Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:

1 KINGS 8:28KJV
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1 Kings 8:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:28 mean?

1 Kings 8:28 is a request from Solomon, asking God to pay attention to his prayer and to listen to his earnest plea. Solomon is humbly asking God to hear the prayers he is offering on this important day.

Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God directly. He calls himself God’s servant and uses several words for prayer and pleading, showing both respect and urgency. This verse highlights Solomon’s awareness of his dependence on God and his hope that God will truly listen to the prayers offered in the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:28

  • "Respect" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn toward or pay attention. Solomon is asking God not to ignore him, but to turn His attention to the prayer.
  • "Supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, techinnah): This word carries the sense of a heartfelt plea for mercy or favor, not just a routine prayer.
  • "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means to listen attentively, not just to hear sounds. Solomon is asking God to truly consider his words.
  • "Cry" (רִנָּה, rinah): This word often means a ringing cry or shout, sometimes of joy but here likely of earnest need, showing the emotional intensity of Solomon’s prayer.

Why 1 Kings 8:28 matters

  • This verse shows that even a king like Solomon approaches God with humility, calling himself a servant and pleading for God’s attention.
  • The use of multiple words for prayer and pleading emphasizes how seriously Solomon takes this moment and how much he desires God’s response.
  • 1 Kings 8:28 sets the tone for the rest of Solomon’s temple dedication prayer, highlighting the importance of God’s willingness to listen to His people.

Where else these words appear

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 9:3 And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“cry” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:36 And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.
  • Psalms 106:44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

“prayeth” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 2 Kings 4:33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.