1 Kings 8:39
New International Version
then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart),

New Living Translation
then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.

English Standard Version
then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind),

Berean Standard Bible
be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—

King James Bible
Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

New King James Version
then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men),

New American Standard Bible
then hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive and act, and give to each in accordance with all his ways, whose heart You know—for You alone know the hearts of all mankind—

NASB 1995
then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men,

NASB 1977
then hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest, for Thou alone dost know the hearts of all the sons of men,

Legacy Standard Bible
then listen in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and give to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men,

Amplified Bible
then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and give to each according to his ways, whose heart (mind) You know, for You and You alone know the hearts of all the children of men,

Christian Standard Bible
may you hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and may you forgive, act, and give to everyone according to all their ways, since you know each heart, for you alone know every human heart,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
may You hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and may You forgive, act, and repay the man, according to all his ways, since You know his heart, for You alone know every human heart,

American Standard Version
then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and do, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

Contemporary English Version
You know what is in everyone's heart. So from your home in heaven answer their prayers, according to the way they live and what is in their hearts.

English Revised Version
then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Hear [them] in heaven, where you live. Forgive [them], and take action. Give each person the proper reply. (You know what is in their hearts, because you alone know what is in the hearts of all people.)

Good News Translation
hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven, forgive them, and help them. You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each person as he deserves,

International Standard Version
then hear from heaven, the place where you reside, and forgive, repaying each person according to all of his ways, since you know their hearts—for you alone know the hearts of all human beings—

Majority Standard Bible
be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart?for You alone know the hearts of all men?

NET Bible
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place, forgive their sin, and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of his motives. (Indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people.)

New Heart English Bible
then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of humankind;)

Webster's Bible Translation
Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

World English Bible
then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men);
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
then You hear in the heavens, the settled place of Your dwelling, and have forgiven, and have done, and have given to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You have known—You alone—the heart of all the sons of man),

Young's Literal Translation
then Thou dost hear in the heavens, the settled place of Thy dwelling, and hast forgiven, and hast done, and hast given to each according to all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest, (for Thou hast known -- Thyself alone -- the heart of all the sons of man),

Smith's Literal Translation
Wilt thou hear in the heavens thy prepared dwelling, and forgive and do, and give to a man according to all his ways? for thou wilt know his heart; for thou wilt know alone the heart of all the sons of men:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then hear thou in heaven, in the place of thy dwelling, and forgive, and do so as to give to every one according to his ways, as thou shalt see his heart (for thou only knowest the heart of all the children of men)

Catholic Public Domain Version
you will hear in heaven, in your dwelling place, and you will forgive. And you will act so that you give to each one in accord with his own ways, just as you see in his heart, for you alone know the heart of all the sons of men.

New American Bible
listen in heaven, the place of your enthronement; forgive and take action. Render to each and all according to their ways, you who know every heart; for it is you alone who know the heart of every human being.

New Revised Standard Version
then hear in heaven your dwelling place, forgive, act, and render to all whose hearts you know—according to all their ways, for only you know what is in every human heart—
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men);

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also you will hear from Heaven from the foundation of your seat, and you will forgive and you will act and you will give to a man according to his ways, for you will know his heart, because you alone know the hearts of all of the children of men.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
then hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and do, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest--for Thou, even Thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
then shalt thou hearken from heaven, out of thine established dwelling-place, and shalt be merciful, and shalt do, and recompense to every man according to his ways, as thou shalt know his heart, for thou alone knowest the heart of all the children of men:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
38then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— 39be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart— for You alone know the hearts of all men— 40so that they may fear You all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Psalm 139:1-4
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

2 Chronicles 6:30
be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men—

Acts 1:24
And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen

Romans 8:27
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Psalm 44:21
would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?

Revelation 2:23
Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Jeremiah 11:20
O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.

1 Chronicles 28:9
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

John 2:24-25
But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

Psalm 7:9
Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

Proverbs 15:11
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!


Treasury of Scripture

Then hear you in heaven your dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men;)

then hear

1 Kings 8:32,36
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…

give to every man.

Psalm 18:20-26
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me…

Psalm 28:4
Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

Jeremiah 17:10
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

for thou

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

2 Chronicles 6:30
Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

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1 Kings 8
1. The feast of the temple
12. Solomon's blessing
22. Solomon's prayer
54. Solomon's blessing
62. His sacrifice of peace offerings














be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place.
This phrase acknowledges God's transcendence and His dwelling in heaven, a common biblical theme. Heaven is often depicted as God's throne (Isaiah 66:1), emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over creation. The temple in Jerusalem, where Solomon is praying, is seen as a symbolic dwelling place of God on earth, yet Solomon recognizes that God's true dwelling is in heaven (1 Kings 8:27). This reflects the belief in God's omnipresence and His ability to hear prayers from anywhere.

And may You forgive and act,
Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible, highlighting God's mercy and grace. Solomon's request for God to forgive indicates an understanding of human sinfulness and the need for divine intervention. The act of forgiveness is often linked with repentance and is a precursor to God taking action on behalf of His people. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where forgiveness leads to restoration and blessing (2 Chronicles 7:14).

and repay each man according to all his ways,
This phrase underscores the biblical principle of divine justice, where God rewards or punishes individuals based on their actions. It echoes the teachings found in Proverbs and Psalms, where the righteous are rewarded, and the wicked face consequences (Proverbs 24:12, Psalm 62:12). This principle is also seen in the New Testament, where Paul speaks of God repaying each person according to their deeds (Romans 2:6).

since You know his heart—
The heart, in biblical terms, represents the inner being, including thoughts, emotions, and intentions. God's knowledge of the heart signifies His omniscience and ability to discern true motives beyond outward actions (1 Samuel 16:7). This understanding is crucial for divine judgment, as God evaluates not just actions but the intentions behind them.

for You alone know the hearts of all men—
This statement affirms God's unique ability to fully understand human nature, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. Unlike humans, who can only see outward appearances, God sees the true condition of the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). This divine attribute is essential for fair and just judgment, as only God can accurately assess the sincerity and faithfulness of individuals. This also points to the need for a personal relationship with God, who knows and understands each person intimately.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who is offering a prayer of dedication for the newly built temple in Jerusalem. He acknowledges God's omniscience and justice.

2. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. God
The omniscient and omnipresent deity who dwells in heaven and knows the hearts of all men.

4. Israelites
The people of God who are gathered for the dedication of the temple and are the recipients of Solomon's prayer.

5. Heaven
Described as God's dwelling place, emphasizing His transcendence and authority over all creation.
Teaching Points
God's Omniscience
God alone knows the hearts of all men. This should lead us to live transparently before Him, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight.

Divine Justice
God repays each person according to their ways. This calls us to live righteously, understanding that our actions have consequences.

Prayer and Repentance
Solomon's prayer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. We should regularly confess and repent, trusting in God's mercy.

God's Dwelling Place
While God is in heaven, He is also present with us. This duality should comfort us, knowing that God is both transcendent and immanent.

Heart Examination
Regular self-examination in light of God's knowledge of our hearts is crucial. We should ask God to reveal any hidden sins and guide us in His ways.Verse 39. - Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) [Jeremiah 17:10. Cf. παρδιογνώστης θεὸς (Acts 15:8; also ib. 1:24).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
be heard
תִּשְׁמַ֨ע (tiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

by You
וְ֠אַתָּה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

from heaven,
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

Your dwelling
שִׁבְתֶּ֙ךָ֙ (šiḇ·te·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

place.
מְכ֤וֹן (mə·ḵō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4349: A fixture, a basis, a place, as an abode

And may You forgive
וְסָלַחְתָּ֣ (wə·sā·laḥ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5545: To forgive, pardon

and act,
וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

and repay
וְנָתַתָּ֤ (wə·nā·ṯa·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

each man
לָאִישׁ֙ (lā·’îš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

according to all
כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his ways,
דְּרָכָ֔יו (də·rā·ḵāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

since
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

You know
תֵּדַ֖ע (tê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

his heart—
לְבָב֑וֹ (lə·ḇā·ḇōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You
אַתָּ֤ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

alone
לְבַדְּךָ֔ (lə·ḇad·də·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

know
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙ (yā·ḏa‘·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

the hearts
לְבַ֖ב (lə·ḇaḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

of all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

men—
הָאָדָֽם׃ (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being


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OT History: 1 Kings 8:39 Then hear in heaven your dwelling place (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 8:38
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