What does 1 Kings 8:29 mean?

"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:29

"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:29

The Bible verse 1 Kings 8:29 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place."

This verse is part of Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple that he had built for the Lord. In this prayer, Solomon is asking God to keep his eyes open toward the temple at all times, to listen to the prayers of his people, and to respond to them.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its full significance. In the preceding verses, Solomon is recounting the promises that God had made to his father David regarding the building of the temple and the establishment of his dynasty. He acknowledges that God has fulfilled these promises and has chosen to dwell in the temple that he has built. Solomon then offers a prayer of dedication for the temple, asking God to honor the prayers of his people who come to the temple to seek his presence and favor.

One of the key themes of this verse is the presence of God. Solomon recognizes that the temple is the place where God has chosen to make his name dwell, and he asks God to keep his eyes open toward it at all times. This reflects the belief that God's presence is not confined to a specific place, but that he chooses to reveal himself in specific locations and to dwell among his people. In asking God to keep his eyes open toward the temple, Solomon is expressing a desire for God to be attentive to the prayers and needs of his people, and to respond to them with mercy and grace.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The temple itself was a symbol of God's dwelling place among his people, and the act of dedicating it was a way of consecrating it for divine use. In asking God to keep his eyes open toward the temple, Solomon is acknowledging the holiness of the place and the sacredness of the relationship between God and his people that it represents. The temple was a place where the Israelites could come to offer sacrifices, seek forgiveness, and make their petitions known to God. By asking God to hearken unto the prayer made toward the temple, Solomon is affirming the importance of the act of prayer and the belief that God hears and responds to the cries of his people.

Overall, 1 Kings 8:29 is a powerful expression of the relationship between God and his people, and the significance of the temple as a place of divine presence and interaction. It reflects the themes of God's presence, prayer, and the holiness of sacred spaces, and it is a reminder of the belief that God hears and responds to the prayers of those who seek him with sincerity and humility. This verse is a testament to the faith of Solomon and the Israelites, and a powerful affirmation of the reality of God's presence and attentive care for his people.

Have questions about 1 Kings 8:29?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

1 Kings 8:29 Artwork

1 Kings 8:29 - "That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place."

1 Kings 8:29 - "That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place."

"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:29

"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:29

2 KINGS 8:29

2 KINGS 8:29

1 Kings 11:29-32

1 Kings 11:29-32

1 Kings 14:29 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

1 Kings 14:29 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

1 Kings 1:29 - "And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,"

1 Kings 1:29 - "And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,"

1 Kings 22:29 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."

1 Kings 22:29 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."

1 Kings 8:6-8

1 Kings 8:6-8

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 kings 8:7

1 kings 8:7

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:7

1 Kings 8:7

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 12:29 - "And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan."

1 Kings 12:29 - "And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan."

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 kings 8:7

1 kings 8:7

1 Kings 8:22

1 Kings 8:22

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:21

1 Kings 8:10

1 Kings 8:10

1 Chronicles 8:29 - "And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was Maachah:"

1 Chronicles 8:29 - "And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was Maachah:"

1 Kings 10:29 - "And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means."

1 Kings 10:29 - "And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means."

1 Kings 4:29 - "¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."

1 Kings 4:29 - "¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."

1 Kings 4:8 - "And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:"

1 Kings 4:8 - "And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:"

1 Kings 17:8 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"

1 Kings 17:8 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"

1 Chronicles 29:8 - "And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite."

1 Chronicles 29:8 - "And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite."