That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

1 KINGS 8:29KJV
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1 Kings 8:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:29 mean?

1 Kings 8:29 is Solomon’s prayer asking God to always keep watch over the temple in Jerusalem, the place God chose to be associated with His name, and to listen to the prayers offered there. Solomon is asking God to be attentive day and night to the prayers of His people directed toward this special place.

Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple, addressing God in front of the assembled people of Israel. He is recognizing the temple as the central place where God’s presence is symbolically connected to His people. Solomon’s words show the belief that God’s attention and willingness to hear prayers are tied to the temple, which represents God’s relationship with Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:29

  • "Eyes" (עַיִן, ʿayin): This word is often used for watchfulness or care. Solomon is asking for God’s constant attention, not just a physical gaze.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): Refers to the temple, but also carries the sense of a dwelling or household, emphasizing God’s presence among His people.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, God’s "name" stands for His character, reputation, and presence. Saying "My name shall be there" means God is specially connected to this place, not that He is limited to it.
  • "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen attentively and respond. Solomon is asking God not just to hear prayers, but to be actively responsive to them.

Why 1 Kings 8:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple was never just a building, but a symbol of God’s ongoing relationship and attentiveness to His people.
  • It highlights the idea that God’s presence is not confined to one place, but that He chooses to make Himself known and accessible in specific ways and locations.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of Solomon’s prayer, where he asks God to hear and forgive when people pray toward the temple, showing the temple’s role as a focal point for Israel’s worship and repentance.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“make” 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.

“open” Hebrew H6605 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • Nehemiah 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?