1 Kings 9:8

1 Kings 9:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’

King James Version KJV

And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

American Standard Version ASV

And though this house is so high, yet shall every one that passeth by it be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath Jehovah done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And this house will become a mass of broken walls, and everyone who goes by will be overcome with wonder at it and make whistling sounds; and they will say, Why has the Lord done so to this land and to this house?

Free Bible Version FBV

This Temple will become a pile of rubble. All who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss, saying, ‘Why has the Lord acted in such a way to this land and this Temple?’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Euen this hie house shall bee so: euery one that passeth by it, shalbe astonied, and shall hisse, and they shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus vnto this land and to this house?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

as to this house, [that] is high, every one passing by it is astonished, and hath hissed, and they have said, Wherefore hath Jehovah done thus to this land and to this house?

World English Bible WEB

Though this house is so high, yet everyone who passes by it will be astonished and hiss; and they will say, ‘Why has the LORD done this to this land and to this house?’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And at this house which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus to this land, and to this house?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And this house shall be made an example of: every one that shall pass by it, shall be astonished, and shall hiss, and say: Why hath the Lord done thus to this land, and to this house:

Translation for Translators T4T

This temple will become a heap of ruins. Everyone who passes by will be astonished when they see it, and they will be shocked and say, ‘Why has Yahweh done this to this land and to this temple?’

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 9:8

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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 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הַ/בַּ֤יִת הַ/זֶּה֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה עֶלְי֔וֹן כָּל עֹבֵ֥ר עָלָ֖י/ו יִשֹּׁ֣ם וְ/שָׁרָ֑ק וְ/אָמְר֗וּ עַל מֶ֨ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ כָּ֔כָה לָ/אָ֥רֶץ הַ/זֹּ֖את וְ/לַ/בַּ֥יִת הַ/זֶּֽה

וְ/הַ/בַּ֤יִת bayith H1004 place Conj | Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

יִהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עֶלְי֔וֹן ʻelyôwn H5945 high Adj

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עֹבֵ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

יִשֹּׁ֣ם shâmêm H8074 be desolate V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/שָׁרָ֑ק shâraq H8319 to whistle Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/אָמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מֶ֨ה mâh H4100 what? Part

עָשָׂ֤ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

כָּ֔כָה kâkâh H3602 thus Adv

לָ/אָ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

הַ/זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

וְ/לַ/בַּ֥יִת bayith H1004 place Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 9:8

וְ/הַ/בַּ֤יִת bayith H1004 "place" Conj | Art | 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/זֶּה֙ 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.

יִהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

עֶלְי֔וֹן ʻelyôwn H5945 "high" Adj

The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.

Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

עֹבֵ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יִשֹּׁ֣ם shâmêm H8074 "be desolate" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.

Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.

וְ/שָׁרָ֑ק shâraq H8319 "to whistle" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To whistle or hiss is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to express scorn or call out to someone. In the Bible, it appears in books like Job and Jeremiah, often as a sign of derision or warning.

Definition: 1) to hiss, whistle, pipe 1a) (Qal) to hiss (as a signal)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: hiss. See also: 1 Kings 9:8; Jeremiah 50:13; Isaiah 5:26.

וְ/אָמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

מֶ֨ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

עָשָׂ֤ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

כָּ֔כָה kâkâh H3602 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means 'thus' or 'in this way', often used to compare or explain something, like in 2 Samuel 18:30, where a messenger describes a scene in a particular manner. It helps clarify the context of a story or situation.

Definition: like this, thus

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: after that (this) manner, this matter, (even) so, in such a case, thus. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Chronicles 7:21; Psalms 144:15.

לָ/אָ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

הַ/זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, 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 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

וְ/לַ/בַּ֥יִת bayith H1004 "place" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Definition: nm place, origin, between

הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

Study Notes — 1 Kings 9:8

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Context — The LORD’s Response to Solomon

6But if indeed you or your sons turn away from following Me and do not keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods, 7then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples.

8And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’

9And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, the LORD has brought all this disaster upon them.’” 10Now at the end of the twenty years during which Solomon built these two houses, the house of the LORD and the royal palace,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 29:24–26	So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them.
2	Jeremiah 22:8–9	And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’ Then people will reply, ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’”
3	2 Chronicles 7:21	And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’
4	Jeremiah 22:28	Is this man Coniah a despised and shattered pot, a jar that no one wants? Why are he and his descendants hurled out and cast into a land they do not know?
5	Jeremiah 19:8	I will make this city a desolation and an object of scorn. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.
6	Isaiah 64:11	Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins.
7	Jeremiah 49:17	“Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.
8	Daniel 9:12	You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.
9	Jeremiah 50:13	Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.

1 Kings 9:8 Summary

This verse is talking about a time when the beautiful temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed and lie in ruins. People will walk by and be shocked, wondering why God would let this happen to such an important place. The reason is that the people of Israel had turned away from God and started worshiping other gods, which made God very sad and angry, as we see in Deuteronomy 29:25-28. This reminds us that God is serious about our relationship with Him and will not tolerate disobedience, as seen in Hebrews 10:26-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the temple becoming a heap of rubble in 1 Kings 9:8?

The destruction of the temple symbolizes God's judgment on the nation of Israel for their disobedience and idolatry, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15-20 and Leviticus 26:14-39. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Why do the people passing by the ruined temple express shock and amazement?

The people are astonished because they do not understand why God would allow such a sacred place to be destroyed, highlighting their lack of awareness of Israel's spiritual condition and God's warnings, as seen in Hosea 4:1-6 and Isaiah 1:2-4.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 1 Kings?

This verse fits into the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which explores the consequences of Israel's obedience or disobedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Kings 9:6-7 and 1 Kings 11:9-13, and serves as a warning to future generations, as mentioned in Psalm 78:1-8.

What can we learn from the Lord's actions in this verse?

We can learn that God is a God of justice and holiness, who will not tolerate persistent disobedience and idolatry, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5 and Jeremiah 25:4-7, and that He will ultimately bring judgment on those who reject Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be contributing to the spiritual decay of my community, and how can I work to prevent it?
How can I ensure that I am not turning away from God's commands and statutes, as warned in 1 Kings 9:6-7?
What are some modern-day 'temples' or institutions that may be at risk of becoming 'heaps of rubble' due to spiritual neglect or disobedience?
In what ways can I be a voice of warning and encouragement to those around me, as the Lord calls us to in Ezekiel 3:17-21 and 2 Timothy 4:2?
How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character and ways, so that I may better navigate the complexities of life and faith?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 9:8

And at this house which is high,.... The house of the most High, as some render it, and in high esteem, fame, and glory, as well as it was built on an high hill, and was itself one hundred and twenty

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:8

Which is high, i.e. exalted in its privileges, glorious, and renowned. The particle which is oft understood, and is here fitly supplied out of , where it is expressed. Shall be astonished at its unexpected and wonderful ruin. Shall hiss, by way of contempt and derision. See 49:17 50:13.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:8

1 Kings 9:8 And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?Ver. 8. And shall hiss.] In scorn and horror.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:8

(8) At this house, which is high.—The word “which” is not in the original Hebrew here (although found in the present Hebrew text of 2 Chronicles 7:21). The true meaning is certainly “This house shall be high;” which is the reading of the LXX., while the Vulg. has a good explanatory gloss, “This house shall be for an example.” Various corrections have been proposed, but there seems no necessity for them. There is evidently an allusion to the lofty position of the Temple. Generally the exaltation of “the mountain of the Lord” is made a type of its glory (as in Micah 4:1-2; Psalms 68:15-16, &c.); here of its destruction. Its magnificence and its ruin are equally conspicuous: for “a city set on a hill cannot be hid.”

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 9:8

8. And at this house which is high] The connexion of these words is very difficult. The Hebrew text, standing alone, must be rendered ‘And this house shall be high.’ But in 2 Chron. the relative is expressed, and there can be little doubt that the text here is somehow faulty. The passage in 2 Chron. (1 Kings 7:21) reads ‘And this house which is high shall be an astonishment.’ To come as near to this sense as possible, while introducing no relative, R.V. gives ‘And though this house be high.’ Yet that rendering is somewhat doubtful. The text of the LXX. shows that they had our Hebrew before them: καὶὁοἶκοςοὖτοςἔσταιὁὑψηλός, πᾶςὁδιαπορευόμενοςκ.τ.λ.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 9:8

The Hebrew text runs - “And this house shall be high: every one,” etc. The meaning appears to be, “This house shall be high” (i. e., conspicuous) “in its ruin as in its glory.” And shall hiss - In contempt.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:8

8. This house, which is high — This rendering is an attempt to emend the text by the aid of 2 Chronicles 7:21, but is altogether unnecessary and erroneous.

Sermons on 1 Kings 9:8

	Sermon	Description
	Praying for Revival by Brian Edwards	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of faith in four generations. The great grandparents of the present generation believed in the Christian faith but were in
	(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 26-29 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Moses addresses the children of Israel and reminds them of the covenant they have with God. He emphasizes that despite witnessing great miracles and signs, they hav
	Of the Anger and Wrath of God. by John Gill	John Gill addresses the anger and wrath of God, emphasizing that while God is loving and merciful, He also possesses anger and wrath as responses to sin. He distinguishes between G
	A Vision That Constitutes a Vocation by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of having a divine vision to fulfill one's vocation in Christ, arguing that the people of Jerusalem, despite their knowledge of the Script
	Holy Spirit 1 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the frustration and confusion that arises when believers witness blessings and growth in churches that do not adhere to biblical truth. He emp