Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

1 KINGS 8:43KJV
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1 Kings 8:43 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:43 mean?

1 Kings 8:43 is a prayer asking God to listen from heaven and answer the prayers of foreigners who come to the temple, so that all people everywhere may know and respect God, just like the people of Israel do, and recognize that the temple is connected to God’s name. This verse shows that Solomon wanted God’s attention and blessing not just for Israel, but for anyone in the world who sincerely sought Him.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, praying to God in front of the gathered people. In this part of his prayer, Solomon specifically mentions “the stranger” (a foreigner) who is not part of Israel but comes to pray at the temple. Solomon’s words show a hope that God’s reputation and the knowledge of His name would spread beyond Israel, and that the temple would be a place where anyone seeking God could be heard.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:43

  • “Stranger” (נָכְרִי, nokhri) refers to someone who is not an Israelite, a foreigner. Solomon’s prayer includes people outside Israel, showing an openness and a vision for God’s name to be honored by all nations.
  • “Hear” (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ) means to listen attentively or respond. Solomon asks God not just to hear but to act on the prayers of outsiders, highlighting God’s accessibility.
  • “Name” (שֵׁם, shem) in Hebrew often means more than just a label; it refers to reputation, character, and authority. Solomon wants all people to know God’s true character and greatness.
  • “Called” (קָרָא, qaraʾ) is used here for the temple being “called by Your name,” meaning it is identified with God’s presence and authority, not just a building but a place marked out as God’s own.

Why 1 Kings 8:43 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that the temple and God’s attention were only for Israelites; Solomon’s prayer includes foreigners, showing a vision for God’s reach to all nations.
  • The verse highlights the purpose of the temple as a place where anyone—regardless of background—could seek God and be heard, which was unusual in ancient religious thinking.
  • In the context of Solomon’s prayer, this verse shows that the knowledge and reverence of God were meant to spread worldwide, not stay limited to one nation.

Where else these words appear

“place” Hebrew H4349 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:30 Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest;(for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)
  • Psalms 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

“stranger” Hebrew H5237 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.
  • 1 Kings 11:8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
  • Proverbs 5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;