But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

1 KINGS 8:27KJV
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1 Kings 8:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:27 mean?

1 Kings 8:27 describes King Solomon’s amazement that God, who cannot be contained even by the highest heavens, would choose to dwell in a temple built by human hands. Solomon is recognizing that God’s presence is far greater than any building, including the temple he has just completed.

Solomon is speaking publicly during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God and the people. He expresses humility, acknowledging that while the temple is meant as a dwelling place for God, even the vast heavens (not just the sky, but all of creation) cannot contain God’s greatness. This verse highlights the idea that God’s presence is not limited to any one place, no matter how grand.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:27

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word emphasizes God’s majesty and power, reinforcing the idea that God is beyond human limitations.
  • "Heaven" and "heavens" (שָּׁמַיִם, shamayim): The repetition (“heaven and heaven of heavens”) stresses the vastness of the universe, showing that even all creation together cannot contain God.
  • "Contain" (כּוּן, kun): This word means to hold or sustain, underlining that not even the greatest space can hold God’s presence.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): Refers to the temple Solomon built, making clear that even this sacred structure is small compared to God’s true greatness.

Why 1 Kings 8:27 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that God could ever be limited to a physical building, even one as important as the temple.
  • 1 Kings 8:27 emphasizes Solomon’s humility and understanding of God’s infinite nature, which sets the tone for the rest of his prayer.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the temple is a symbol of God’s presence, not the limit of it, reminding the people that God is always greater than any human effort to honor Him.

Where else these words appear

“indeed” Hebrew H552 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 18:13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
  • Numbers 22:37 And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
  • 2 Chronicles 6:18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

“less” Hebrew H637 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
  • Deuteronomy 33:3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:32 And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.

“contain” Hebrew H3557 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 45:11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
  • 1 Kings 8:64 The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.
  • Psalms 112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.