1 Kings 8:31
1 Kings 8:31 in Multiple Translations
When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple,
¶ If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:
If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and he come and swear before thine altar in this house;
If a man does wrong to his neighbour, and has to take an oath, and comes before your altar to take his oath in this house:
When someone sins against another and is required to take an oath before your altar in this Temple,
When a man shall trespasse against his neighbour, and he lay vpon him an othe to cause him to sweare, and the swearer shall come before thine altar in this house,
that which a man sinneth against his neighbour, and he hath lifted up upon him an oath to cause him to swear, and the oath hath come in before Thine altar in this house,
“If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house,
If any man shall trespass against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thy altar in this house:
If any man trespass against his neighbour, and have an oath upon him, wherewith he is bound: and come because of the oath before thy altar to thy house,
If someone is accused of doing something wrong to another person, and they bring him to your altar outside this holy temple, and if he says, ‘I did not do that; may God punish me if I am not telling the truth,’
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 8:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 8:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵת֩
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יֶחֱטָ֥א
אִישׁ֙
לְ/רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
וְ/נָֽשָׁא
ב֥/וֹ
אָלָ֖ה
לְ/הַֽאֲלֹת֑/וֹ
וּ/בָ֗א
אָלָ֛ה
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
מִֽזְבַּחֲ/ךָ֖
בַּ/בַּ֥יִת
הַ/זֶּֽה
אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֶחֱטָ֥א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לְ/רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/נָֽשָׁא
nâshâʼ
H5378
to exact
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
ב֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אָלָ֖ה
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
N-fs
לְ/הַֽאֲלֹת֑/וֹ
ʼâlâh
H422
to swear
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
וּ/בָ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אָלָ֛ה
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מִֽזְבַּחֲ/ךָ֖
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms | Suff
בַּ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 8:31
אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֶחֱטָ֥א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לְ/רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/נָֽשָׁא
nâshâʼ
H5378
"to exact"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word is about lending money with interest or demanding payment, often used in a financial context. It's seen in books like Exodus and Ezekiel, talking about fair business practices. It's about borrowing or lending with expectations.
Definition: 1) to lend on interest or usury, be a creditor 1a) (Qal) creditor (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to act as a creditor
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] debt, exact, giver of usury. See also: 1 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 89:23; Isaiah 24:2.
ב֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אָלָ֖ה
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
לְ/הַֽאֲלֹת֑/וֹ
ʼâlâh
H422
"to swear"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To swear or curse, this Hebrew word involves making a promise or declaration, often before God. It can also mean to put someone under oath or to curse them. The KJV translates it as 'adjure, curse, swear'.
Definition: 1) to swear, curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swear, take an oath (before God) 1a2) to curse 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put under oath, adjure 1b2) to put under a curse
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: adjure, curse, swear. See also: Judges 17:2; 2 Chronicles 6:22; Hosea 10:4.
וּ/בָ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אָלָ֛ה
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִֽזְבַּחֲ/ךָ֖
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
בַּ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 8:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 8:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:31
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 8:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
- Sermons on 1 Kings 8:31
Context — Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication
29May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.
30Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive.
31When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple,
32then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. 33When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return to You and confess Your name, praying and pleading with You in this temple,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:8–11 | If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor’s property. In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor. If a man gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any other animal to be cared for by his neighbor, but it dies or is injured or stolen while no one is watching, an oath before the LORD shall be made between the parties to determine whether or not the man has taken his neighbor’s property. The owner must accept the oath and require no restitution. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 6:22–23 | When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. |
| 3 | Leviticus 5:1 | “If someone sins by failing to testify when he hears a public charge about something he has witnessed, whether he has seen it or learned of it, he shall bear the iniquity. |
| 4 | Numbers 5:16–22 | The priest is to bring the wife forward and have her stand before the LORD. Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse. But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’— and the priest shall have the woman swear under the oath of the curse—‘then may the LORD make you an attested curse among your people by making your thigh shrivel and your belly swell. May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.’ Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’ |
| 5 | Proverbs 30:9 | Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God. |
1 Kings 8:31 Summary
This verse is talking about a situation where someone has wronged their neighbor and needs to take an oath before God's altar in the temple to settle the matter. It's like a promise or a vow that they make to God, asking Him to judge their actions and intentions, as we see in 1 Kings 8:31. This reminds us that God is always watching and will hold us accountable for our actions, as taught in Hebrews 4:13. We should strive to live honestly and with integrity, knowing that God sees everything we do, and that He will ultimately judge us according to our deeds, as mentioned in Revelation 20:12-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of taking an oath before God's altar in this temple?
The purpose of taking an oath before God's altar is to invoke God's judgment and authority in a dispute between two people, as seen in 1 Kings 8:31, and to seek His wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
This verse highlights God's role in upholding justice, as He is the ultimate judge who will condemn the wicked and justify the righteous, as also seen in Psalm 37:28 and Romans 3:26.
What is the significance of the temple in this context?
The temple represents God's dwelling place among His people, where they can come to pray, worship, and seek His presence, as mentioned in 1 Kings 8:29 and Isaiah 57:15.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we will be held accountable by God, as taught in Galatians 6:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, and that we should strive to live righteously and honestly, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in my own life, especially in times of conflict or uncertainty?
- How can I ensure that I am living a life of integrity and honesty, and that my words and actions align with God's standards of righteousness?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise or deceive, and how can I seek God's help to overcome these temptations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God's authority and judgment in my life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:31
If any man trespass against his neighbour,.... By being unfaithful in a trust committed to him, or the like: and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear; he denying that ever anything was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:31
If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
If any man trespass, i.e. if he be accused of a trespass. An oath be laid upon him; either by the judge, or by the party accusing him, or by the accused person himself; which was usual, when there were no witnesses. See ,11 Num 5:12,15, &c. And the oath come before thine altar in this house; for here God, who was appealed to as witness, was especially present. Hence the heathens used to swear at their altars.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
1 Kings 8:31 If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:Ver. 31. And an oath be laid upon him, to cause him to swear.] An oath may lawfully be taken for the help of truth in necessity, and not else. Hence the Hebrew word Nishbang is a passive, and signifieth rather to be sworn, than to swear. And the oath come before thine altar.] That sign of God’ s presence there. Amongst us, he that sweareth, layeth his hand on a Bible, for like cause.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
(23-53) The prayer of Solomon, uttered (see 1 Kings 8:54) on his knees with hands uplifted to heaven, long and detailed as it is, is yet of extreme simplicity of idea. It begins (a), in 1 Kings 8:23-25, with a thankful acknowledgment of the fulfilment of one part of the great promise to David, and a prayer for the like fulfilment of the other; next (b), in 1 Kings 8:26-30, acknowledging that God’s presence can be limited to no Temple, it yet Asks that His peculiar blessing may rest on prayer uttered toward the place which He has hallowed; and then (c), in 1 Kings 8:31-53, applies that petition to the various contingencies, of oath taken in His name, of rain withheld, of disaster in battle, of famine and pestilence, of captivity in a foreign land, and extends it not only to Israel, but to the stranger who shall acknowledge and invoke the Lord Jehovah. Its constantly recurring burden is, “Hear Thou from heaven thy dwelling-place, and when Thou hearest, Lord, forgive.” It is plain that before Solomon’s mind there are continually present in some form the blessing and the curse pronounced in the Law (see Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28); and it is most true to human nature, and especially characteristic of the thoughtfulness of his philosophic temper, that over the bright hour of exultation there seems to hover a constant foreboding of evils and trials to come.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
Verse 31. If any man trespass against his neighbour] Solomon puts here seven cases, in all of which the mercy and intervention of God would be indispensably requisite; and he earnestly bespeaks that mercy and intervention on condition that the people pray towards that holy place, and with a feeling heart make earnest supplication. The FIRST case is one of doubtfulness; where a man has sustained an injury, and charges it on a suspected person, though not able to bring direct evidence of the fact, the accused is permitted to come before the altar of God, and purge himself by his personal oath. Solomon prays that God may not permit a false oath to be taken, but that he will discover the truth, so that the wicked shall be condemned, and the righteous justified.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:31
31. If any man trespass] Here Solomon enters on a series of specific petitions, the first of which is concerning any case of trespass, in which he implores that God would uphold the sanctity of an oath. The sense of ‘trespass’ in this verse must be = ‘be supposed to have trespassed.’ The person presumed to have offended is to be challenged to take an oath, and to God is left the punishment of the guilty and the acquittal of the innocent. Cf. Exodus 22:7-11. and the oath come] It is better to take both words as verbs and supply a copulative. Render “and he come and swear.”
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 8:31
The oath come before ... - “The oath” is equivalent to “the man who swears the oath.” A slight alteration in the present Hebrew text gives the sense “and he (the accused) go and swear before thine altar,” etc.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:31
31. An oath be laid upon him — According to the requirement of the law in Exodus 22:7-11, which provided that if a man suspect his neighbour of any kind of trespass, and has no evidence to convict
Sermons on 1 Kings 8:31
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Solomon's Prayer by Bill Barratt | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prayer in times of calamity and affliction. He refers to a prayer made by Solomon in the Bible, where Solomon asks God to fo |
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(Through the Bible) John 9-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scenario where someone's jacket goes missing and their neighbor is found wearing it. The situation is taken to the judges to determine who t |
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Authority in the Scriptures - Part 2 by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on various passages from the Bible, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word through Jesus. The preacher emphasizes Jesus' obedience and sil |