Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause,

1 KINGS 8:49KJV
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1 Kings 8:49 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:49 mean?

1 Kings 8:49 is a prayer asking God to listen from heaven to the prayers and requests of His people and to defend their cause. The verse expresses hope that even if the Israelites are far from their land, God will still hear them and act on their behalf.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. He is praying to God, asking that if the Israelites are ever taken captive to a foreign land because of their sins, God would still hear their prayers from His heavenly dwelling. Solomon’s words reflect a deep trust that God’s presence and care are not limited by location.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:49

  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen attentively or respond. Solomon is not just asking God to notice, but to actively pay attention and respond to the people’s prayers.
  • "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) and "supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, techinnah): Both words refer to speaking to God, but "supplication" often carries a sense of pleading or earnest request, showing the humility and desperation of the people.
  • "maintain" (עָשָׂה, asah) and "cause" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): "Maintain their cause" uses a word for "do" or "act" (asah) together with "cause" or "justice" (mishpat), asking God to act in favor of the people’s right or justice, not just to listen passively.

Why 1 Kings 8:49 matters

  • 1 Kings 8:49 shows that God’s attention and justice are not limited to a specific place; even in exile, the people can reach out to Him.
  • The verse highlights the importance of prayer and humble requests (supplication) in seeking God’s help, especially in times of trouble or distance.
  • This verse connects to Solomon’s larger prayer, emphasizing that the temple is a symbol of God’s presence, but God Himself is not confined to any building or land.

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.

“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.

“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.