1 Kings 8:27

KJV

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

KJV (with Strong's)

But will God {H430} indeed {H552} dwell {H3427} on the earth {H776}? behold, the heaven {H8064} and heaven {H8064} of heavens {H8064} cannot contain {H3557} thee; how much less {H637} this house {H1004} that I have builded {H1129}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"But can God actually live on the earth? Why, heaven itself, even the heaven of heavens, cannot contain you; so how much less this house I have built?

Berean Standard Bible

But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

American Standard Version

But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's profound rhetorical question in 1 Kings 8:27, uttered during the dedication of the First Temple, encapsulates the theological tension between God's infinite, transcendent nature and His gracious condescension to establish a tangible presence among His people. It serves as a humble acknowledgment that no physical structure, however magnificent, can truly contain the Creator of the universe, yet it simultaneously celebrates God's willingness to meet with humanity in a designated sacred space. This verse underscores the Temple's symbolic purpose as a focal point for worship and prayer, rather than a literal dwelling for an uncontainable God, setting a crucial theological precedent for understanding divine immanence within the context of divine transcendence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Solomon's extensive and magnificent prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"). The prayer follows the solemn act of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place, signifying God's symbolic presence taking residence within the sanctuary, an event marked by the cloud of the Lord's glory filling the house ([1 Kings 8:6-11](/1_kings/8-6-11 "1 Kings 8:6-11 - Ark Placed in Temple; Glory Fills Temple")). Solomon first blesses the assembly and recounts God's faithfulness to the covenant promises made to David, particularly concerning a son who would build this very house ([1 Kings 8:15-26](/1_kings/8-15-26 "1 Kings 8:15-26 - Solomon's Address and God's Faithfulness")). Immediately preceding this rhetorical question, Solomon has just affirmed God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His word. The question in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Uncontainable Presence") then shifts the focus from God's past actions to His inherent nature, setting the stage for Solomon's subsequent petitions for God's continued presence, attentiveness to prayer, and forgiveness for His people within the Temple's sphere of influence ([1 Kings 8:28-53](/1_kings/8-28-53 "1 Kings 8:28-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, spanning seven years, and represented the culmination of David's vision and God's promise to establish a permanent dwelling for His name among His people. In the ancient Near East, temples were often considered the literal dwelling places of deities, where the god's essence resided and from which they could be consulted or appeased. Solomon's prayer, however, subtly yet profoundly challenges this common pagan understanding. While the Temple was indeed a sacred space where God's "Name" would dwell, Solomon's question clarifies that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is fundamentally different from other gods. He is not confined to a single structure or geographical location. The dedication ceremony itself was a grand national event, emphasizing Israel's unique covenant relationship with a God who is both transcendent over all creation and immanent enough to choose to manifest His presence among His people. This understanding of God's uncontainable nature was crucial for Israel to avoid syncretism and to grasp the true spiritual reality of their worship, distinguishing Yahweh from the localized, limited deities of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Uncontainable Presence") powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Transcendence and Immanence of God**. Solomon acknowledges that God is utterly beyond human comprehension and any physical structure ("heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee"), yet He graciously condescends to be present among His people in a tangible way. This tension between God's infinite nature and His desire for relationship is central to biblical theology, exemplified throughout the narrative of God's interaction with Israel. Secondly, the verse asserts God's **Divine Omnipresence**. No physical space, however grand, can limit or contain the Creator of the universe, echoing sentiments found elsewhere, such as in [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence"). Thirdly, it demonstrates **Humility in Worship**. Despite presiding over the construction of a glorious Temple, Solomon understands that true worship acknowledges God's uncontainable majesty, not merely the grandeur of human craftsmanship. Finally, the verse clarifies **The Temple's Symbolic Purpose**. The Temple was not built to house God's literal being, but to be a focal point for Israel's worship, a place where God's "name" would dwell, and where He would meet with His people and hear their prayers, as further elaborated in [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Presence in the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The Hebrew word אֱלֹהִים (_ʼĕlôhîym_) is a plural form often used with a singular verb to refer to the one supreme God of Israel, Yahweh. While it can refer to gods in a general sense, its use here, especially in the context of the dedication of the Temple to Yahweh, unequivocally points to the singular, supreme God. Solomon's question about whether this God, whose nature is inherently vast and incomparable, would "dwell on the earth" emphasizes the incredible condescension and unique nature of the God of Israel.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** The Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (_yâshab_) means "to sit down, remain, inhabit, settle." In this context, it carries the nuance of God taking up permanent residence or establishing a settled, localized presence. Solomon's rhetorical question "But will God indeed dwell on the earth?" expresses a profound theological insight: can the infinite, uncontainable God truly "settle" in a finite, earthly structure? It highlights the tension between God's transcendence and His gracious decision to make Himself accessible to humanity, not by being confined, but by manifesting His presence.
* **Contain (Hebrew, _kûwl'_):** The verb used here is כּוּל (_kûwl_), which means "to keep in, measure, maintain, comprehend, hold." When Solomon states that "the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee," he is asserting that even the boundless cosmos cannot hold, limit, or fully encompass God's infinite being. This emphasizes God's omnipresence and immeasurability, underscoring that His existence transcends all spatial dimensions. The rhetorical "how much less this house that I have builded?" then amplifies this contrast, highlighting the stark difference between the infinite Creator and finite human craftsmanship, thereby clarifying the Temple's symbolic rather than literal function as God's dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But will God indeed dwell on the earth?"**: This opening rhetorical question is a declaration of profound awe, humility, and perhaps even a sense of incredulity at the thought of the infinite God condescending to reside in a finite, earthly structure. Solomon is not genuinely questioning God's ability or willingness, but rather emphasizing the astounding nature of such an act of divine immanence. It serves to set up the subsequent declaration of God's absolute transcendence, preparing the listeners for a deeper theological truth.
* **"behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;"**: This clause serves as the powerful justification and explanation for the rhetorical question. It is a declarative statement affirming God's absolute transcendence and omnipresence. The superlative Hebrew idiom "the heaven and heaven of heavens" (or "the highest heavens") underscores the boundless nature of God's being, asserting that even the entire cosmos, in all its vastness and complexity, is insufficient to encompass or limit Him. This highlights God's uncontainable majesty and infinite glory, positioning Him as utterly distinct from any created thing.
* **"how much less this house that I have builded?"**: This final clause draws a stark contrast, applying the logic of God's uncontainable nature to the physical Temple. It is an argument from the greater to the lesser, often termed an "a fortiori" argument in logic. If the vast cosmos cannot contain God, then how much more impossible is it for a human-built structure, however grand, to literally contain Him? This statement humbly acknowledges the Temple's inherent limitations and reinforces its symbolic role as a place where God's name would dwell and where He would meet with His people, rather than a literal residence for His infinite being.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Uncontainable Presence") is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("But will God indeed dwell on the earth?"), which Solomon poses not for an answer, but to make a powerful theological statement about God's uncontainable nature and gracious condescension. This question immediately establishes a tone of awe and humility, drawing the listener into the profundity of the speaker's realization. Following this, Solomon employs **Hyperbole** and a **Superlative Expression** with "the heaven and heaven of heavens," which is an intensified way of describing the entire cosmos, emphasizing its immense, yet still finite, vastness compared to God. This sets up a powerful **Contrast** between God's infinite, transcendent being and the finite, human-built Temple. The phrase "how much less this house that I have builded?" functions as an argument from the greater to the lesser, a form of **A fortiori Argument**, underscoring the vast disparity between the Creator and His creation. Finally, the entire verse embodies **Antithesis**, juxtaposing God's limitless omnipresence with the physical limitations of any earthly structure, thereby redefining the Temple's purpose as a sacred place of encounter rather than a divine prison.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Uncontainable Presence") serves as a foundational declaration of God's transcendence, asserting that the Creator of the universe cannot be confined by any human construction or even the vastness of the cosmos. Yet, it simultaneously affirms His immanence—His gracious willingness to "dwell" or make His presence known among His people. This tension is crucial: God is not limited by space, but He chooses to be present in specific ways to facilitate relationship and worship. The Temple, therefore, was not a house for God's literal being, but a designated place where His "Name" would reside, signifying His presence, authority, and covenant faithfulness, providing a focal point for Israel's prayers and acts of atonement. This understanding prevents anthropomorphic limitations of God and elevates true worship beyond mere ritual to a recognition of His infinite majesty and His sovereign choice to condescend to humanity.

* [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1-2 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - God's True Dwelling")
* [Acts 7:48-50](/acts/7-48-50 "Acts 7:48-50 - God Does Not Dwell in Temples Made with Hands")
* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's profound insight in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Uncontainable Presence") remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to maintain a proper perspective on God's nature and our worship. It calls us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and humility before a God who is utterly beyond our comprehension, whose being cannot be contained by our grandest cathedrals, our most sophisticated theological systems, or our most heartfelt prayers. While physical gathering places and structured worship are valuable and commanded, this verse reminds us that God is not confined to them. He is omnipresent, transcending all our attempts to define, limit, or manipulate Him. This understanding liberates us from thinking that God is only accessible in certain places or at certain times, or that our spiritual experiences are dependent solely on external circumstances. True worship, then, is not about containing God, but about humbly encountering Him in spirit and truth, recognizing His infinite majesty and His gracious condescension to meet us where we are, fostering a worship that is unconstrained by physical boundaries and rooted in the boundless nature of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's rhetorical question challenge our own assumptions about where and how God is present today?**
* **In what ways might we inadvertently try to "contain" God in our lives, our churches, or our theological frameworks?**
* **What does it mean to worship a God who is both infinitely transcendent and intimately immanent?**
* **How does recognizing God's uncontainable nature deepen our humility and awe in worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Solomon's rhetorical question in 1 Kings 8:27?**

Answer: Solomon's rhetorical question, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth?", is highly significant because it articulates a fundamental theological truth about God's nature even as he dedicates a physical structure for His worship. It's not a question of doubt, but an exclamation of awe and humility. Solomon acknowledges God's infinite transcendence—that even "the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain" Him—and contrasts this with the finite nature of the Temple he has built. This serves to clarify that the Temple is not a literal prison or dwelling for God's physical being, but rather a designated place where God's "Name" would dwell, signifying His presence, authority, and a focal point for His people to seek Him, offer prayers, and receive His blessings. It profoundly distinguishes the God of Israel, Yahweh, from the localized and limited pagan deities believed to be confined to their temples, underscoring His unique, uncontainable majesty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's profound insight in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Uncontainable Presence") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Solomon recognized that no man-made temple could contain God, the New Testament reveals that God's ultimate "dwelling on the earth" occurred not in a building of stone, but in the incarnate Son, Jesus Christ, who is God with us, Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the true and perfect Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, through whom all access to the Father is granted ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God now dwells not in physical structures, but within believers, making them living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")) and building them into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). This profound shift means that God's presence is no longer geographically limited to Jerusalem or a physical building but is accessible to all who worship Him in spirit and truth, wherever they are ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation culminates this fulfillment, where there is "no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb," signifying God's direct and unmediated dwelling with His redeemed people for eternity, in a reality far surpassing Solomon's grandest vision ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 2:6

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

Isaiah 66:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 6:18

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Acts 7:48

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Acts 7:49

Heaven [is] my throne, and earth [is] my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what [is] the place of my rest?

Psalms 139:7

¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?