If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:

1 KINGS 8:31KJV
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1 Kings 8:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:31 mean?

1 Kings 8:31 describes a situation where someone is accused of wronging their neighbor, and, to resolve the matter, they are required to swear an oath before God at the altar in the temple. The verse sets up a process for handling disputes by bringing them before God’s presence for judgment.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, praying to God about how the temple should be a place where people seek justice and truth. The verse shows that the temple is not just for worship but also serves as a place where serious disagreements—especially those involving accusations and oaths—are brought before God for resolution. Solomon is asking God to be involved in these matters, recognizing the seriousness of swearing an oath before the altar.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:31

  • "Trespass" (חָטָא, ḥāṭā’): This word means to sin or do wrong, often with the sense of missing the mark. Here, it refers to someone accused of wrongdoing against another person.
  • "Oath" (אָלָה, ’ālāh): This is a solemn promise or declaration, often invoking God as a witness. In this context, it highlights the seriousness of making a statement before God.
  • "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbēaḥ): The altar is the place in the temple where sacrifices are made and where people come to seek God’s judgment, emphasizing the sacredness of the process.

Why 1 Kings 8:31 matters

  • 1 Kings 8:31 shows that the temple was seen as a center for justice, not just worship, where people could seek God’s help in resolving disputes.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of making an oath before God, underlining the belief that God Himself would judge the truth of what was said.
  • This verse connects to the larger prayer of Solomon, where he asks God to be attentive to the prayers and needs of the people who come to the temple, making the temple a place of both spiritual and practical importance.

Where else these words appear

“swear” Hebrew H422 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 17:2 And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my son.
  • 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
  • Hosea 4:2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

“oath” Hebrew H423 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Deuteronomy 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
  • Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.