1 Kings 8:32

1 Kings 8:32 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

American Standard Version ASV

then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then let your ear be open in heaven, and be the judge of your servants, giving your decision against the wrongdoer, so that punishment for his sins may come on his head; and, by your decision, keeping from evil him who has done no wrong.

Free Bible Version FBV

listen from heaven—act and judge your servants. Pay back the guilty; vindicate and reward those who do right.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then heare thou in heauen, and doe and iudge thy seruants, that thou condemne the wicked to bring his way vpon his head, and iustifie the righteous, to giue him according to his righteousnesse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

then Thou dost hear in the heavens, and hast done, and hast judged Thy servants, to declare wicked the wicked, to put his way on his head, and to declare righteous the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

World English Bible WEB

then hear in heaven, and act, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then hear thou in heaven: and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, and bringing his way upon his own head, and justifying the just, and rewarding him according to his justice.

Translation for Translators T4T

then you listen from heaven, and decide who is telling the truth. Then punish the person who is guilty as he deserves to be punished, and declare that the other person is innocent.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 8:32

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 8:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אַתָּ֣ה תִּשְׁמַ֣ע הַ/שָּׁמַ֗יִם וְ/עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙ וְ/שָׁפַטְתָּ֣ אֶת עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ לְ/הַרְשִׁ֣יעַ רָשָׁ֔ע לָ/תֵ֥ת דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ בְּ/רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ וּ/לְ/הַצְדִּ֣יק צַדִּ֔יק לָ֥/תֶת ל֖/וֹ כְּ/צִדְקָתֽ/וֹ

וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

תִּשְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

הַ/שָּׁמַ֗יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

וְ/עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-2ms

וְ/שָׁפַטְתָּ֣ shâphaṭ H8199 to judge Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

לְ/הַרְשִׁ֣יעַ râshaʻ H7561 be wicked Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

רָשָׁ֔ע râshâʻ H7563 wicked Adj

לָ/תֵ֥ת nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ derek H1870 way N-cs | Suff

בְּ/רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms | Suff

וּ/לְ/הַצְדִּ֣יק tsâdaq H6663 to justify Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

צַדִּ֔יק tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj

לָ֥/תֶת nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff

כְּ/צִדְקָתֽ/וֹ tsᵉdâqâh H6666 righteousness Prep | N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 8:32

וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִּשְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

הַ/שָּׁמַ֗יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

וְ/עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

וְ/שָׁפַטְתָּ֣ shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.

אֶת 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.

עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

לְ/הַרְשִׁ֣יעַ râshaʻ H7561 "be wicked" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.

Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.

רָשָׁ֔ע râshâʻ H7563 "wicked" Adj

This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.

לָ/תֵ֥ת nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ derek H1870 "way" N-cs | Suff

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

בְּ/רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

וּ/לְ/הַצְדִּ֣יק tsâdaq H6663 "to justify" Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.

Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.

צַדִּ֔יק tsaddîyq H6662 "righteous" Adj

Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.

Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful

Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.

לָ֥/תֶת nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

כְּ/צִדְקָתֽ/וֹ tsᵉdâqâh H6666 "righteousness" Prep | N-fs | Suff

Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.

Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)

Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 8:32

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 8:32 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:32
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:32
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:32
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32
Sermons on 1 Kings 8:32

Context — Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

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, 34then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel. May You restore them to the land You gave to their fathers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 25:1	If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned.
2	Isaiah 3:10–11	Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
3	Romans 2:6–10	God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.
4	Ezekiel 18:13	He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.
5	Ezekiel 18:20	The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.
6	Exodus 34:7	maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
7	Numbers 5:27	When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering; her belly will swell, her thigh will shrivel, and she will become accursed among her people.
8	Proverbs 1:31	So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
9	Proverbs 17:15	Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.
10	Ezekiel 18:30	Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.

1 Kings 8:32 Summary

This verse is asking God to listen to and act on the prayers of His people, judging those who are wicked and justifying those who are righteous. It reminds us that God is a fair and just Judge who will evaluate our actions and intentions, as seen in Psalm 119:75. We can trust in God's goodness and justice, knowing that He will reward those who are faithful to Him, as seen in Matthew 25:21. By seeking forgiveness and living according to God's standards, we can experience His righteousness and restoration in our lives, as seen in Isaiah 1:18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'judge His servants' in 1 Kings 8:32?

In this context, judging His servants means that God will evaluate their actions and intentions, rewarding the righteous and condemning the wicked, as seen in Psalm 1:6 and Jeremiah 17:10.

How does this verse relate to forgiveness and salvation?

This verse highlights God's justice and righteousness, which is also seen in Romans 3:26, where God justifies the righteous and condemns the wicked, demonstrating His holy character and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 4:12.

What is the significance of 'bringing down on his own head what he has done'?

This phrase emphasizes the idea of personal responsibility and the consequences of one's actions, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow, and in Ezekiel 18:20, where the soul who sins will die, highlighting the importance of personal accountability before God.

How does this verse apply to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that God is a righteous Judge who will evaluate our actions and intentions, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:5, and it encourages us to live according to His standards, seeking forgiveness and righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can examine my own heart and actions to ensure I am living righteously before God?
How can I trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when I face challenges and uncertainties?
What does it mean for me to 'justify the righteous' in my own relationships and interactions with others?
In what ways can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in this verse and in other parts of Scripture, such as in Psalm 51:1-19?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:32

Then hear thou in heaven,.... When the injured person makes supplication to have justice done him: and do, and judge thy servants; contending with one another, the one affirming, the other denying

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:32

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 8:32

To bring his way, i.e. the just recompence of his wicked action and course. Justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness; to vindicate him, and to manifest his integrity.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32

1 Kings 8:32 Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.Ver. 32. Condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head.] This God hath done on those who have taken false oaths of execration, as were easy to instance in the three false accusers of Narcissus, bishop of Jerusalem; in Earl Godwin; and in Anne Averies, who, forswearing herself, A.D. 1575, Feb. 11, at a shop of Wood Street in London, praying God she might sink where she stood if she had not paid for the wares she took, fell down presently speechless, and with horrible stink died. Euseb.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32

(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.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:32

32. then hear thou in heaven] As the truth in such a case as is supposed can be known to God alone, He is prayed to act the part assigned to judges in the Law (cf. Deuteronomy 25:1) and to make known in His own way which persons take the oath justly, and which unjustly. The close imitation of the language of Deuteronomy deserves to be noticed.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:32

32. Judge thy servants — Human tribunals often clear the guilty and condemn the righteous, but Solomon prays that in every case of oaths concerning trespass brought before that altar, the right may be vindicated.

Sermons on 1 Kings 8:32

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 21-25 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various regulations and laws found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy. These regulations cover topics such as welfare progr
	What a Happy Year It Will Be by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches about the significance of the Sabbath years and the year of jubilee in the Old Covenant, emphasizing the joy and blessing that came from the cancellation of deb
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel
	Say Ye to the Righteous, That It Shall Be Well With Him by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that it is always well with the righteous, regardless of their circumstances, whether in prosperity or persecution. He reassures believers that God's promi
	When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo
	The Inspiration of the Bible, and Its Requirements by B.A. Cundiff	B.A. Cundiff discusses the inspiration behind the Bible, arguing that it could not have been written by wicked men due to its condemnation of wickedness, nor by good men without di
	Hold Fast Your Title Deed of Faith by Allan Halton	Allan Halton preaches about the day of recompense and vengeance, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God alone and we must not take it into our own hands. He highlights the impor