And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

1 KINGS 8:54KJV
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1 Kings 8:54 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:54 mean?

1 Kings 8:54 describes the moment when Solomon finishes his long prayer and plea to the LORD, then stands up from kneeling before the altar, where he had been on his knees with his hands lifted toward heaven. This verse marks the end of Solomon’s public prayer during the dedication of the temple, showing his posture of humility and reverence.

Solomon, the king of Israel, is speaking to God in front of the gathered people at the dedication of the newly built temple in Jerusalem. The verse highlights Solomon’s physical actions—kneeling, spreading his hands upward—as he prays, which shows his deep respect and dependence on God. This moment sets the stage for what follows, as Solomon turns from prayer to address the people.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:54

  • "Supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, teḥinnah) refers to an earnest, humble request for favor or mercy. The use of this word alongside "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) emphasizes that Solomon’s words were not just formal, but heartfelt and urgent.
  • "Kneeling" (כָּרַע, karaʿ) and "knees" (בֶּרֶךְ, berek) together show Solomon’s physical humility. Kneeling was a sign of submission and deep respect in ancient Israel, especially in prayer.
  • "Hands" (כַּף, kaf) and "spread up" (פָּרַשׂ, paras) describe Solomon lifting his hands toward heaven, a gesture often associated with seeking God’s attention and blessing.

Why 1 Kings 8:54 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Solomon’s prayer was casual or routine; his posture and actions show deep reverence and humility before God.
  • The verse connects Solomon’s prayer to the physical setting of the altar and the temple, grounding the spiritual moment in a real, public event.
  • By describing Solomon’s actions, the verse helps readers picture the dedication ceremony and understand the seriousness with which Israel’s leaders approached God.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“knees” Hebrew H1290 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 30:3 And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.
  • 1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
  • Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

“kneeling” Hebrew H3766 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 9:24 And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.
  • Psalms 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

“up” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 19:14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.