And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

1 KINGS 8:50KJV
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1 Kings 8:50 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:50 mean?

1 Kings 8:50 is a prayer asking God to forgive His people for their sins and wrongdoings, and to move the hearts of their captors to show them compassion. The verse expresses hope that even in exile, God can bring mercy and relief through those who hold power over His people.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, praying to God on behalf of Israel. He anticipates a time when the people might be taken captive because of their sins, and he asks God not only for forgiveness but also for favor in the eyes of their captors. This verse highlights both the seriousness of sin and the belief that God can influence even foreign rulers to show kindness.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:50

  • The word for "forgive" is סָלַח (salach), which often means to pardon or let go of guilt. Here, it emphasizes a deep need for God's mercy, not just a formal pardon.
  • "Compassion" appears twice, first as רַחֲמִים (rachamim), meaning tender mercy or deep sympathy, and then as יְרַחֲמוּם (yerachamum), meaning to show mercy. The repetition underlines the hope that God's mercy will be mirrored by human mercy from the captors.
  • The word for "captive" is שָׁבָה (shavah), which refers to being taken away or carried off, usually by force. This highlights the reality of exile and dependence on God's intervention even in a foreign land.

Why 1 Kings 8:50 matters

  • This verse shows that forgiveness is not only about restoring a relationship with God but can also affect real-world situations, like being shown mercy by captors.
  • It connects the people's spiritual state (their sins and repentance) with their physical circumstances (captivity and treatment by others), showing how the two are linked in biblical thought.
  • The verse is part of Solomon's larger prayer, which anticipates future failures and hardships, but also trusts in God's willingness to forgive and restore, even when the consequences of sin are severe.

Where else these words appear

“transgressed” Hebrew H6586 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Kings 12:19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
  • Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

“captive” Hebrew H7617 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • 1 Kings 8:47 Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;
  • 2 Chronicles 28:17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.

“compassion” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
  • Jeremiah 42:12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.

“compassion” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
  • Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.