to our fathers.
Also concerning the foreigner who is not of your people Israel, but has come from a far country for the sake of your name—
when he hears of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, and comes and prays toward this house,
you shall hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and act according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that your name is called upon this house which I have built.
When your people go out to battle against their enemy, whatever way you send them, and they pray to the LORD toward the city that you have chosen and toward the house that I have built for your name,
then from heaven you shall hear their prayer and their plea and uphold their cause.
If they sin against you—for there is no man who does not sin—and you become angry with them and deliver them into the hand of the enemy, and their captors carry them away captive to a land far or near,
and in the land of their captivity they turn to their heart and repent and plead with you, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly,’
and return to you with all their heart and all their soul in the land of their captivity where they have been carried, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their fathers—toward the city you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name—
then from heaven, your dwelling place, you shall hear their prayer and their plea and render their case. And forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions by which they have transgressed against you; grant them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them.
For your people and your inheritance they are—whom you brought out of Egypt by your great power, from the iron furnace.
Let your eyes be open toward the plea of your servant and toward the plea of your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they call to you.
For you have chosen them to be your own inheritance out of all the peoples of the earth, as you spoke by the hand of Moses your servant when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O LORD God.
When Solomon finished praying to the LORD all this prayer and supplication, he rose from before the altar of the LORD, having knelt on his knees and with his hands spread out to heaven.
He stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,
“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised; not one word of all his good promise that he spoke by the hand of Moses his servant has failed.
May the LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers; do not forsake us or cast us off.
Let our hearts be turned toward him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his ordinances that he commanded our fathers.
Let the words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, to do justice for his servant and for his people Israel as it is each day.
That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. And let your heart be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes and to keep his commandments, as at this day.”